Independent Reviewing Officer (LAC / Pathway Reviews)
Location: Leicester City Council (Hybrid working: home & office blend)
Pay Rate: £45.00 per hour (Umbrella)
Contract: Full-Time, 37 hours per week
About the Role
Leicester City Council is looking for an experienced Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) to join our dedicated team. This role is focused purely on conducting Looked After Children (LAC) and Pathway reviews, ensuring that care planning and pathway reviews for our children and young people remain child-centered, robust, and focused on achieving positive outcomes.
We offer a flexible hybrid working model designed to support your work-life balance while fostering strong team connection:
- Hybrid Working: Home working is supported for administrative tasks.
- Team Collaboration: We encourage Wednesday mornings in the office to connect, collaborate, and share practice with the wider team.
- Balanced Review Structure: Review meetings operate on roughly a 70% virtual and 30% face-to-face split. Initial reviews are aimed to be conducted face-to-face, with subsequent meeting formats adapted around the preferences and needs of the child or young person.
Key Responsibilities
- LAC & Pathway Reviews: Chair and coordinate Looked After Children and Pathway reviews, ensuring plans reflect the voice, rights, and best interests of the child.
- Child-Centered Advocacy: Prioritize direct contact with children and young people, conducting initial face-to-face meetings and adapting future engagement to their preferred choices.
- Quality Assurance & Safeguarding: Monitor the effectiveness of care plans, challenging practice where necessary to ensure high standards of safety, stability, and care.
- Collaborative Practice: Work alongside social work staff, multi-agency partners, and carers while participating in team office connections every Wednesday morning.
Requirements
- Qualified Social Worker with relevant professional registration (Social Work England).
- Proven experience working as an Independent Reviewing Officer or substantial experience in children's social care leadership and care planning.
- Thorough understanding of LAC regulations, Pathway Planning, statutory guidance, and safeguarding frameworks.
- Excellent communication, chairing, and relationship-building skills, with a track record of meaningful engagement with children and young people.
- Ability to manage time effectively across remote administrative work, virtual reviews, and face-to-face visits.
Apply Today
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