Inter-agency Referral Discussion; IRD) Project Officer

We have an exciting opportunity for a
qualified and registered social worker with experience of children and families social work to join a multi-agency team with a remit to deliver the National Inter-agency Referral Discussion (IRD) Learning and Development Programme. All applicants should have knowledge and experience of child protection and GIRFEC, and relevant legislation, policy and practice in Scotland.

Inter-agency Referral Discussion (IRD) practice is identified as a cornerstone of the child protection system. This process is central to ensuring risk to a child or young person is identified, mitigated and appropriate support is put in place.

Working collaboratively as part of a team from social work, police and health, this post will deliver a national learning and development programme for IRDs to build specialist knowledge and skills, to enhance the protection of children. Delivery of the programme will be in local area across the country to support consistency of practice based on the National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland 2021 - updated 2023.

Under a collaborative leadership and management model from Police Scotland, Social Work Scotland and NHS Education for Scotland, the team will work together to deliver the agreed objectives.

The work of the National Team contributes directly to policy and practice developments in the wider children's services landscape, including, but not limited to, GIRFEC, The Promise, UNCRC, Bairns' Hoose, Scottish Child Interview Model (SCIM), Age of Criminal Responsibility and implementation of the National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland.

The successful candidate will deliver the training programme to police, social work and health IRD participants, support the programme of ongoing practice evaluation and contribute to ongoing development of the programme.

The work will require travel and overnight stays across Scotland to deliver training in local areas
.

The successful candidate should be an experienced social work professional, committed to working on a multi-agency basis, applying trauma informed practice and focused on the rights and needs of children and families and with experience or evidence of capacity in relation to training.