Social Work Independent Reviewing Officer; IRO Team Manager Level

Social Work Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) – Team Manager Level

Location:

North West England Rate: £35 - £40 per hour

Contract:

Locum / Temporary

Hours:

Full-time About the Role Connect Exec are currently recruiting for an experienced Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) to join a Children’s Social Care service at Team Manager level . This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced social work professional with strong knowledge of children in care, safeguarding, care planning and statutory reviews to take on a senior role within a busy and supportive service.

The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring that children and young people who are looked after receive effective care planning and that their needs, wishes and feelings remain at the centre of decision-making.

Key Responsibilities Act as an Independent Reviewing Officer for children and young people who are looked after. Chair and lead statutory Looked After Children (LAC) reviews. Ensure care plans are appropriate, effective and progressed within statutory timescales. Provide independent scrutiny and challenge to social work practice and care planning. Ensure the child's voice, wishes and feelings are fully considered within the review process.

Monitor the progress and outcomes of children in care and identify any areas of concern. Challenge drift and delay in care planning and permanency arrangements. Work closely with social workers, Team Managers, foster carers, residential providers, education professionals, health professionals and other agencies. Ensure that safeguarding concerns are identified, appropriately escalated and addressed. Provide professional advice, guidance and constructive challenge to social work teams.

Contribute to quality assurance and improving outcomes for children and young people. Maintain accurate and comprehensive records in accordance with statutory and local requirements. Team Manager Level Responsibilities The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate the level of professional experience and leadership associated with a Team Manager position , including:
Providing professional leadership and oversight. Supporting and challenging social work practice. Managing complex and high-risk situations. Making sound professional decisions in relation to children's care and safeguarding. Working collaboratively with senior managers and partner agencies. Contributing to service development, quality assurance and performance improvement. Requirements Social Work England registration. Relevant Social Work qualification. Significant post-qualifying experience within Children's Social Care.

Strong experience working with Looked After Children and care planning . Previous experience as an Independent Reviewing Officer is essential. Strong knowledge of safeguarding, children in care and statutory review processes. Experience providing professional challenge and oversight. Previous Team Manager or senior social work experience would be highly desirable. Excellent communication, report-writing and organisational skills. Ability to manage complex cases and work effectively with multiple professionals and agencies.

Why Work with Connect Exec? Connect Exec specialises in Social Care recruitment, supporting experienced social work professionals to find suitable locum and permanent opportunities across the UK. If you are an experienced IRO with Team Manager-level experience and are looking for your next opportunity, we would love to hear from you. Apply today or contact Jody at Connect Exec for more information.