Social Worker - Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO on-Sea - Sanctuary Personal

Social Worker – Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO)

Job Title: Social Worker – Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO)
Specialism: Social Worker – Children
Location: Southend-on-Sea, UK
Salary: £44.50 per hour

Social Worker – Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) within Children’s Services in Southend-on-Sea, earning £44.50 per hour. This exciting ongoing locum opportunity offers both part-time and full-time flexibility (30 hours per week), making it ideal for experienced practitioners who are passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people. As an Independent Reviewing Officer, you will independently monitor care planning, promote high standards of practice, and ensure children and young people’s voices remain at the centre of decision-making.

Working as a locum offers the freedom to achieve a healthy work-life balance while gaining valuable experience within a supportive and rewarding environment.

Perks and benefits:

Part Time / Full Time (30 Hours): Enjoy the flexibility to choose the working pattern that best suits your lifestyle and commitments.

Hourly Pay: Earn a competitive rate of £44.50 per hour, rewarding your expertise and professional experience.

Work-Life Balance: Benefit from flexible working arrangements that allow you to balance your career and personal life.

Professional Growth: Develop your skills and expand your experience within a supportive and collaborative service.

Community Impact: Play a vital role in shaping positive futures for children and young people in care.

Varied and Rewarding Work: Engage with a diverse range of cases and professionals while making a meaningful difference.

Professional Independence: Utilise your knowledge and experience to influence practice standards and improve outcomes for vulnerable children.

What you will do:

Chair statutory Looked After Children (LAC) Reviews, ensuring they are held within statutory timescales.

Advocate for children and young people, ensuring their wishes and feelings remain central to care planning decisions.

Independently scrutinise social work practice, challenging drift, delay, and poor practice where necessary.

Work collaboratively with social workers, foster carers, health professionals, education providers, and other partner agencies.

Ensure care plans comply with relevant legislation, including the Children Act 1989, and support positive outcomes for children.

Monitor the effectiveness of care planning and ensure statutory responsibilities are fulfilled.

Maintain comprehensive and timely documentation relating to children’s care plans and review processes.

Promote restorative, strengths-based, anti-discriminatory, and inclusive practice throughout all aspects of the role.

Escalate concerns appropriately where care planning arrangements fail to meet the needs of children and young people.

Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance safeguarding and service quality.

Person Specification:

Degree or postgraduate qualification in Social Work (BA, MA, DipSW or equivalent).

Current Social Work England registration.

Full UK Driving Licence where required.

Significant post-qualifying experience within Children’s Social Care.

Experience working with Looked After Children and managing complex cases within statutory services.

Experience chairing professional meetings and multi-agency reviews.

Strong knowledge of relevant legislation, safeguarding procedures, and care planning frameworks.

Excellent communication, analytical, report-writing, and decision-making skills.

Why Location

Situated on the stunning Essex coastline, Southend-on-Sea offers an exceptional quality of life with its vibrant seafront, cultural attractions, parks, and welcoming community. Combining coastal living with excellent transport links and modern amenities, Southend provides the perfect environment to develop your career while enjoying everything that seaside life has to offer.