Conference/ Independant Chair (Children) CAP
Worcestershire County Council
Who You Are
An experienced professional well-versed in the responsibilities of an Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) and Independent Chair of Child Protection Conferences. You're also familiar with the duties of the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) in regards to allegations against people who work with children. Your primary focus is safeguarding children and ensuring their rights and needs are paramount in all decision-making processes. You have experience in Children's Social Care and are comfortable performing a quality assurance role.
What the Job Involves
The job involves performing the statutory duties of an Independent Reviewing Officer and Independent Chair of Child Protection Conferences. You will represent the voice of children in decision-making, quality assure children's plans, and monitor the implementation of such plans. You will also perform a quality assurance role and provide support and challenge operational staff in Children's Social Care. Should concerns arise about plans for children or the implementation, you will escalate these through the appropriate channels. You will participate in case file audits and present performance management information in reports. You will maintain professional development and expertise to keep up with changes in legislation and statutory guidance. In addition, you would also assist in providing training for practitioners both within the Directorate and in WSCB's Inter-Agency training.
Skills
- Strong understanding and experience in safeguarding children and child protection laws
- Extensive knowledge of Care Planning Regulations and IRO Handbook 2010
- Experience in chairing Child Protection Conferences and Looked After Children (LAC) Reviews
- Ability to monitor and quality assure children's plans
- Experience with dispute resolution related to child protection plans
- Strong communication and reporting skills
- Experience with managing children's services and contributing to multi-agency working
- Knowledge of equal opportunity, anti-discrimination, and anti-oppressive practices and policies
- Ability to deputise for key roles when necessary
- Willingness to continue professional development and training to meet changing demands of the job
- Familiarity with Health and Safety at Work legislation and departmental policies