Child Protection Officer

Independent Chair (Child Protection Officer / Independent Reviewing Officer)
Location: Plymouth
Hours: 09:00am-17:30pm, March - June 2025
Rate: £39 per hour
Closing Date: 24/03/25

Job Description:
In Plymouth, Independent Chairs undertake a dual role of Child Protection Officer (CPO) and Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO), with caseloads weighted 70-80% towards either role based on service needs.

Key Responsibilities:
- CPO: Chair child protection case conferences, ensure correct thresholds, address risk, and quality assure practice.
- IRO: Fulfil statutory duties for looked after children as defined in the IRO handbook.

Key Activities:
- Ensure timely, quorate child protection case conferences and statutory reviews.
- Facilitate children's participation in conferences and reviews.
- Visit children in placement to build relationships and ensure their views influence planning.
- Quality assure casework, provide challenge to ensure best practice, and avoid drift.
- Handle escalations and problem resolution processes.
- Chair complex strategy meetings and provide cover for the LADO.
- Produce accurate minutes for meetings and reviews.
- Record quality assurance interventions and escalations on case files.
- Provide expert advice to frontline staff and multi-agency partners.
- Participate in training, audit work, and reporting.

Essential Qualifications:
- Degree in Social Work (e.g., CQSW, DipSW).
- Registration with Social Work England.
- Understanding of safeguarding, statutory roles, and best practice.

Essential Experience & Skills:
- Significant experience as a statutory social work practitioner.
- Experience in raising practice standards and multi-agency working.
- Significant safeguarding experience.

- Proven leadership and analytical skills.
- Ability to chair complex meetings and write structured reports.
- Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strategic thinking and ability to work across organisational boundaries.
- Skills in direct work with children and young people.

How to Apply:
This is an excellent opportunity to gain experience within a large Public Sector department.
To be considered for this role, please contact Emily at Pertemps Plymouth on 01752 601116 or simply click to apply!