QSW - Childrens - Independent Reviewing Officer

QSW - Childrens - Independent Reviewing Officer

Your new role

Surrey County Council is offering an excellent opportunity for seasoned Social Work managers to join our Quality and Performance Division as an Independent Chair.In this role, you will not only chair Child Protection Conferences but also oversee Children Looked After Reviews. Your key responsibility will be to ensure that each child has a needs-focused plan that is effectively implemented within the agreed timescales, adhering to statutory requirements and departmental policies.
Additionally, the role involves various quality assurance tasks related to departmental and partnership practices. This includes identifying and addressing concerns about practice standards, contributing to case audits, and participating in service reviews as needed.
What makes this role unique is the extensive experience you will gain working directly with children, their families, and staff. You will have the chance to share your knowledge and expertise, coaching others to achieve positive outcomes for children.
We are seeking dedicated and passionate individuals who thrive in a dynamic, professional environment. As we strive to enhance practices across Surrey, Independent Chairs are crucial in improving outcomes for our most vulnerable children.

Key Responsibilities:

Casework Management

• Lead and support colleagues and professionals in complex situations.
• Enhance practice, procedures, and policies using extensive knowledge of practice, theory, and legislation.
• Utilise critical reasoning and facilitate reflective, evidence-informed practice.

Assessment and Review

• Encourage professional decision-making for effective assessment procedures.
• Maintain expertise in specialist assessment and intervention, supporting skill development in others.
• Model effective risk assessment and management in complex situations, including positive risk-taking.

Safeguarding

• Provide leadership on safeguarding issues with senior team members.
• Support the resolution of practice concerns.

People Management

• Manage a team or area with clear organisation, direction, and development.
• Offer professional support, advice, and supervision.
• Monitor and support team performance and development using a coaching approach.
• Handle complaints and verify assessments as needed.

Work with Others

• Promote positive working relationships within and across teams and with external partners.
• Lead organisational change and development, addressing performance management issues.
• Ensure adherence to data quality legislation.

Finance/Resource Management

• Monitor, analyse, and manage delegated budgets and resources as required.
• Influence wider service budgets indirectly.

Duties for All

• Uphold the organization's values and behaviours.
• Work inclusively with diverse stakeholders and promote equality of opportunity.
• Maintain high standards of health, safety, and welfare at work, ensuring the safety of oneself and others.

What you'll need to succeed
Qualifications: Relevant professional qualification and registration if needed.

Knowledge: Up-to-date understanding of national and local policies, guidance, and laws related to Health and Social Care services.

Teamwork: Ability to foster positive working relationships and collaborate effectively.

Leadership: Ability to lead organisational change and manage performance issues.

Communication: Effective communication skills in complex situations, including public speaking.

Culture: Promote clear communication and help others develop these skills.

Influence: Use feedback to proactively influence organisational development.

Judgement: Gather information to make informed decisions in complex situations.

Reasoning: Clearly explain professional decisions and document them concisely.

Decision-Making: Make complex judgements in uncertain situations and support others in doing so.

Partnerships: Excellent skills in working with partners across various sectors.

IT Skills: Basic competence in IT.

Staff Development: Experience in recruiting, managing, coaching, and developing staff.

Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills to create and implement innovative solutions.

Qualifications:

Hold a recognised social work qualification (Degree or equivalent)
Demonstrate relevant training and/or experience.
Possess appropriate SWE registration.
Completion of ASYE

What you'll get in return
Benefits:

• Annual Leave: You get 28 days of annual leave, which increases to 30 days after 5 years of service. This includes bank holidays.
• Additional Annual Leave: You have the option to purchase up to 10 extra days of annual leave.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): Access to a program that supports your health and well-being.
• Carer's Leave: Up to 5 days of leave per year for caring responsibilities.
• Paternity, Adoption, and Dependents Leave: Leave options for family-related situations.
• Pension: A generous pension plan related to local government salary.
• Lifestyle Discounts: Discounts on gym memberships, travel, shopping, and more.
• Volunteering Days: 2 paid volunteering days and 1 team volunteering day per year.
• Learning and Development: Access to a hub with resources for professional growth.

Surrey is committed to removing barriers during your job search and understanding your motivation for working in children's social care. They value your contribution to this important profession.

What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career. #