Independent Reviewing Officer- Looked After Children

Role: Independent Reviewing Officer

Location: Rochdale

Team: Looked After Children

Pay: Up to £40 ph

Contract: Full-time Locum 

In the office: Hybrid

About the Role
Rochdale Council is seeking an experienced, highly motivated, and enthusiastic Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) to join our Looked After Children Team. This role is essential to ensure that children in care receive the highest standards of care and support, and that their needs are always at the forefront of our work. The successful candidate will carry out reviews in line with the IRO Handbook, advocating for the best interests of each child and ensuring that care plans are both effective and reflective of the child’s voice.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct Cared for Child reviews for children and young people in care, ensuring that their needs are met and their voices are heard in line with the IRO Handbook.

• Monitor and review care plans, making recommendations and intervening as needed to ensure that all plans are achieving positive outcomes.

• Work collaboratively with social workers, foster carers, families, and other professionals, building a holistic approach to support each child’s well-being and development.

• Provide independent oversight of cases to ensure statutory responsibilities and timelines are met, advocating for the child’s best interests.

• Challenge practice and support high standards, advocating for children when care plans do not meet expected standards or when improvements are necessary.

About You

We are looking for an experienced IRO with a strong background in social work and direct experience working with Looked After Children. The ideal candidate will have:

• Qualifications: Degree in Social Work and registration with Social Work England.

• Experience: Significant post-qualifying experience in social work, ideally as a Senior Social Worker or Advanced Practitioner, with a deep understanding of Cared for Children and safeguarding.

• Skills: Comprehensive knowledge of the IRO Handbook, care planning regulations, and best practices for Looked After Children.

• Attributes: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and a commitment to advocating for children’s rights.

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Interested in learning more about the Independent Reviewing Officer role in Rochdale? Contact Emily Cooper at ecooper@sheldon-phillips.com Or 

 07902371315

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