Independent Reviewing Officer and Child Protection Officer

Job introduction

Job title: Independent Reviewing Officer and Child Protection Officer

A bit about us:

Liverpool is home to vibrant, energetic and engaged communities, people who take real ownership of their local area and are passionate about making our city a better place. We've got ambitious targets to meet by 2025 and we need people who are driven, dynamic and ready to deliver the very best for our communities.  Public service is more important than ever, and this role represents a real opportunity to make a difference to our communities by transforming the way we work and placing our residents at the heart of everything we do. 

Working at Liverpool City Council provides an opportunity to contribute to your community and make a positive impact on the lives of residents. Our values shape how we work to deliver public services, and how we communicate with the residents we serve. We care about the best outcomes for local people, through our public services.

We are proud of our world-famous thriving city with its rich culture, affordable housing, stunning waterfront and our beautiful green spaces – there’s really something for everyone!

The Role:

• In the role of Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) / Child Protection Officer (CPO) you will confidently independently chair all Child Protection Conferences, Strategy meetings, Looked After Children and Secure Accommodation Reviews, to ensure we consistently meet our statutory requirements
• This vital role of IRO includes the efficient production and updating of child protection plans, co-ordinating investigations, quality assuring and auditing of all plans, to ensure risks are minimised and best practice is achieved
• As an IRO you will have a strong children’s social care background, with a proven track record in care planning and has specialist knowledge in child protection procedures, practice and legislation, having previously worked at a Team Manager level
• You will naturally be able to build and maintain strong professional working relationships across all multi-agencies through effective communication and engagement, where you are confident to challenge respectfully and be able to implement plans progressively and creatively
• As an IRO you will be able provide clear decision making and ensure all children and young people are the focus, their voice is heard and considered and they always remain central to their plan and decision making
• You will have the drive and passion to continually improve outcomes to ensure a positive difference and brighter future for our children and young people and their families

Our offer to you:

• At least 31 days holiday rising to 35 after 5 years service (pro rata for part time) option to purchase further days
• Agile working - A “Flexibility First” approach to Agile working where flexibility is the norm rather than the exception.
• Part of the Local Government Pension scheme – option to join the AVC scheme-  
• Progression - opportunities and training through a wide range of high quality learning
• Health and Wellbeing - offer including Employee assistance programme
• Cycle to Work and Travel Pass Schemes 
• Drive Time – a salary sacrifice car lease scheme
• Family friendly policies with enhanced leave  
• Discounted Gym Memberships 
• Employee Volunteering Scheme 
• Medicash

Next steps:

Closing Date for this role is: Wednesday 1st January 2025

Interviews will be Thursday 9th January 2025

If you would like to talk to a member of the team about the role or have an informal discussion, please contact Harriet Cadman, Recruitment & Retention Lead  harriet.cadman@liverpool.gov.uk or Emma Mclean, Service Manager emma.mclean@liverpool.gov.uk 

Liverpool City Council is committed to fostering a workforce representative of the communities we serve. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we believe in appointing candidates based on their skills, experience, qualifications, and abilities. To support this commitment, we guarantee an interview to candidates from under-represented groups who meet the minimum essential criteria for the role. 

If you require any reasonable adjustments in line with the Equality Act 2010, such as an application form in a different format or additional time to complete your application, please contact us at recruitment@liverpool.gov.uk

Although we advertise on Jobs go public, and other websites, your application process will be directed to our Tribepad system. Please note that all communication regarding your application for this post will be sent to the email address that you have registered on Tribepad, including your invite to interview if you are shortlisted. Please check your emails regularly, including Spam/Junk, after the closing dates for notifications.  Please ensure you complete your full profile, work and education history in Tribepad.

We reserve the right to close vacancies earlier than the specified date should we receive sufficient applications. If interested, please complete an application as early as possible.

Watch our recruitment video and see what life is like working at Liverpool City Council.