Independent Reviewing Officer

Package Description

An opportunity has arisen for two Safeguarding & Review Leads (37 hours and 18.5 hours).

We welcome applications from all sections of the community but particularly encourage and would welcome, applicants from Black and racially minoritised communities and individuals who identify as trans or disabled, who are currently under-represented in our workforce. Consistent with Brighton & Hove’s model of social work and the value placed on anti-racist and anti-oppressive practice, you will have a key role in ensuring an inclusive approach based on restorative principles for practice.

Interviews will be held during the week of 5^th – 9^th December 2022.

Job Introduction

Principle accountabilities for this role include the independent chairing of child protection conferences, child in care reviews (Independent Reviewing Officer function) and managing allegations against adults who work with children (Local Authority Designated Officer function).

We are seeking applicants who can demonstrate considerable experience, who are committed to working flexibly and creatively to build strong, meaningful relationships with children and families. Suitable applicants must be registered with Social Work England and be able to demonstrate considerable management experience or the equivalent knowledge, skill, and experience required for the demands of this role.

Our model is based on relationship-based practice and a strengths-based approach using relationships with families, colleagues, and partner agencies to affect change. You will have a key role in identifying any improvements safeguarding partners or others should make to better safeguard and promote the welfare of children and families.

Brighton & Hove City Council have a 'Good' Ofsted rating for children's social care services.

Please read the attached job description for details of the role.

At Brighton & Hove City Council we offer staff a range of benefits. If you choose to work for us, in return we can offer you:

• A competitive salary
• Career average pension scheme
• Generous holiday (23 days rising to 25 days after 5 years)
• An opportunity to enhance your knowledge and skills
• Staff discounts
• A range of other staff benefits

Find out more about Living in Brighton & Hove on our website.

Please read our Apply for a job at the council (brighton-hove.gov.uk) pages carefully. They give you all the guidance you need to complete your application as well as information on what will happen after you have submitted your application and at interview.

As part of your application, you will need to complete your education and work history and upload a supporting statement. Your supporting statement is the most important part of your application as it will be used in the shortlisting process to assess whether you meet the essential requirements for the role that are set out in the person specification and to decide whether you should be offered an interview. Before you start your application, please read our guidance here (Supporting statement guidance (brighton-hove.gov.uk) as this gives important advice which will increase your chance of success in the shortlisting process.

Additional Information

Your starting salary will be pro rata if the above position is less than 37 hours or term-time only.

Work Permits: We may be able to obtain a Work Permit for this post but this is subject to meeting the requirements of the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) Points-based Immigration System. Please see Gov.uk for more information on the Skilled Worker Visa.

We are a workplace that supports flexibility and employee wellbeing in the way we work whilst providing the best service for our customers. Team and service working arrangements are designed to support both employee work life balance and team collaboration. These would be part of your individual working arrangements alongside any personal preference agreed with your manager in advance of joining.

Working arrangements are subject to Government guidance at the time. Your contractual location will be the designated council office for your team and travel to and from your contractual location would be at your own expense.

For more information about our values and the benefits of working at the council, visit Why work for us (brighton-hove.gov.uk)

Company Information

Encouraging a diverse workforce

Our city is known and loved for its diversity. Not only is the mixture of people, culture and skills vital to the economic and social development of the city, it's what makes Brighton & Hove such a great place to live, work and visit. We are committed to developing and retaining a workforce that is representative of the diverse communities we serve so we welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds. In order to achieve our aims of proportionate representation, we particularly encourage applicants from a BME or White Other background as well as those who identify as disabled, male or trans.

Find out more about our commitment to being a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone can achieve their potential by reading about our fair and inclusive actions, our anti-racism strategy and the work we are doing to encourage a diverse workforce (brighton-hove.gov.uk).

Please note that this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and is subject to a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) Check.