Job Description

Part time 3 days per week

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of children and young people? Do you have the expertise and commitment to ensure the highest standards of care? If so, we may have the role for you as a Fostering Independent Reviewing Officer!

As a Fostering Independent Reviewing Officer, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the quality and compliance of fostering arrangements. You will be responsible for chairing Annual Household Reviews to ensure Foster Carers, and a very small number of Adopters, meet the needs of children in line with statutory guidelines and best practice.

As our Fostering Independent Reviewing Officer, you will provide independent, objective oversight to identify areas for development and celebrate successes. You will work alongside the Independent Reviewing Officers for Children in our Care and collaborate with our Foster with Slough team and carers to maintain the highest standards of safeguarding and support. You will prepare clear and concise reports of the Annual Household Reviews and make evidence-based recommendations for improvement.

You will need to be a Qualified Social Worker with extensive post qualifying experience, be registered with Social Work England and have the following experience and skills:

• A thorough working knowledge of the legal framework relating to Children Looked After including the Children Act 1989, the Care Planning Regulations and the duties and responsibilities of the IRO as set out in the IRO Handbook (DfE 2010);
• Extensive experience as a children’s Social Worker, with management experience at Assistant Team Manager level or above;
• The ability and experience to effectively challenge to ensure best outcomes for children, including effective escalation; and
• Effectively contribute to training forums and other meetings and act as an expert in the wider department.

We work on a hybrid basis, with a requirement for employees to be based in the office as well as working from home.

If you’re looking for a new challenge and want to be part of an exciting journey to turn children’s services around in Slough then come and join us. In return, we can offer you:

• Training and development opportunities
• Agile working supported by technology
• Flexible working policies
• Friendly working environment and great colleagues.

Slough is one of the most diverse places in the country outside of London and a great place to live or work. In fact it's the best place to live or work according to a survey by Glassdoor. Pleasant environments, above average salaries and a lower cost of living, mean an increased quality of life for employees. We're also one of the most accessible places to be, nestled on the corner of the M25, M4 and M40, and less than 20 minutes by train to Central London.