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Purpose of the Role
The post-holder will ensure that Looked After Children (LAC) Reviews and Child Protection Case Conferences are managed effectively, ensuring that all participants can contribute meaningfully. The role also contributes to the organisation’s quality assurance function, ensuring that children’s care and protection plans are properly implemented and reviewed within statutory timescales.
Key Responsibilities
- Chair and take responsibility for the conduct of statutory reviews and conferences in line with legislation, regulations, and guidance.
- Monitor care and protection plans, ensuring that actions are carried out and outcomes are tracked within statutory timescales.
- Advocate for children where service provision is inadequate or where the child’s wishes and feelings conflict with professional views.
- Promote participation and engagement of children and families in the review process.
- Provide professional advice and guidance to practitioners, agencies, and stakeholders.
- Undertake visits to children’s residential homes in accordance with regulations.
- Monitor, evaluate, and report on the effectiveness of service delivery.
- Contribute to policy development, training forums, and working groups to enhance practice and service efficiency.
- Liaise and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders including social workers, managers, and partner agencies.
- Undertake performance management, data analysis, and quality assurance tasks.
- Keep up to date with local and national legislation, policies, and procedures relevant to safeguarding and looked after children.
Requirements
Education & Registration
- Qualified Social Worker (DipSW, CQSW, or equivalent).
- Current registration with Social Work England (or relevant regulatory body).
- Post-qualification training in childcare/child protection (desirable).
Experience
- Significant post-qualification experience equivalent to that of a Social Work Team Manager, with extensive child protection experience in a multi-agency setting.
- Direct work with children and families, demonstrating the ability to ensure participation and engagement.
- Experience in providing professional advice and guidance to practitioners and external agencies.
- Policy and procedure formulation and implementation (desirable).
Knowledge & Skills
- Expert knowledge of safeguarding and looked after children legislation, policies, and procedures.
- Understanding of local government pressures and service delivery standards.
- Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to manage complex meetings and work under pressure.
- Skilled in report writing, research, and policy development.
- High-level organisational and time management skills.
Other Requirements
- Flexible working approach to meet service needs.
- Commitment to ongoing professional development.
- Ability to travel as required.
