Independent Reviewing Officer (Social Worker)
Location: Medway
Salary: £45 per hour
Job Type: Temporary | Full-Time
Sanctuary Personnel is seeking an experienced Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) / Social Worker to join a Children’s Services team in Medway. This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified Social Worker with strong experience in Looked After Children (LAC), Child Protection, and care planning to take on a key role ensuring children and young people receive effective, timely, and outcome-focused support.
As an Independent Reviewing Officer, you will be responsible for chairing statutory reviews, monitoring care plans, and ensuring children’s voices are heard throughout their journey. You will work collaboratively with social workers, families, carers, and partner agencies to promote positive outcomes and safeguard children and young people.
Key Responsibilities:
- Chair statutory reviews for children in care, ensuring reviews are child-focused and outcome-driven.
- Monitor the quality and effectiveness of care plans and permanency planning.
- Ensure children and young people’s views, wishes, and feelings are central to decision-making.
- Identify areas of drift or delay and challenge practice where required.
- Work closely with social workers, managers, foster carers, parents, and partner agencies.
- Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, statutory guidance, and safeguarding procedures.
- Provide independent oversight and scrutiny of children’s cases.
- Maintain accurate records, reports, and documentation.
Requirements:
- Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
- Significant post-qualification experience within Children’s Social Care.
- Previous experience working as an Independent Reviewing Officer or within a Looked After Children service is highly desirable.
- Strong knowledge of Children Act legislation, care planning regulations, and safeguarding procedures.
- Experience chairing meetings and reviewing complex cases.
- Excellent communication, assessment, and report-writing skills.
- Ability to work independently while managing a varied caseload.
About Sanctuary Personnel
Sanctuary Personnel is a specialist recruitment agency supporting social work, healthcare, and public sector professionals across the UK. We focus on connecting experienced practitioners with high-quality roles that make a meaningful impact in local communities.
SOCIALWORKLOCUM
Pay: £45.00 per hour
Experience:
- Independent Reviewing Officer: 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:
- registration with Social Work England (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
