Job Introduction
Independent Reviewing Officer (CSC/26/742/BB)
Directorate: People (Childrens, Adults, Public Health, Education and SEND)
Department: Children’s Services
Salary: SWCS4 £52,921 - £57,554
Job Status: Permanent Full Time
Hours: 37 per week
Location: Broadside, Leviathan Way, Chatham, Kent, ME4 4LL
Working style: Hybrid – Works part from Broadside and part from home.
Closing Date: 30/08/2026
Medway’s Children’s services, who have been rated Good by Ofsted are recruiting a full time Independent Reviewing Officer who has children at the very heart of all they do.
You will develop strong relationships with the children and young people in your care and help shape the best possible opportunities and experiences so that they can have the best future they can. You will have the ability to develop strong professional relationships that support quality care for our children and young people and be confident to challenge when this care is not the best it can be.
You will have a minimum of 5 years experience of social work with strong experience in working with child protection or looked after children. Significant experience and understanding of Family Court and PLO is essential with experience of management and supervision of social workers.
The role forms part of the wider Safeguarding and Quality Assurance Service in Medway and very much has a part to play in the quality assurance of practice for children in care.
The successful post holder will be subject to a Enhanced Childrens’ DBS check.
Shortlisting will take place on: 01/09/2026
If you would like to have an informal discussion with the recruiting manager, please call Adelle Rothenberg IRO Manager on 07970329995 or email [email protected]
Children matter in Medway, and so do you. It’s an exciting time to join us as we offer competitive pay and conditions and hybrid working. We are committed to helping you to grow and develop throughout your career and reach your full potential. Our practice development offer, whether you are a manager or practitioner, ensures you will be guided, supported and cared for.
Candidates will be offered a competitive basic salary between £52,921 - £57,554 per annum, dependant on your experience, and the potential to earn up to £67,554 per year when market premiums and retention are applied.
Join us and #Make a Difference…
Our Offer
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We are proud to offer a range of benefits including –
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A market allowance of £7,000 per annum (payable in 12 equal instalments)
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A retention payment of £3,000 per annum (payable in April, following 1 years service in Medway)
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A generous annual leave entitlement up to 30 days plus bank holidays
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An excellent local government pension scheme
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Free car parking.
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Hybrid working - enabling you to work from home/office (minimum of 2 days per week will be required in the office). Assessment Teams are office based for duty weeks.
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Relocation package of up to £8,000.
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A range of staff benefits and discounts including access to fantastic discounts and savings on shops and services, travel discounts, health and wellbeing support, and an employee assistance service.
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Access to professional development and support including Community Care Inform.
About You
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You will hold a recognised Social Work qualification eg. Degree in Social Work, PGC in Social Work, CQSW, DipSW or equivalent and be registered with Social Work England.
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You will have successfully completed your ASYE.
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You will have a full driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes
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For further information on the qualifications, skills and experience required, please refer to the Job Profile and Person Specification.
Important Information
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Applicants must be able to demonstrate all criteria which are essential for appointment to the role.
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For further information, and for details of the benefits of working for Medway Council, please refer to the Medway information pack available as a download or to view online.
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Please be advised that if you are not contacted within 3 weeks of the advert closing date then you have not been shortlisted. All recruitment correspondence, including interview letters and contracts of employment will usually be sent out via email.
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Please note, we prioritise applications from current Medway Council redeployees. We will let you know if this post is to be filled by a redeployee as, in this instance, your application will unfortunately not be taken forward.
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We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time prior to the closing date.
Please visit http://www.mindfulemployer.net/ for information on how Medway Council put good practices in place to ensure employees and job applicants who declare mental health issues receive the right level of support.
