The children and young people of Medway have said the following qualities are really important to them:

✓ Be a good listener

✓ Be non-judgemental

✓ Be consistent and stable

✓ Understand me

✓ Be honest

✓ Be focused

✓ Be realistic

✓ Be resourceful in your approach

 Is this you?

Medway has embarked on introducing Signs of Safety as our practice model - we are keen to develop our strengths and relationship-based practice.  We are aspirational for our children and young people in care and want the very best for them.  We want children and young people to fully participate in decisions about their lives and their future and we want them to stay connected to their family and network (where it is safe to do so).

We are looking for an 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.

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 role is part time, and will require the post holder to work 3 consecutive days each week.

In addition to the annual salary, we are proud to offer an excellent benefits package including - 

• Market Premia Payment of £7,000 per annum (paid monthly) for a full time appointment
• Retention Payment of £3,000 per annum (paid annually) for a full time appointment
• Career progression scheme to support your pathway of professional development
• Essential User Allowance with option to transfer to Lease Car after 6 months
• Excellent local government pension scheme
• Access to a confidential information, advice and counselling service
• Hybrid working - flexibility to work from home/office.  All supervision, team meetings and meetings with children will require the post holder to be on site.
• Relocation allowance of up to £8,000

Our organisation: 
Medway is a unitary authority in the South East of England, made up of the towns of Strood, Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham and Rainham and more rural areas, including the Hoo Peninsula.
Situated in Kent in the South-East of England, the area has plenty of green spaces, excellent facilities and easy access to the national motorway and rail networks, facilitating superb transport links to London.

The council understands that a motivated workforce is the most important factor for it to be successful and achieve its aims. It’s vital that employees feel rewarded for their contribution.

As a Medway Council employee you  will have the opportunity to develop both professionally and personally by undertaking  relevant training opportunities,  enjoy a comprehensive benefits package including competitive rates of pay and pension scheme along with access to an employee  advice, information and counselling service,  employee forums and  an employee discount scheme for national and local retailers.

To Apply

For an informal discussion, please contact Amanda Harris, IRO Manager on 01634 336326 .

To apply please click on the ‘Apply Online’ button at the bottom of this advert. 

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview via Microsoft Teams.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time prior to the closing date.

This post is subject to an enhanced Children’s DBS check.

For more information on our roles within Children’s Services please visit https://www.medway.gov.uk/childrenservicesjobs

Candidates must have a valid driving licence for use in the UK and have access to a vehicle for work purposes.