Independent Review & Conferencing Officer

As an Independent Reviewing & Conference Officer, your primary role will focus on chairing Child Protection Conferences. You will therefore have responsibility for ensuring that each child has an outcome focused plan that meets their individualised needs and is effectively implemented within agreed timescales in line with relevant statutory requirements and departmental policies. The role also carries various quality assurance functions in relation to departmental and partnership practice, identifying and following up concerns about practice standards, sharing and showcasing good practice examples, and contributing to case auditing and service reviews as required. Our benefits We are committed to continuous improvement, building a skilled, knowledgeable, and flexible workforce alongside promoting innovation and creativity whilst keeping children, young people and families at the heart of all we do.

We are therefore looking for committed and passionate people who are interested in the challenges of working in a busy, professional environment. We are driving forward improvements in practice across Northamptonshire, and Child Protection Chairpersons play a key role in improving outcomes for the most vulnerable children within the county.,

• Passion for working directly with children and families to ensure that their voices are heard, and their needs are met
• Significant post qualifying social work experience and have experience as a Team Manager, or other relevant management and supervisory experience
• Thorough knowledge of relevant legislation and research underpinning excellent social work practice experience of chairing complex meetings and a commitment to service user participation
• Experience of chairing complex multi-agency meetings with well-developed skills in promoting the involvement of parents, carers and young people in these environments to ensure the best outcomes for children and young people
• Good written and oral communication skills including being able to analyse and evaluate information effectively and negotiate with colleagues
• Current Social Work England registration.
  
  At Northamptonshire Children's Trust, children, young people and families are at the heart of all we do - in every decision we make and every action we take. Our mission is driven by the unwavering commitment to achieving the best outcomes for them. The Trust is wholly owned and funded but operationally independent from the Councils.
Our workforce are our most valuable asset and are pivotal to making the services and support we offer to children, young people and families who need us to be the absolute best we can be. We value our colleagues and empower them to be able to do the best job of their lives every single day, working in a culture of support and kindness where achievements are celebrated and creativity is very much welcomed. At NCT equality, diversity and inclusion are part of us and in everything we do, to enable all colleagues to develop and thrive in our organisation. We are a disability confident employer and have a commitment to care leavers who we guarantee an interview if they meet the essential criteria. Join our dedicated team and be a part of an organisation where your work makes a real difference.

We really value our workforce and offer you a great benefits package including:
• 28 days annual leave, plus 8 Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time) and an additional 5 days, after 5 years
• Local Government Pension Scheme plus immediate life cover (3 times your annual salary from day one) and ill-health protection.
• Opportunity to purchase up to 25 days annual leave
• Employee Assistance Programme - We have an employee support programme run by Health Assured, an independent, external organisation. Health Assured is available for you and your immediate family members, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and includes telephone counselling, legal advice, bereavement support and medical information.
• Employee discounts with local and national retailers, days out, finance, health and beauty, travel and eating out plus lots more.
• Flexible and family working arrangements including enhanced maternity benefits
• A permanent, supportive and inclusive management team where you will be empowered to make good professional decisions
• Extensive Learning & Development and career development opportunities
• Subsidised town centre car parking scheme
What will you be doing? Independent Reviewing & Conference officers are involved in a number of ongoing projects to evaluate current standards of practice, and to support improved practice initiatives across the Trust. Child Protection Chairs are also leaders in the Signs of Safety practice framework adopted by Northants Children's Trust.