Independent Reviewing Officer

Opus People Solutions Ltd; Peterborough; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Children in Need Reviewing Officer in Peterborough. This role involves providing independent oversight on CIN plans, reviewing existing cases, and ensuring effective collaboration with social work teams. The ideal candidate will have at least 3 years of social worker experience, strong communication skills, and the ability to chair meetings effectively, ensuring the child's voice remains central in decision-making. Flexibility to work from home is available up to two days a week.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in managing and reviewing Children in Need cases.
• Excellent communication and report-writing skills.
• Ability to work independently with objectivity.

Responsibilities

• Chair Child in Need meetings for complex cases.
• Quality assure care plans reflecting children's needs.
• Monitor progress and escalate concerns as necessary.
• Ensure child's voice is central to decision-making.

Skills

Children in Need processes

Communication skills

Chairing skills

Report-writing skills

Job description

Pay Rate: Up to £45 per hour

Location: Sand Martin House

Working Pattern: 5 days per week in the office, with flexibility to work from home 1-2 days per week (depending on meetings). All meetings are held face-to-face.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Children in Need (CIN) Reviewing Officer to provide independent oversight and ensure that CIN plans are robust, effective, and focused on achieving positive outcomes for children. This role involves reviewing existing CIN cases, working closely with social work teams, and offering guidance and support to ensure clarity of roles and responsibilities within each plan.

Key Responsibilities

• Chair Child in Need meetings for complex cases, involving children (where appropriate), parents/carers, social workers, and key professionals such as health and education staff.
• Quality assure care plans, ensuring they fully reflect the child's needs and are outcome-focused.
• Monitor progress and prevent drift by tracking plans and escalating concerns where necessary.
• Amplify the child's voice, ensuring their wishes and feelings are central to decision-making.
• Challenge poor practice and elevate unresolved issues to senior managers or Cafcass if required.
• Provide independent oversight, operating separately from case management teams to ensure impartiality.
• Offer guidance and support to social workers, families, and professionals involved in the plan.

Requirements

• Strong experience in Children in Need processes and reviewing complex cases.
• Excellent communication, chairing, and report-writing skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively while maintaining independence and objectivity.
• 3 years Social worker experience.