Lead Child Protection Practitioner & IRO — Flexible

Northumberland County Council Jobs; Morpeth; Hybrid; GBP 52,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary: £51,928–£56,293

26 days annual leave + holidays

Local Government Pension Scheme

Flexi scheme - up to 2 days flexible/"

Flexible working

Job summary

Northumberland County Council in the North East of England is recruiting for Lead Child Protection Practitioner/Independent Reviewing Officer. The role supports the Families First Partnership Programme, shaping responses to safeguarding needs, and requires flexibility to work across locations with in-person meetings when needed.

These fixed‑term, full‑time posts offer a competitive salary band (£51,928–£56,293) and benefits including generous leave, pension scheme and flexible working

Qualifications

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Significant experience working with children and families, including complex casework and multi‑agency meetings.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and analytical skills, with the ability to influence and challenge practice appropriately.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to strategy meetings, support Section 47 enquiries, chair Child Protection Conferences, ensuring plans address key issues, robustly challenged and reducing risk.
• IRO: chair cared for children reviews, pathway plan reviews and adoption reviews, maintaining focus on positive outcomes.
• In both roles: ensure the views and experiences of children are heard and influence planning; monitor and review plans; drive improvements in practice.

Skills

Communication skills

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Experience with children and families

Multi-agency working

Education

Social Work qualification

Job description

Northumberland County Council in the North East of England is recruiting for Lead Child Protection Practitioner/Independent Reviewing Officer. The role supports the Families First Partnership Programme, shaping responses to safeguarding needs, and requires flexibility to work across locations with in-person meetings when needed.

These fixed‑term, full‑time posts offer a competitive salary band (£51,928–£56,293) and benefits including generous leave, pension scheme and flexible working