Qualified Social Worker – Independent Reviewing Officer

Pertemps; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Qualified Social Worker for the role of Independent Reviewing Officer in North East England. The successful candidate will be responsible for chairing child protection conferences, monitoring care plans, and providing guidance to social workers. This position requires at least five years of experience in children's social care and strong skills in child protection and multi-agency collaboration.

Benefits

Dedicated consultant access to nationwide roles

Fast online registration

Referral bonuses

Ongoing compliance support

Reliable weekly payroll

Access to various roles

Qualifications

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in children’s social care.
• Proven experience in chairing multi-agency meetings.

Responsibilities

• Chair Initial and Review Child Protection Conferences.
• Monitor the effectiveness of care plans.
• Provide professional advice to social workers.

Skills

Child Protection

Mediation

Negotiation

Multi-agency collaboration

Education

Degree in Social Work or equivalent

Job description

Overview

Qualified Social Worker – Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO)

Location: North East

Pay Rate: £36 per hour

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Qualified Social Worker to take on the role of Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) in North East. As an IRO, you will play a critical role in chairing Initial and Review Child Protection Conferences, Looked After Children Reviews, and Foster Carer Annual Reviews. You’ll ensure that all meetings are held within statutory timescales and fully comply with legislative and policy guidelines. Your focus will be on promoting the safety, stability, and wellbeing of children and young people - ensuring their voices are heard and their rights protected.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently chair Child Protection Conferences, Looked After Reviews, and Foster Carer Annual Reviews in line with statutory requirements.
• Monitor and ensure the effectiveness of care plans and safeguarding arrangements.
• Provide high-level professional advice and guidance to social workers and partner agencies.
• Build strong relationships with children, families, and professionals to support collaborative planning and review.
• Promote a child-centred approach and ensure compliance with local procedures and national legislation.
• Provide critical challenge where standards are not met, and escalate concerns where necessary.

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified Social Worker (degree or equivalent)
• Registered with Social Work England
• Minimum 5 years' post-qualification experience in children’s social care
• Strong background in Child Protection, Court work, and Looked After Children
• Proven experience in chairing multi-agency meetings involving children and families
• In-depth understanding of child development, safeguarding, and care planning
• Skilled in mediation, negotiation, and working across multi-agency teams
• Confident, reflective, and committed to continuous service improvement

What Pertemps Offers You

• A dedicated consultant with access to roles nationwide
• Fast, online registration process
• Referral bonuses and incentive schemes
• Ongoing compliance and admin support
• Prompt and reliable weekly payroll
• Access to a wide range of temporary and permanent roles

Easily commutable from: This role is ideal for candidates traveling from Redcar, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Guisborough, Brotton, Eston, Skelton, Loftus, Gateshead, Middlesbrough, Durham, Hartlepool, Scarborough, Hambleton, Stockton-on-Tees, Darlington, Whitby, Sunderland, Newcastle, and surrounding areas.

Other opportunities

We recruit across all areas of Qualified Social Work, including: IRO, BIA, MASH, Children Looked After, Children in Need, Court Work, Youth Justice; Children’s Social Work, Adult Social Work; Team Manager, Assistant Team Manager, Service Manager, Head of Service.

Not looking right now? We also offer generous referral bonuses so please pass on to a colleague who may be interested. Contact us today to apply or learn more.