Quality Assurance Reviewing Officer

Brackenberry Limited; Swindon; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in Swindon is seeking an experienced Quality Assurance Reviewing Officer for a 4-month contract, likely to extend. The role requires strong expertise in child protection and oversight ensuring legislative requirements are exceeded, aimed at improving outcomes for children and families. The ideal candidate must hold a relevant social work diploma, be registered with Social Work England, and possess significant management experience in social care. This is an essential position to drive high-quality practice across children's services.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years post-qualifying experience.
• Previous management experience in a Children's Social Care setting.
• A full UK driving license.

Responsibilities

• Organise and chair high-level statutory meetings.
• Lead the Local Authority Allegations Management process.
• Approve care plans for children.
• Provide safeguarding advice to professionals.
• Ensure that children's voices are central to decision-making.

Skills

Expert knowledge of child care legislation

Ability to manage complex child protection cases

Leadership and management skills

Strong analytical skills

Effective communication skills

Education

Diploma in Social Work (DiPSW), CQSW, CSS or equivalent

Registration with Social Work England (SWE)

Qualification in Leadership/Management

Job description

We are working closely alongside with a local authority in Swindon to assist with the appointment of a Quality Assurance Reviewing Officer on a 4-months contract, highly likely to be extended at clients discretion. Please apply with your CV for immediate consideration., As an experienced and highly skilled Quality Assurance Reviewing Officer (QARO), you will be pivotal in driving high-quality, strengths-based practice and culture across Swindon's Children's Services. This role requires a specialism as an Independent Fostering Reviewing Officer. You will provide independent, professional oversight and rigorous challenge to ensure statutory and regulatory safeguarding requirements are not only met (Children Act 1989, Working Together 2023, Care Planning Regulations), but exceeded, resulting in improved outcomes for children, young people, and their families.The QARO is accountable for ensuring that children and young people are central to decision-making, that their voice is heard, and that their right to family life is championed throughout all assessment and planning processes.

Responsibilities

• Organise, facilitate, and chair a range of high-level statutory meetings, including Child Protection Conferences, Child in Need (CIN) Conferences, and Care Plan Reviews (Children in Care).
• Lead the Local Authority Allegations Management process via the provision of the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) role, ensuring appropriate investigations of allegations against professionals working with children
• Approve a child's care plan, including whether they should be adopted, prior to the plan being agreed by a Court.
• Ensure senior leaders and others fully understand the quality of practice across the directorate through confident analysis and reporting, influencing the practice system for continuous improvement.
• Ensure children, young people, and families are supported and enabled to fully express their views and take ownership of their plans.
• Provide expert safeguarding advice and support to other professionals as needed.
• Manage multiple, competing deadlines and work effectively within frequently changing circumstances and conflicting priorities.

Qualifications

• Diploma in Social Work (DiPSW), CQSW, CSS, or equivalent.
• Registration with Social Work England (SWE) is mandatory.
• Qualification in Leadership/Management.
• Minimum of 5 years post-qualifying experience.
• Previous and recent management experience of supervising staff in a Children’s Social Care setting.
• Expert knowledge of current and relevant child care legislation, guidance, and procedures, particularly the Children Act 1989, Working Together 2023, and Care Planning Regulations.
• Extensive experience managing complex Child Protection and Cared for Children work, including cases where children may be removed from their parents' care.
• A full UK driving license