Senior Child Protection Lead & IRO

North East Combined Authority; Morpeth; Hybrid; GBP 52,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary range £51,928–£56,293

26 days annual leave + holidays

LGPS pension

Flexi scheme – up to 2 days monthly

Job summary

Northumberland County Council is hiring for two roles in the Children’s Safeguarding Unit: Lead Child Protection Practitioner and Independent Reviewing Officer. These 2-year fixed-term posts support Families First initiatives and service improvements. Flexible working is offered with in-person meetings with children and families.

Travel across Northumberland is required as part of the role. The roles require a Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England and substantial experience

Qualifications

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Significant experience with children and families, including multi‑agency meetings.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and analytical skills.
• Relational, strengths‑based approach and commitment to outstanding outcomes for children and families.
• Willingness to travel across Northumberland and work flexibly to meet service needs.

Responsibilities

• As LCPP: chair Child Protection Conferences, provide expert guidance to workers and managers, support learning.
• As IRO: chair care reviews, pathway plan reviews and adoption reviews, ensure plans are robust and focused on outcomes.

Skills

Social Work England registered

Communication skills

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Willingness to travel across Northumbr

Education

Qualified Social Worker

Job description

Northumberland County Council is hiring for two roles in the Children’s Safeguarding Unit: Lead Child Protection Practitioner and Independent Reviewing Officer. These 2-year fixed-term posts support Families First initiatives and service improvements. Flexible working is offered with in-person meetings with children and families.

Travel across Northumberland is required as part of the role. The roles require a Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England and substantial experience