Child Protection Conference Chair (Bank)

The Independent Reviewing Service in Hampshire County Council is made up of Independent Reviewing Officers (IRO) who undertake a 'blended' role of IRO and Child Protection Conference Chair. Alongside our full time staff we have a small team of 'bank' Child Protection Chairs who undertake their work on a flexible basis. This enables us to meet demand across our Hampshire Districts.

We are recruiting for people to join our 'bank' pool of staff.

As a CP Chair you will chair Child Protection Conferences (CPCs). CP Chairs have no operational or line management responsibilities for social workers; this means you are independent from any decisions made by the children's social work service.

As a CPC you will be responsible for facilitating the conference to a high standard and ensuring that children and young people's participation (which may include attendance at all or part of a conference, the involvement of a children's advocate and/or provision of a children's meeting) is promoted throughout the process. You will lead initial and review child protection conferences (ICPCs and RCPCs). You will need to have a good knowledge of Care Planning and Reviewing regulations, the IRO handbook, Working Together to Safeguard Children, a good understanding of current safeguarding and child protection issues; underpinning guidance and legislation relating to children.

You must have significant experience in children's child protection. Above all, you must be able to demonstrate the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out this sensitive, demanding role. CPC must be passionate and committed to improving outcomes for the children and young people who are in Hampshire subject of a Child Protection Plan.

Please note that as part of your role, you will be expected to attend Child Protection Conferences across the whole of Hampshire.

Role Responsibilities:

• Enabling children and their parents to meaningfully engage in the conference and contribute to their plan.
• Monitoring and reviewing the implementation of individual protection plans and the achievement of appropriate outcomes for the child's social, cultural, health, educational development and safeguarding needs.
• Ensuring the accurate and prompt recording and dissemination of decisions made, using Mosaic and other recording processes.
• Advising the Service Lead of operational and practice issues of concern and any variations in the implementation of agreed departmental and inter-agency policies and procedures.
• Ensuring positive and appropriate liaison and communication with operational managers, practitioners, service users and partner agencies.
• Assisting in the formulation and monitoring of County systems, procedures and policies relating to Children in need of protection.
• Assisting in the preparation and analysis of performance indicators children in need of protection.
• Supporting the development of services for children and families through membership of work groups when required.
• Participating in training and staff development programmes, as appropriate including taking part in the delivery of relevant training regarding conferences and reviews.
• Being an advocate, for Hampshire's Independent Reviewing Service.
• Undertaking other duties consistent with the level of accountability for this post.

Essential Qualifications, Experience and Skills:

• CQSW, DipSW, MSW or equivalent professional qualification.
• Social Work England registration.
• Working knowledge and understanding of the legislation and guidance applicable to the client group and service.
• Thorough working knowledge of CLA and CP processes and procedures.
• Knowledge, experience and understanding of how quality assurance processes are critical in the evaluation and development of services.
• A solid understanding of what constitutes good outcomes for all children and what current research says about achieving these outcomes for vulnerable children.
• Significant post-qualification practitioner experience.
• Good experience of undertaking social work supervision.
• Demonstrate ability to chair complex multi-agency meetings and ensure meaningful participation of children, young people, parents and carers.
• Able to demonstrate the ability to communicate complex matters clearly and concisely, both in writing and verbally, to a wide spectrum of people including staff, children, young people, parents and carers.
• Able to use IT systems effectively, including basic Microsoft Office packages and client record systems.
• Able to demonstrate planning skills and ability to work collaboratively with others.
• Demonstrate a commitment to and understanding of equal opportunities.

About Us

Connect2Hampshire is a managed service agency owned by Hampshire County Council providing temporary, contract and interim opportunities into the Council. Our service is built on our values of ethical, trustworthy, and caring, and our profits are returned to our Local Authority shareholders.

Connect2Hampshire, part of Hampshire & Kent Commercial Services LLP, is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business and positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.