Child in Need (CIN) Reviewing Officer – 3-Month Contract

Location: 6 Brixton Hill, London, Lambeth, SW2 1RW
Rate: £300.00 per day (Umbrella)
Contract: 3-Month Contract
Hours: Full-Time
HCPC Registration: Required
DBS: Enhanced DBS Required
Pay: Bi-Weekly

Summary

We are seeking a seasoned Child in Need Reviewing Officer to join our Family Support and Child Protection Service for a 3-month contract. This pivotal role involves providing independent oversight and evaluation of Child in Need (CIN) plans, ensuring they are child-centered, outcome-oriented, and effective in safeguarding children under Section 17 of the Children Act 1989. The ideal candidate will have prior experience as a Service Manager within Family Support and Child Protection (FSCP) Safeguarding Services.

Responsibilities

Child in Need Reviews

• Lead Child in Need review meetings in accordance with statutory guidelines and local protocols.
  
• Ensure the child's voice, desires, and experiences are central to all planning and decisions.
  
• Assess the effectiveness of Child in Need plans and track progress towards outcomes.
  
• Determine if interventions are effectively reducing risks and enhancing outcomes.
  
• Facilitate inclusive review meetings with all relevant professionals, parents, carers, and children.
  

Quality Assurance & Practice Oversight

• Offer independent evaluation of Child in Need plans and assessments.
  
• Identify and address any delays or inadequate planning.
  
• Escalate safeguarding issues when risks are not managed effectively.
  
• Advocate for evidence-based practices and adherence to legislation, policies, and procedures.
  
• Participate in service improvement through audits and quality assurance activities.
  

Safeguarding Responsibilities

• Oversee safeguarding concerns and ensure timely actions are taken.
  
• Identify cases that need escalation to Child Protection procedures or Legal Planning.
  
• Consistently apply safeguarding thresholds appropriately.
  
• Monitor children at risk of neglect, abuse, exploitation, domestic violence, and other safeguarding issues.
  

Partnership Working

• Collaborate with:
  • Social Workers
    
  • Team Managers
    
  • Education Services
    
  • Health Services
    
  • Police
    
  • Multi-Agency Partners
    
• Provide constructive feedback when necessary.
  
• Promote effective multi-agency planning and accountability.
  
• Ensure partner agencies actively contribute to Child in Need plans and reviews.
  

Recording & Reporting

• Create accurate and timely review records and recommendations.
  
• Maintain electronic case records in compliance with data protection laws.
  
• Prepare reports, management information, and performance data.
  
• Ensure adherence to statutory timelines and expectations.
  

Service Development

• Contribute to audits, service reviews, and improvement initiatives.
  
• Identify trends and learning opportunities from Child in Need reviews.
  
• Support the enhancement of safeguarding practices across services.
  
• Assist in the development of policies and procedures as needed.
  

Essential

Requirements

Requirements:

• Social Work qualification (Degree, DipSW, CQSW, or equivalent).
  
• Current HCPC Registration.
  
• Enhanced DBS.
  
• Extensive post-qualification experience in Children's Social Care.
  
• Strong background in safeguarding and Child in Need processes.
  
• Experience in chairing professional meetings and facilitating multi-agency discussions.
  
• Proficiency in quality assurance, auditing, reviewing, or independent oversight.
  
• Experience working with children and families with complex needs.
  
• Comprehensive knowledge of:
  • Children Act 1989
    
  • Working Together to Safeguard Children
    
  • Child in Need Processes
    
  • Safeguarding Frameworks
    
  • Risk Assessment
    
  • Child Development
    
  • Permanence Planning
    
• Excellent analytical, communication, and report-writing skills.
  
• Ability to provide professional challenge and independent scrutiny.
  
• Capability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
  

Highly Desirable

• Previous experience as a Service Manager within Family Support and Child Protection (FSCP) Safeguarding Services.
  
• Experience in a Reviewing Officer, Quality Assurance, or Independent Oversight role.
  
• Practice Educator Award or equivalent post-qualifying training.
  
• Experience leading service improvement projects.
  
• Familiarity with local safeguarding partnership arrangements.
  

What's on Offer?

• £300.00 per day (Umbrella)
  
• 3-Month Contract
  
• Full-Time Hours
  
• HCPC Registration Required
  
• Enhanced DBS Required
  
• Bi-Weekly Pay
  
• Opportunity to provide independent oversight across Child in Need services.
  
• Key role in supporting safeguarding quality assurance and practice improvement.
  
• Collaborate with senior leaders and safeguarding professionals.
  
• Influence outcomes for vulnerable children and families.
  

Ideal candidates will have experience as a Child in Need Reviewing Officer, Independent Reviewing Officer, Quality Assurance Officer, Child Protection Reviewing Officer, Safeguarding Manager, Service Manager (FSCP), Reviewing Manager, or Senior Children's Social Work Manager.