Child Protection Advisor & Independent Reviewing Officer

About the role

Northumberland County Council is seeking an experienced Social Worker to join the Children’s Safeguarding Unit as a Child Protection Advisor and Independent Reviewing Officer. In this dual capacity you will chair protection conferences, lead reviews and ensure that the voices of children and young people shape decisions about their care.

Key responsibilities

• Chair Child Protection Conferences and develop clear, timely safeguarding plans.
• Act as Independent Reviewing Officer, representing children’s views in cared‑for, pathway and adoption reviews.
• Monitor and review children’s plans to promote high‑quality practice and outcomes.
• Support the implementation of the Families First Partnership Programme and the Lead Child Protection Practitioner role where required.
• Collaborate with partner agencies, travelling across Northumberland and attending multi‑agency meetings.

Required profile

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.
• Significant experience working with children, families and complex casework.
• Commitment to achieving outstanding outcomes for children and families.
• Ability to work flexibly across the county and adapt to evolving service needs.

Required skills

• Strong communication, negotiation and analytical abilities.
• Experience of multi‑agency collaboration and case review processes.
• Relational and strengths‑based approach to practice.

What we offer

• Fixed‑term, one‑year contract with competitive salary.
• Flexible working arrangements, including remote work where service needs allow.
• Opportunity to influence safeguarding policy and practice within a public sector environment.