Children's Rights Officer
2 days ago
London
As part of our journey to be Anti-Racist, at Hackney we want our workforce to represent the community we serve, that’s why we encourage applications from Black and Global Majority Ethnic backgrounds. Proud to work in Hackney - Our aspiration is for every child to grow up in a child-friendly borough and have the best start in life. As a Children’s Rights Officer you will be a lead advocate for children and young people both in care, care experienced and subject to Child Protection Plans. In addition to this, you will support our contextual safeguarding team in duty work around children missing from home and care, undertake Return Home Interviews, and provide specific safety planning and input around extra familial harm and exploitation. Proactive and committed, you will bring a comprehensive knowledge and skill-base to the challenge of advocating for the most vulnerable children and young people using your skills, empathy and understanding. You will promote children’s rights throughout Hackney. Candidates should: • have a detailed knowledge of childcare legislation and good practice in relation to Children’s complaints, • have a proven ability to work in a child-centred and sensitive manner with the skill to engage children of all ages and abilities, and ensure their voice and views are highlighted and promoted, • excellent written and verbal communication skills and should be highly organised and focused while working under pressure Our service seeks to actively contribute to organisational learning through recognising, promoting and supporting best practice and service development where required, retaining a clear focus upon positive good outcomes for children and families across the borough. Hackney is proud of its organisational learning culture and strives to find innovative ways of engaging and facilitating change with young people and their families. Over recent years we have become renowned for innovation. From Reclaim Social Work, to Contextual Safeguarding, Safe and Together and Anti-Racist Practice, we have challenged norms and carved new paths. We value systemic, trauma informed and anti-racist leadership and encourage devolved decision-making at all levels - with senior managers working alongside front-line staff. Our teams are given excellent development opportunities and we are proud to be the first local authority to provide post-graduate qualifications in systemic practice. An enhanced DBS check is required. As a Council, our most outstanding asset is our staff, who are highly dedicated to serving our residents and committed to our goals as an organisation. If you want to work in a place where you can represent our values so we achieve the best for our residents, please click on the apply button below. We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CV’s. To proceed with your application, you will need to create an account and submit your application. As part of the application process, you will need to complete a number of competency based questions. These questions allow you to demonstrate your suitability for the role and provide examples of your skills, knowledge and experience outlined in the job description. We understand the benefits of using AI in the workplace. However, if you are thinking of using this tool to submit your application, we ask you to think about what value it will add. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice. This application process replaces a supporting statement. Prior to applying for a vacancy for a secondment opportunity, please liaise with your line manager and inform them of your interest in applying for the role. Closing date for applications: 09 November 2025 (22:59). Interview date: W/c 17 November 2025. We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included and involved. In order to achieve this, we look for people who are: Proud; Ambitious; Pioneering; Open; Proactive; Inclusive. Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce. The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available: