Policy Officer (Carers Benefits) B2

This opportunity is only open to applicants who are currently Priority Movers. Applications from individuals not currently on the Priority Mover list will be rejected and not considered.

Scotlands unpaid carers play a vital role supporting family and friends and for the country and economy as a whole. This role is an excellent opportunity to play a key part in the Carer Benefits Unit responsible for the ongoing delivery and improvements of Scottish Social Security benefits for unpaid carers including Carer Support Payment Scottish Carer Supplement Carer Additional Person Payment and Young Carer Grant.

The Carer Benefits Unit sits within the Social Security Policy Division of the Social Security Directorate. The Unit is made up of two teams that work closely together The Carer Benefits Live Team and Futures Team. Were an inclusive and welcoming unit that places a strong emphasis on well-being learning and development.Team members work flexibly across the two teams given the interactions between the two areas of work and this post could include work across one or both areas. You will be based in the Futures Team considering future carer benefit policy developments and support continuous improvements. You will work directly with the Senior Policy Officer to collaborate with Social Security Scotland as well as legal analytical finance and other social security and wider SG policy colleagues to ensure these key benefits are delivered in line with policy and regulations. You will also be engaging externally and supporting communications to improve awareness understanding and take up of the support available.

As the Policy Officer role is within the Futures team which works to consider future developments in carer benefits policy the role would suit someone who can contribute to the development of policy that is closely informed by operational technical and delivery insight. You will have experience of working with internal and external key stakeholders to gain insight for policy development. The successful candidate should therefore be able todemonstratepositive and proactive relationship management skills. The role will also require analytical and strategic thinking and the navigation of often complex policy scenarios to map out effective policy solutions. You will be required to contribute to the production of timely high-qualityadvice to Ministers such as briefings policypapersand external publications which set out the Scottish Governments position on the relevant policy areas.

It would suit a proactive individual and could provide significant development opportunities for the right candidate.

Responsibilities

• Provide policy support to help operational practice for example support case queries for the recent improvements to Carer Benefits.

• Support with improvements to processes guidance and content for carers and client advisors as needed.

• Work with the Senior Policy Officer to develop policy advice relating to carer benefits as required engaging with stakeholders and considering research including user research and wider SG policy in social security and beyond to advise Ministers.

• Support the development and implementation of the next Priority Improvements Strategy for Carer Benefits working across social security and other relevant areas.
• Input into the development of key priorities for Social Security and across Scottish Government working closely with Social Security Scotland and the Carer Policy team and liaising with other relevant areas of SG as necessary.
• Supporting the provision of high-quality briefing for Ministers media lines FOIs PQs and FMQs to contribute to advice on carer benefits policy and relevant issues and review relevant Ministerial correspondence as needed.

• Build and manage effective relationships with key partners: including internal and external stakeholders analysts Social Security Scotland and key SG directorates.

Working pattern

This role is a temporary position with an expected commitment of 12 months.

How to Apply

Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive B2 employees.

Please submit a statement outlining your suitability for the role relevant skills and experience and what you would bring to the team (maximum 500 words).

Vacancy closes at 11:59pm on5th July.

Selection Process

All applications will be invited to an informal discussion with the hiring manager.

Informal discussions are to be confirmed.

Further Information

If you have specific questions about the role please contact

Read ourCandidate Guidefor further information on our recruitment and application processes.

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