Policy Officer; Carers - 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.

Scotland’s 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. We’re 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 to demonstrate positive 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‑quality advice to Ministers such as briefings, policy papers and external publications which set out the Scottish Government’s position on the relevant policy areas.

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