Head of Carer Benefits & Decision Making

Overview

Scotland's unpaid carers make a huge contribution to the people they care for and to our communities. A number of Scottish carer benefits have been introduced between 2018 and 2026 to further our three key aims for Scotland’s unpaid carers:

• provide income in recognition of their role and its impact on their lives

• provide stability and support to access opportunities outside of caring

• ensure they have a positive experience of social security and to maximise take-up of all support.

You will support two teams (3 x C1 - 2.5 FTE with 2 in a job share – 5 x B3; 3 x B2; 2 x B1) to progress continuous improvement of these benefits, including supporting operational improvements within Social Security Scotland and developing and implementing potential changes to eligibility in line with ministerial priorities. This will involve developing a deep knowledge of the Scottish devolved benefits landscape and carer benefits in particular, and strong working relationships with carer policy colleagues and those in related policy disciplines, colleagues in Social Security Scotland, social security analytical and legal colleagues, the National Care Organisations in Scotland, and relevant colleagues in the Department for Work and Pensions in order to fully understand the likely opportunities and risks for carer benefits this Parliamentary session.

Since the devolution of social security began in 2018, 18 Scottish benefits have been introduced. Ensuring decisions for these benefits follow a consistent and cohesive approach is paramount.

You will therefore also be required to establish and lead a small team (indicative resourcing 1 x 1 x B3 with the possible addition of 1 x C1, subject to need) to review complex decision making policy across benefits, with the ultimate aim of consolidating decision making guidance, improving decision maker understanding of key principles, and progressing any relevant legislative changes identified.

The Carer Benefits and Decision Making Policy Unit currently sits within the Social Security Directorate in DG Communities and External Affairs.

Typical Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and support to diverse teams in a complex and technical area, empowering and upskilling colleagues to deliver autonomously whilst working collaboratively and collegiately in a high-pressure environment, maintaining a continuing focus on wellbeing
• Manage through change in the context of the Scottish Government’s Corporate Plan, with a focus on developing strong line management capabilities, fostering cross-government working, embracing the opportunities afforded by new technology, and supporting teams appropriately to manage average working days lost.
• Lead on developing and delivering the policy required to support the continuous improvement of carer benefits and review and refine social security decision making policies, including managing multiple change projects and instruction of legislation as required, in a very constrained fiscal context.
• Continue to provide effective support to Scottish Ministers, supporting the unit to produce high-quality and timely briefing and advice, correspondence, etc.
• Build and maintain strong collaborative relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including colleagues in the Department for Work and Pensions, to ensure you have the insights necessary to support the effective delivery and continuous improvement of carer benefits in Scotland.

Technical / Professional Skills

• Participation & Engagement - Level 2
• Working with Ministers - Level 2
• Parliament & Law - Level 2
• Policy Delivery & Systems - Level 2

You can find out more about the skills required, here: Policy Profession Standards Annex

Experience

Experience of interpreting and applying policy and guidance to support decision-making. Knowledge of social security policy and decision-making processes, or the ability to quickly develop expertise in this area, is desirable.

Behaviours

• Leadership
• Changing & Improving
• Developing Self & Others
• Communicating & Influencing

You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours, here: Behaviour levels - Success profiles: candidate guide

Working Pattern

This role is a permanent level transfer position.

This post is a full time role, but we welcome applications from staff with different working patterns, proposed working patterns will be assessed against the business requirements for this post.

This post is based in Glasgow (AQ5) or Edinburgh (VQ). Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role, including Flexi-leave. Scottish Government staff in hybrid-compatible roles should aim to work in-person 40% of the time, either in an office or other agreed work location. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.

Further Information

Further information about this opportunity is available from Social Security Directorate - Workforce Planning SSD_WFP@gov.scot

How to Apply

Please submit a CV and an Expression of Interest (maximum 500 words) outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team. Please align this to how you meet the behaviours, experience and technical skills listed in the Success Profile above.

Vacancy closes at 23:59 on Wednesday 18 November.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.

Please see our candidate guidance for more information on acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI in recruitment.

If invited for further assessment, this will consist of a light touch interview, schedule TBC.

Recruitment Principles

As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases.

About us

The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles.

Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service observing the Civil Service Codeand working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland.

We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer.

As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules.

Security checks

Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre-employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions).

You can find out more about BPSS on the UK Government website, or read about the different levels of security checks in our Candidate Guide.

Equality statement

We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.

Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.

Further information

Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website.

Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.

Apply before: 18/11/2026 (23:59). This role is open to substantive C2 staff from core SG only.