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 ongoing delivery and improvement of Scottish social security benefits for unpaid carers, including Carer Support Payment (which has replaced Carer’s Allowance in Scotland), and Scottish Carer Supplement and Carer Additional Person Payment, new support available since March 2026.
We have an opportunity for a B3 Policy Manager to join the team on a temporary basis for up to 12 months.
You will be working in the Carer Benefits Policy Unit, collaborating 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, to support continuous improvements, and consider future carer benefit policy developments. You will also be engaging externally and supporting communications to improve awareness, understanding and take up of the support available.
This is an exciting time to join the Unit with important improvements to support being delivered from March 2026 and work ongoing to consider the implications of proposed changes to carer benefits in England and Wales for support for Scottish carers, as well as potential future improvements to Scottish benefits.
This Senior Policy Officer role is within the Carer Benefits Policy Unit. We’re an inclusive and welcoming unit that places a strong emphasis on well-being, learning and development.
The Unit consists of two teams – the Live Benefits team which provides policy input to support live delivery of our carer benefits and improvements to the service, and the Futures team which works to consider future developments in carer benefits policy. 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.
The Unit works in line with the overall hybrid working approach, with team members currently based in Victoria Quay in Edinburgh, or Atlantic Quay in Glasgow.
Responsibilities
Providing policy advice on new and complex issues to Social Security Scotland colleagues delivering carer benefits, working with Social Security Scotland’s Decision Support Team, wider policy and legal colleagues, to ensure decisions are made in line with policy and regulations.
Advising on improvements to processes, guidance and content for clients and client advisors as needed.
Developing policy advice relating to carer benefits as needed, engaging with stakeholders and considering research, including user research, and wider SG policy in social security and beyond to advise Ministers.
Instructing legislation if required to give effect to policy recommendations and enabling Social Security Scotland to implement policy changes.
Providing carer benefits policy advice and input to cross-cutting social security policy work on issues affecting all Scottish benefits as needed.
Building and maintaining strong relationships with relevant internal and external stakeholders, including Social Security Scotland and DWP.
Potentially providing line management and development support for one of the Carer Benefits Policy Officers.
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 B3 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.
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 SSD_WFP@gov.scot
Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.
The devolved government for Scotland is responsible for matters that are devolved from Westminster. Areas of responsibility include the economy, health, education, justice, rural affairs, environment, and transport.
