Job Description

We have an opportunity within the National Social Work Agency to lead the development and delivery of a variety of planned improvements for social work education and continuing professional learning. This is an ideal opportunity for someone looking to broaden their experience in a cross-cutting policy area which supports our ambition for improved national outcomes for children and adults across Scotland.

The National Social Work Agency has oversight of social work – raising the profile and strengthening the cohesion of the profession across public, third and independent sectors, including students. It will advance social work practice and support implementation of national policy – driving support, change and continuous improvement in social work education and learning.

The Agency is an Executive Agency with responsibility for advising Ministers and policy teams with an interest in all aspects of social work policy and practice, including adults, children, and justice social work. Additionally, the Agency will provide cross governmental policy input in areas including health and social care, mental health, children and families, prisons and all aspects of public protection.

The Agency has highly motivated staff, who take pride in their work and strive to ensure effective person-centred support and trauma informed support is available for people of all ages in Scotland. The work is fast-paced, high profile, varied and rewarding, in an area that impacts on the lives of everyone in Scotland.

• With the regulator, plan a programme of work to improve educational and practice experiences for student social workers in approved programmes in Scotland, including the financial resources available to students and which encourages widening access to the profession.
• With sector partners, oversee the development of a national training plan for social workers, working across the Agency and with government policy teams to ensure a co-ordinated and viable approach.
• Lead the support and co-ordination of the SSWP Education and Learning Delivery Group, including providing direct support to the Priority Lead and working with SSWP partners to shape and deliver agreed outcomes.
• Support the professional learning team to identify and develop new policy initiatives to benefit current and future social workers, and which strengthens the structures of social work education, linking with the regulator, educational providers, employers and the workforce.
• Work closely with the Workforce Planning Team leader to co-ordinate policy activity which recognises mutual dependencies and provides an evidence- based coherent narrative of planned work and achievements to the sector.
• Work closely with the Workforce Planning Team leader to ensure social work educational data is incorporated into a single source and to develop strategies to identify and improve data gaps.
• Contribute to leadership of the Agency, working with the Chief Social Work Adviser, Deputy Chief Social Work Adviser and Senior Leadership Team to deliver the strategic priorities.
• Contribute to a strategic overview of social work policy and practice, engaging and collaborating with other relevant areas across government to explore, support and progress joint policy outcomes.
• Provide line management duties, including leadership, direction and support for team members.

Working pattern

This role is a permanent level transfer position.

How to Apply

Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive C1 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).

Selection Process

All candidates will be invited to an informal discussion with the Hiring Manager.

Informal discussion dates tbc.

Further Information

If you have specific questions about the role, please contact

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