Children\'s Services Planning Officer x2 - MID07384 in Dalkeith

Children’s Services continues to be impacted by the complex needs of the children and families that we support. This is an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of service development and review. These roles will lead the review, planning and development of internal resources including our workforce. This will include planning to increase internal support services including residential care, commissioned services, and workforce planning.

Candidates need a depth of understanding of modern social work practice and the challenges that face service delivery. The post holder will need highly developed communication skills to support stakeholder engagement, writing policy and reports.

The jobholder must hold a degree level qualification in social work or an acceptable equivalent discipline or a post-graduate qualification from a recognised professional institute. In order to exercise the wider remit of the post, in particular the awareness of professional and legislative changes and the development of good practice following the publication of reports, a jobholder requires post-qualifying experience to include the following:

• Direct practice experience of service planning or development
• Substantial experience in the delivery or management of services within a social care environment
• Practical experience of partnership working and joint commissioning
• Proven report writing and presentation skills

This experience is gained through having held a variety of roles in the service provision field. The jobholder calls on a knowledge of social work and related legislation, a wide knowledge of Council policies, and an understanding of the needs and expectations of external partners and providers.

The post holder must hold a degree level qualification in social work or an acceptable equivalent discipline or a post-graduate qualification from a recognised professional institute, i.e. to influence the delivery services based on research, Best Practice and legislative change.

Closing Date: Wednesday 25th March 2026

Interview Date: Tuesday 7th and Wednesday 8th April 2026

This post is considered Regulated Work with Children and Protected Adults under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act, 2007. Therefore, it is an offence to apply if you are barred from working with children or protected adults. Successful candidates will require PVG Scheme membership for Regulated Work with Children and Protected Adults. You will be required to join the Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme Update check prior to commencing employment with Midlothian Council, the cost of which will be met by you.

If you have difficulty applying for this post or accessing attached documents, or if you have a disability and reasonable adjustment is required, please call 0131 271 3063 to speak to a member of the Recruitment Team stating the post reference number.

Midlothian Council is currently undergoing a period of transformation, changing and improving the way it delivers services in Midlothian. As a consequence, there are a number of existing employees for whom we are committed to seeking suitable alternative employment within the Council in accordance with our legal obligations. Candidates are advised that, for some vacancies, internal candidates in this situation will be interviewed before the wider selection pool and a slightly longer delay may be experienced before application outcomes can be advised to you.

If you are a trainee of a Midlothian Council Training Programme, have a disability or you are a care experienced young person who has previously been a looked after child you are eligible for a guaranteed interview if you meet the essential criteria for the post.