Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the planning and development of vital services for children and families.
- Company: Midlothian Council, dedicated to transforming children's services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, fixed-term contract, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while shaping service delivery.
- Qualifications: Degree in social work or equivalent, with relevant experience in service planning.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to improving community services.
The predicted salary is between 48300 - 51400 £ per year.
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
Contract Status: Fixed term for 2 years
Hours of Work: 36
Working Pattern: Monday - Friday
Weeks per year: 52
Please note that it is Midlothian Council's policy that successful applicants will be appointed to the first point on the salary scale. Based on 36 hours over 52 weeks per year, the minimum actual salary for this position is £48,370.86 per annum.
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.
Planning Officer x2 - MID07384 in Dalkeith employer: Midlothian Council
Contact Detail:
Midlothian Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Officer x2 - MID07384 in Dalkeith
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the latest trends in social work and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the needs of the role. Show them you’re not just a candidate, but the candidate they need.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since this role requires strong stakeholder engagement, consider doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your ability to articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Midlothian Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Officer x2 - MID07384 in Dalkeith
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff: Before you start writing, make sure you understand the role inside out. Dive into the job description and highlight the key skills and experiences they’re looking for. This will help you tailor your application to show that you’re the perfect fit!
Showcase Your Experience: When detailing your experience, be specific! Use examples from your past roles that demonstrate your skills in service planning, partnership working, and report writing. We want to see how your background aligns with what they need.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. Remember, the goal is to communicate your qualifications effectively without overwhelming the reader.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Midlothian Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of modern social work practices and the specific challenges in service delivery. Brush up on relevant legislation and Council policies, as this will show your depth of knowledge during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your direct practice experience in service planning or development. Be ready to share specific examples of your past roles and how they relate to the responsibilities of the Planning Officer position.
✨Communication is Key
Since the role requires highly developed communication skills, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Think about how you can effectively engage stakeholders and present your ideas, especially when it comes to writing policy and reports.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the organisation. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to demonstrate your understanding of the complexities involved in supporting children and families.