At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive transformational change in Health and Social Care projects.
- Company: Join Midlothian Health and Social Care Partnership, a dynamic and supportive team.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, work on diverse projects, and contribute to meaningful change.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting transformation agenda that impacts lives positively.
- Qualifications: Degree in social work or related field, with relevant experience in service planning.
- Other info: Informal discussions welcome; contact Fiona Kennedy for more info.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Midlothian HSCP are looking to recruit 4 Planning Officers to help drive forward our transformation agenda within Health and Social Care. These exciting posts will cover a range of project areas and will work alongside Senior Managers to deliver on transformational change within Midlothian. We are currently looking at how our Social Work services can be best equipped to meet the challenges we face, what we need from our Hospital and care home sector and what our services for older people and people with learning disabilities need to look like. This is a challenging but exciting time to be joining Midlothian Health and Social Care Partnership.
We are focused on redesign, ethical commissioning, alignment with third sector and co-production/codesign with service users, carers and families. The posts will be well supported, interesting and diverse. You will join a small but growing Planning Officer Team that will have clear links to operational services and managers.
KNOWLEDGE
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 and must have an understanding of the interrelationship between individual and aggregated need in order to assess, prioritise and choose between options. This Post requires education to degree level with postholders frequently having undertaken additional post qualifying training or having considerable post qualifying experience. Professional qualification in Social Work, Health, or related discipline.
CLOSING DATE - 26th February 2026
INTERVIEW DATE - 9th
Planning Officer x4 - MID07311 in Midlothian employer: Midlothian Council
Contact Detail:
Midlothian Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Officer x4 - MID07311 in Midlothian
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the Health and Social Care sector, especially those already working at Midlothian HSCP. A friendly chat can give you insights into the role and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the latest trends in social work and health care. Show us that you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the challenges and innovations in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! You’ll need to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively, so consider doing mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable.
✨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 our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Officer x4 - MID07311 in Midlothian
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Transformation: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for driving change in health and social care shine through. We want to see how your experiences align with our transformation agenda and how you can contribute to making a real difference in Midlothian.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to showcase your direct practice experience in service planning or development. We’re looking for candidates who have substantial experience in managing services within a social care environment, so don’t hold back on those details!
Demonstrate Your Collaborative Spirit: Since partnership working is key to this role, include examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in the past. We value co-production and co-design, so any experience you have in these areas will definitely catch our eye.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While we want your application to be professional, don’t forget to inject a bit of your personality into it! We’re keen to get to know you as a person, so feel free to share your motivations and what drives you in this field. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
How to prepare for a job interview at Midlothian Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and challenges in health and social care. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of older people and those with learning disabilities, as well as the legislative changes that impact service planning. This will show your potential employer that you're not just qualified, but genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your direct practice experience in service planning or development. Think of specific examples where you've successfully managed services or worked in partnership with others. Highlighting your proven report writing and presentation skills will also set you apart from other candidates.
✨Engage in Co-Production
Since the role involves co-production and co-design with service users, carers, and families, be ready to talk about any experiences you've had in this area. Share how you've collaborated with stakeholders to improve services, as this aligns perfectly with the values of Midlothian HSCP.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the current projects the Planning Officer Team is working on or how they measure success in their transformation agenda. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.