Head of Carer Benefits & Decision Making

This is an Expression of Interest (EOI) opportunity, available on a lateral move basis only. Applications are open to Core Scottish Government employees only.

Job Title

Head of Carer Benefits & Decision Making

Location

Glasgow (AQ5) or Edinburgh (VQ)

Working Arrangement

Staff in roles compatible with hybrid working should spend 40% of their contracted working time working in person at their contractual workplace. More information can be found within Hybrid Working Policy.

Grade

-C2

Advert type

- Level Transfer

Duration

-Permanent

Eligibility

Expressions of interest are invited from substantive colleagues on level transfer from core SG only.

Sponsorship

Skilled Worker sponsorship is not available for this role. As a result, we are unable to appoint candidates who require Skilled Worker sponsorship now or in the future. Applicants must have an existing and ongoing right to work in the UK.

Overview

Scotland's unpaid carers make a huge contribution to the people they care for and to our communities. A number of Scottish carer benefits have been introduced between 2018 and 2026 to further our three key aims for Scotland’s unpaid carers:

• provide income in recognition of their role and its impact on their lives
• provide stability and support to access opportunities outside of caring
• ensure they have a positive experience of social security and to maximise take-up of all support.

You will support two teams (3 x C1 - 2.5 FTE with 2 in a job share – 5 x B3; 3 x B2; 2 x B1) to progress continuous improvement of these benefits, including supporting operational improvements within Social Security Scotland and developing and implementing potential changes to eligibility in line with ministerial priorities. This will involve developing a deep knowledge of the Scottish devolved benefits landscape and carer benefits in particular, and strong working relationships with carer policy colleagues and those in related policy disciplines, colleagues in Social Security Scotland, social security analytical and legal colleagues, the National Care Organisations in Scotland, and relevant colleagues in the Department for Work and Pensions in order to fully understand the likely opportunities and risks for carer benefits this Parliamentary session.

Since the devolution of social security began in 2018, 18 Scottish benefits have been introduced. Ensuring decisions for these benefits follow a consistent and cohesive approach is paramount.

You will therefore also be required to establish and lead a small team (indicative resourcing 1 x 1 x B3 with the possible addition of 1 x C1, subject to need) to review complex decision making policy across benefits, with the ultimate aim of consolidating decision making guidance, improving decision maker understanding of key principles, and progressing any relevant legislative changes identified.

The Carer Benefits and Decision Making Policy Unit currently sits within the Social Security Directorate in DG Communities and External Affairs.