At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert social work advice to support vulnerable adults across Scotland.
- Company: Join the Scottish Government and make a real difference in public protection.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to national policy development.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that drives impactful change in safeguarding vulnerable individuals.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified social worker registered with SSSC or equivalent.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Looking to make a real impact in safeguarding and public protection across Scotland? We are inviting applications for a professional adviser to provide policy support and professional advice to the Scottish Government Adult Support and Protection (ASP) and Public Protection Unit. This is a Fixed Term Appointment opportunity for 23 months, with the option for Secondment if preferred.
The Unit drives delivery of work on a number of high profile and politically sensitive adult and public protection policy areas, working in a fast-paced environment with a high degree of Ministerial, internal, and external stakeholder engagement. The Unit’s aim, working collaboratively with a range of policy teams, is to ensure that those vulnerable to harm get the right support at the right time; and that our work individually and collectively supports response, protection, and recovery from harm.
Work of the ASP Professional Social Work Adviser will contribute to aims of the wider public protection unit, to identify linkages, risks and opportunities across a wide range of policy developments, taking a whole system, lifespan approach. This includes mental health law and operations; adults with incapacity; substance use; child protection; MAPPA; violence against women and girls; and suicide prevention, as well as missing people, homelessness and other emergent priorities. Current ASP-specific priorities include revision of national guidance for general practice; development and implementation of a learning and improvement programme, building on local and national evidence; data use to underpin learning and improvement at local and national level; and undertaking and embedding learning arising from learning reviews.
Responsibilities
- Provide social work input and advice across the Unit, liaising with sources of advice and expertise, including working with partners to ensure voices of frontline social workers and people who use services inform current, holistic advice.
- Bring a consistent practice focus on adult support and protection and public protection throughout Scottish Government and partners.
- Contribute to workforce intelligence and national ASP priorities, driving collaboration with other policy areas to raise awareness of ASP and embed key messages to promote identification and protection of adults at risk.
- Play a key role in supporting the dissemination and embedding of the ASP Learning and Development Framework and development of national resources, in partnership with the National Adult Support and Protection Co-ordinator and key partners, including the ASP Learning and Development Network, the National Implementation Group and its subgroups, and Iriss.
- Support implementation and monitoring of adaptations to local practice and procedures in line with new and emergent national adult protection guidance and related continuous improvement workstreams.
- Provide social work input to implementing ASP practice improvement using robust qualitative and quantitative data; collaborate with Iriss on analysis, reporting and use of data at local and national levels; provide significant input to the National ASP Data Reference Group; implement self-evaluation tools/techniques for local and national improvement; support development and embedding of best practices relating to ASP processes, the role of the Council Officer, chronologies, and learning reviews.
- Contribute to the drafting of national guidance, reports and responses to issues raised by Ministers, stakeholders and the public.
- Support the work of the National Social Work Agency and work closely with the Senior Professional Social Work Adviser for Adults, who will provide professional supervision.
- Collaborate with Adult Protection Committee Convenors, Social Work Scotland’s ASP Sub-group, NHS Public Protection Leads Group, Police Scotland Strategic Forum and other networks to inform and influence policy and practice developments.
Qualifications
- You must be a qualified social worker registered with the SSSC or equivalent body.
Experience
- Experience of working at a senior level in Adult Services social work, with operational and strategic leadership experience in adult support and protection.
Behaviours
- Communicating and Influencing - Level 4
- Working Together - Level 4
- Making Effective Decisions - Level 4
- Changing and Improving - Level 4
How to apply
Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 1000 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified, applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and a presentation. Assessments are scheduled for 09/07/26 - 22/07/26 however this may be subject to change.
Recruitment Principles
As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases.
About us
The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles. Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service, observing the Civil Service Code and working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland. We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits.
Working pattern
Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role, including Flexi-leave. Scottish Government staff in hybrid-compatible roles should aim to work in-person 40% of the time, either in an office or other agreed work location.
Security checks
Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre-employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions).
Equality statement
We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.
Further information
Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website. Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.
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.
ASP Professional Social Work Adviser in Edinburgh employer: Scottish Government
The Scottish Government is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a commitment to safeguarding and public protection, employees in the ASP Professional Social Work Adviser role will engage in meaningful work that directly impacts vulnerable populations across Scotland, while benefiting from flexible working options and opportunities for collaboration with key stakeholders. Join us to make a real difference in the lives of those we serve, all while enjoying a rewarding career within the UK Civil Service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land ASP Professional Social Work Adviser in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in social work and public protection. Attend relevant events or webinars to meet people in the field. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Scottish Government's current priorities in adult support and protection. Show that you’re not just familiar with the role, but also passionate about making a difference in safeguarding vulnerable adults.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since this role involves liaising with various stakeholders, being able to articulate your thoughts clearly is key. Consider mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and contributing to the important work we do in public protection.
We think you need these skills to ace ASP Professional Social Work Adviser in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:Make sure your supporting statement is tailored to the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight how your background aligns with the role of ASP Professional Social Work Adviser, focusing on your operational and strategic leadership experience.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your CV and supporting statement clear and concise. Stick to the word limit and ensure every sentence adds value. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves a lot of stakeholder engagement, demonstrate your communication skills in your application. Provide examples of how you've effectively communicated complex information to different audiences in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Government
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key areas of adult support and protection. Brush up on current policies, legislation, and best practices. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just interested but also knowledgeable about the field.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your operational and strategic leadership skills in adult services. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, making it easier for the interviewers to see your impact.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves a lot of collaboration, think about how you’ve successfully worked with various stakeholders in the past. Be ready to discuss how you’ve influenced policy or practice changes through effective communication and teamwork.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the role and the unit’s priorities. This shows your genuine interest and helps you understand how you can contribute effectively. It’s also a great way to demonstrate your critical thinking skills.
