At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate training programmes and support implementation activities for social work across Scotland.
- Company: Join the new National Social Work Agency, dedicated to improving social work practice.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a motivated team driving positive change in social work services.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in social work while developing your skills in a dynamic setting.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and adaptability to change are essential.
The predicted salary is between 23615 - 25674 £ per year.
Do you want an exciting opportunity to join the new National Social Work Agency (NSWA), established in early 2026? The Agency has oversight of social work – raising the profile and strengthening the cohesion of the profession across public, third and independent sectors, including students. It will advance social work practice and support implementation of national policy – driving support, change and continuous improvement in social work education and learning. This is a new agency with highly motivated staff, who take pride in their work and strive to ensure effective person-centred and trauma responsive support is available for people of all ages in Scotland. The work is fast-paced, high profile, varied and rewarding.
As Programme Support Officer within the Improvement and Implementation Unit, you will provide essential coordination and operational support to the delivery of a national programme of training and implementation activity. Working with policy colleagues, senior leaders and external stakeholders, you will help ensure that activity is well-planned, effectively communicated and delivered smoothly.
You will support programme delivery through coordination of training and events, management of communications and programme data, and effective administration of governance processes. Your role will contribute to ensuring delivery is organised, evidence-informed and responsive to feedback, supporting the wider aim of embedding trauma-responsive practice across social work services.
Responsibilities- Plan and coordinate a national programme of training and implementation support, working with the Implementation Team Lead to schedule and deliver activity across social work services in Scotland.
- Manage participant engagement for training programmes, including sign-up processes, attendance tracking and ongoing communications.
- Deliver end-to-end logistics and operational support for the Improvement and Implementation Unit, including organising training events, booking venues and coordinating in-person delivery.
- Maintain and update project management tools and programme data, ensuring training and implementation records are accurate, current and accessible.
- Provide high-quality secretariat support to key governance groups, including the Trauma Responsive Social Work Services Partnership Delivery Group and Expert Advisory Group.
- Support cross-government policy delivery by collaborating with colleagues and stakeholders to progress shared social work outcomes.
- Manage the Trauma Responsive Social Work Services mailbox, ensuring commissions are actioned, delegated and filed accordingly.
Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of behaviours, experience and technical criteria (if applicable) that candidates will be assessed on.
Technical / Professional Skills:- Connections and communication: Uses inquiry skills and interviewing and questioning techniques to get at root causes of issues and understand needs. Communicates clearly and uses judgement to provide advice and deal with customers (including vulnerable ones) with clarity and empathy. Follows procedures and practices for recording interviews and meetings, managing data and documents, and capturing feedback on service delivery and effectiveness.
- Adaptability to change: Supports team to see change positively and to continuously improve the team’s capability, performance and service delivery. Sources and analyses a range of evidence, insights and data to identify areas for improvement activity, and sets measurable service improvement plans. Explores options to apply technology and digital processes to improve service accessibility and delivery for customers.
- Working together (Level 2)
- Delivering at pace (Level 2)
- Making effective decisions (Level 2)
How to apply: Apply online, providing a CV and supporting statement (of no more than 750 words) providing evidence of how you meet the behaviours, experience and technical skills listed in the Success Profile above. Both the CV and the supporting statement provided will be assessed against the criteria for the role.
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.
As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases.
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.
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.
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).
We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.
Apply before: Monday 27th July (23:59)
Implementation Support Officer - National Social Work Agency - B1 in Edinburgh employer: Scottish Government
The Scottish Government offers a dynamic and supportive work environment, where you can make a significant impact on customer service and safeguarding across Scotland. With a strong focus on employee development and innovation, you will have access to numerous growth opportunities while working alongside a dedicated team committed to excellence in public service. Join us in shaping a high-performing organisation that values collaboration and strives for transformative results.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Implementation Support Officer - National Social Work Agency - B1 in Edinburgh
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Scottish Government.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Scottish Government!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Scottish Government, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Scottish Government or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Implementation Support Officer - National Social Work Agency - B1 in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Scottish Government:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Scottish Government! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Government
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
