At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse and develop policies for Winter Heating Benefits, supporting families in need.
- Company: Scottish Government, committed to social security and community support.
- Benefits: Hybrid working model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to improving social security benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives through impactful policy work.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational and communication skills, with a focus on evidence-based analysis.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
This is an Expression of Interest (EOI) opportunity, available on a lateral move basis only. Applications are open to Core Scottish Government employees only.
Location – This post can be based in Edinburgh or Glasgow and in line with our current ways of working, our team follows a hybrid working approach, where colleagues use a mix of office based and remote working depending on the requirements of the role and personal circumstances. The team currently works out of both Victoria Quay and Atlantic Quay 5.
Overview: Child Winter Heating Payment supports families with disabled children and young people who have the highest care needs. Winter Heating Payment supports low income households who are also of pension age, a disabled adult or a family who have responsibility for either a child under the age of five or a disabled child. Our Pension Age Winter Heating Payment supports pension age households, with a tax ‘clawback’ in place for individuals who have an income of over £35,000.
This Policy Officer role sits within the Social Security Strategy, Welfare Fund and Winter Benefits Policy Unit. The Winter Heating Benefits policy team is responsible for the three Winter Heating benefits. The team is made up of 1x C1 (Winter Heating Benefits and the Welfare Fund Team Leader), 1 x B3 (Winter Heating Benefits Policy Manager), 1 x B2 (Policy Officer), 1 x B1 (Policy Officer).
This role offers experience in a high‑profile policy area, focusing on reviewing and delivering amendment legislation and the development and delivery of an evaluation across the suite of Winter Heating Benefits. These are key pieces of work which will support the ongoing improvement to our Winter Heating Benefits. The successful candidate will also support the Policy Manager, particularly in responding reactively to any issues raised regarding the live-running benefits, and will provide Ministerial support, working closely with internal and external stakeholders.
Key responsibilities:
- Delivering high‑quality policy analysis and Ministerial advice across all Winter Heating Benefits.
- Supporting Ministers with briefing, parliamentary business, and correspondence.
- Providing ongoing policy support to Social Security Scotland, including resolving case queries and contributing to continuous improvement of benefit delivery.
- Reviewing legislation across all three benefits to ensure it reflects intended policy aims.
- Contributing to the development and delivery of the Winter Heating Benefits evaluation scheduled for winter 2026/27.
- Managing a B1 Policy Officer.
Person Specification:
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workloads and competing demands to ensure deadlines are met.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work positively with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to produce high quality, evidence-based briefing for Ministers.
- Ability to work with a range of information, contributing to recommendations based on the analysis of evidence.
- Ability to deliver at pace, prioritising and working flexibly where necessary.
Behaviours Being Tested:
- Seeing the big picture
- Making effective decisions
- Communicating and influencing
- Working together
This post is a full time role, but we welcome applications from staff with different working patterns, proposed working patterns will be assessed against the business requirements for this post.
Further information about this opportunity is available from SSD_WFP@gov.scot
Please submit an Expression of Interest (maximum 500 words) outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team. Vacancies close at 11:59pm on the date displayed in the table, unless otherwise stated on the job advert.
Interviews to be confirmed. Applications will be reviewed by panel. Shortlisted candidates who are considered to have the skills and experience will be invited to interview with the hiring manager and another panel member. The panel will recommend the candidate considered most suitable for the post.
Policy Officer - Winter Heating Benefits in Glasgow employer: Scottish Government
As a Policy Officer within the Social Security Directorate, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to improving the lives of vulnerable communities in Scotland. Our hybrid working model promotes a healthy work-life balance, while our supportive culture encourages professional development and collaboration with a diverse range of stakeholders. Join us in Edinburgh or Glasgow to make a meaningful impact through your work on Winter Heating Benefits, all while enjoying the unique advantages of working in a dynamic government environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Policy Officer - Winter Heating Benefits in Glasgow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to colleagues and connections within the Scottish Government. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of Winter Heating Benefits. Show us you’re passionate about the policy area and ready to tackle any questions that come your way.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! You’ll need to convey complex ideas clearly, 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 the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Policy Officer - Winter Heating Benefits in Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your Expression of Interest, keep it clear and to the point. We want to see your relevant skills and experience without wading through unnecessary fluff. Stick to the 500-word limit and make every word count!
Show Your Passion:Let us know why you're excited about the Winter Heating Benefits role! Share your enthusiasm for social security policy and how you can contribute to improving the lives of those who rely on these benefits. A bit of passion goes a long way!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the specific responsibilities and qualifications mentioned in the job description. Highlight your organisational skills and ability to work with stakeholders, as these are key to the role. We love seeing how you fit into our team!
Proofread Before Submitting:Before hitting that submit button, take a moment to proofread your application. Typos and grammatical errors can distract from your message. We want to see your best work, so give it a final check to ensure it's polished and professional!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Government
✨Know Your Policy Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of Winter Heating Benefits and related policies. Brush up on recent changes, key statistics, and how these benefits impact different demographics. This will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle real-life situations. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed competing demands or resolved stakeholder issues. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Policy Officer, you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Prepare to demonstrate your written and verbal communication skills during the interview. You might be asked to summarise complex information or draft a brief on the spot, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the team dynamics, current challenges in the Winter Heating Benefits area, or future projects. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
