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- Tasks: Lead mental health social work, shaping national policy and improving outcomes for individuals.
- Company: Join the National Social Work Agency, a key player in Scotland's social work landscape.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a chance to influence real change.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on mental health social work and advocate for vulnerable communities.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in social work and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team driving forward a skilled and sustainable workforce.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Do you want an exciting opportunity to join the new National Social Work Agency (NSWA) as Professional Social Work Adviser for Mental Health social work, with a key role in shaping the development of the Agency and have a lasting influence on the future of the social work profession in Scotland?
We are seeking a highly experienced social worker to lead on all aspects of mental health social work, working closely with policy teams across the Scottish Government to ensure that national policy is informed by professional advice and experience. They will be prepared to challenge both national and local approaches to policy development and implementation. They will uphold a collective commitment to improve outcomes for people guided by person-led principles and underpinned by social justice and human rights.
They will support the National Chief Social Work Adviser and Deputy Chief Social Work Adviser ensuring the provision of professionally informed advice across government policy with a specific focus on mental health social work and the role of Mental Health Officers. They will work alongside Professional Social Work Advisers for children’s, adults and justice services and also be a member of the senior leadership team of the NSWA. They will also work closely with the Mental Health delivery unit within the Scottish Government with a focus on improvement and engagement with the sector.
They will provide strategic and organisational leadership to the NSWA, as a new executive agency, whilst also providing advice to Scottish Ministers on all matters relating to mental health social work. They will help shape national government policy across adult social work, impacting the delivery of social work services, respond to emerging challenges, and ensure that social work practice across Scotland is informed, consistent, and achieves the highest standards. They will have a strong voice within the Scottish Government, be a champion for the cross-cutting nature of social work, and influence the many policy areas which impact specifically on mental health and adult social work which rely on the profession to deliver improved outcomes for the people of Scotland.
Collaboration with social work sector partners is vital, with local government, local leaders and social work employers. The Scottish Social Work Partnership has been formed; an alliance between NSWA, COSLA and Social Work Scotland, with involvement from sector partners. As a principal partner in the partnership, you will help drive forward the joint vision for a skilled, supported and sustainable workforce – one that is equipped to meet the needs of Scotland’s people now and in the future.
Responsibilities
- Provide well-informed, high quality and timely professional advice to Scottish Ministers and Government officials on statutory responsibilities as they relate to mental health social work and social care practice, regardless of setting.
- Ensure social work has a strong voice within Scottish Government, advocating for the profession in national policy development and collaborating across government to ensure policy aligns with front line practice and implementation.
- Become a key member of the NSWA’s senior management team for the Agency, ensuring the Agency delivers its core objectives/functions and is recognised as the source of mental health social work advice and guidance across national government.
- Promote professional leadership for the profession, working closely with partners to advance professional accountability, and drive service improvement across the sector.
- Contribute to national policy development across the Scottish Government, advising on the implications of new legislation and government initiatives for the social work profession, working collaboratively to find practical, consensus-driven solutions that improve outcomes.
- Challenge conventional approaches to delivery of social work services within and beyond Scottish Government to support improvement and transformation in the sector, including recognising the financial implications of introducing new practices involving budgetary expenditure.
- Promote the vital role of social work in protecting vulnerable individuals and groups, raising standards, and developing a confident, competent, and valued workforce focused on service user needs.
- Lead national policy forums and represent the NSWA and Scottish Ministers as required, fostering strong, collaborative relationships with key partners to enhance the effectiveness of the NSWA, the profession, and social work services across Scotland.
- Promote the raising of standards and the development of a confident, competent and valued social work workforce focused on the needs of the service user including contributing to the embedding of effective professional governance at a local level.
National Social Work Adviser: Professional Social Work Adviser for Mental Health employer: Scottish Government
Contact Detail:
Scottish Government Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land National Social Work Adviser: Professional Social Work Adviser for Mental Health
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with professionals in the social work field, especially those involved in mental health. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the NSWA and its role in shaping mental health policy. Understand their current challenges and think about how your experience can help tackle them. We want to see you shine, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! As a potential adviser, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and influence. Share examples from your past where you’ve driven change or improved outcomes in social work. We love hearing about real-life impacts!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who are ready to make a difference in mental health social work. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace National Social Work Adviser: Professional Social Work Adviser for Mental Health
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in mental health social work. We want to see how your background aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant skills!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a key member of the NSWA’s senior management team, we’re looking for someone who can lead and inspire. Be sure to include examples of how you've provided strategic leadership or influenced policy in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and get straight to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly and helps us keep track of all applications efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Government
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest mental health policies and practices. Brush up on current legislation and how it impacts social work in Scotland. This will show your commitment and expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a National Social Work Adviser, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership. Prepare examples of how you've led teams or initiatives in the past, especially in challenging situations. Highlight your ability to advocate for social work and drive improvements.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
Collaboration is key in this role. Think of instances where you've successfully worked with various stakeholders, such as government officials or local leaders. Be ready to discuss how you can foster partnerships to enhance social work services.
✨Be Ready to Challenge the Norm
This position requires someone who can think critically and challenge existing practices. Prepare to discuss your views on current approaches to mental health social work and how you would advocate for change. Show that you're not afraid to push boundaries for better outcomes.
