At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate training and events, manage communications, and support programme delivery.
- Company: Join the new National Social Work Agency making a difference in Scotland.
- Benefits: Exciting work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on trauma-responsive practices and community impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a fast-paced team driving positive change in social work.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and a passion for supporting social work initiatives.
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.
Operations Support - B1 employer: Scottish Government
Joining the National Social Work Agency (NSWA) offers a unique opportunity to be part of a pioneering organisation dedicated to enhancing social work across Scotland. With a strong emphasis on person-centred and trauma-responsive support, employees benefit from a collaborative and dynamic work culture that prioritises professional development and continuous improvement. The NSWA is committed to fostering a supportive environment where staff can thrive, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and impactful careers in social work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Support - B1
✨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 Operations Support - B1
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.
