Description Are you ready to shape the future for social security and disability assistance in Scotland, ensuring dignity, fairness and respect for all? Following the Smith Commission, the Scotland Act 2016 and the Social Security (Scotland) Act 2018 put in place an overarching legislative framework for the administration of social security in Scotland. This work is led by the Social Security Directorate which sits within DG Communities. The Scottish Government has already delivered 15 new payments, including four new forms of assistance for disabled people. Over the last few years, Social Security Policy Division has helped to take forward work to build a compassionate social security system for Scotland. We have taken a safe and secure approach to the transition of people’s payments from DWP to Social Security Scotland. Child Disability Payment was launched in 2021 to replace Disability Living Allowance for children and Adult Disability Payment was launched in August 2022 to replace Personal Independence Payment. This year the pilot of Pension Age Disability Payment has been launched. The work of the division will extend over the coming years to develop and support the implementation of further social security policy for disabled people. As we look beyond a safe and secure transition of people’s payments, we have an excellent opportunity to influence the future of disability assistance in Scotland. These roles sit within the Disability Benefits Policy Unit. This is an exciting time to join this supportive and motivated team, delivering Ministerial ambitions of a different approach to disability benefits by using a person-centred approach. Our vision for disability assistance is that everyone who accesses the social security system is treated with dignity, fairness and respect. Responsibilities Co-ordination and implementation of policy, and the delivery of up-to-date analysis and policy positions in line with Ministerial expectations. Engage with stakeholders, clients and analysts to ensure a robust evidence base for Ministerial advice, covering the feasibility, desirability and affordability of policy options relating to any improvements or changes to our new disability benefits. Developing and refining the policy approach in the live environment and leading on any necessary legislation to ensure delivery of the policy intent. Supporting operational delivery of the new benefits particularly where scenarios require further development to ensure policy objectives are reflected in the development of processes, systems and culture. Overseeing the delivery of effective support to Ministers, through timely and efficient provision of correspondence, Freedom of Information requests, Parliamentary Questions and other relevant business. Maintaining strong relationships with relevant stakeholders by leading participation and engagement with them throughout the implementation phase and beyond. Build and maintain positive and productive working relationships with DWP counterparts to ensure effective join up with reserved benefits when considering future options for disability assistance. Providing a supportive, performance-focused culture for direct reports and supporting colleagues across the wider business area. Qualifications Success Profile Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on. Technical / Professional Skills: Policy Context and Purpose (Level 1 - Developing) You can find out more about the skills required here. Behaviours: Communicating and Influencing Changing and Improving Developing Self and Others Making Effective Decisions You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours, here. How to apply Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 750 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above. If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and a presentation. Assessments are scheduled for w/c 10th February however this may be subject to change. 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, 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. Find out more about what we offer. As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules. Working Pattern Our standard hours are 35 hours per week. We offer a range of flexible and hybrid working options depending on the needs of the role. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us. As well as doing great work and shaping a new public service, we are creating a place that is great to work in. We offer flexible working, support for colleagues, the opportunity to obtain relevant experience, and an inclusive culture where your opinion is valued. You can choose whether to be based in offices in Glasgow or Edinburgh and may also spend time in our Agency HQ in Dundee, the Scottish Parliament, meeting with stakeholders in other parts of Scotland and occasionally meeting with DWP staff in England. The successful applicant will be flexible and work across policy areas to meet priority demands. Equality Statement We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation. Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them. 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.