Are you experienced in foot and mobile surveillance in the context of criminal investigations? Are you keen to further develop your skills in a role where you can help safeguard vital resources for the people of Scotland who need them? If so, we would really like to hear from you. Everyone in Scotland should have the support they need to live their life and we believe they should be able to get it when and where they need it. That’s why Social Security Scotland has been built around the people of Scotland. However, as fraud is unfortunately a known risk in the benefits being devolved, an appropriate and proportionate response has been established. While our strategy is to design out opportunities for fraud through preventative measures where possible, there remains the possibility that it will still occur. To respond to this, we have implemented Counter Fraud functions, including the use of covert tactics, to detect fraud and recover any associated loss. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to the safeguarding of vital resources for the people of Scotland who need them, by applying for and carrying out directed surveillance in accordance with the Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Scotland) Act 2000 (RIPSA) legislation, for the purpose of proving or disproving fraud allegations. Thereafter you will also document all surveillance activity and retain surveillance footage in accordance with retention policies, to ensure the security and integrity of its content to support potential criminal proceedings. To be a successful candidate, you must hold a valid UK driving licence and be willing to undertake a specialist driver training course relative to the role, as well as additional surveillance training to complement your existing skills and experience. Due to the nature of the role a high degree of flexibility is required. You will be comfortable in a changing environment and enjoy working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to provide assistance, identify opportunities for improvements, and explore new ideas and solutions. What do we offer you? • Access to our flexible working system with potential to accrue up to four additional days’ leave in a four-week period. • Minimum five weeks’ annual leave (pro rata) in addition to 11.5 public and privilege holidays. • Full and comprehensive training, and access to learning and development opportunities to support your personal and professional growth. • Career progression – join a developing organisation with excellent opportunities for career advancement. • Attractive Civil Service pension (employer contributions 28.97%). • Workplace adjustments for everyone who needs them to ensure your comfort and safety in your new role. • Health and wellbeing support including 24-hour access to our Employee Assistance Programme, plus counselling support available for all. Hybrid Working We embrace a hybrid working style where all colleagues will spend time in our offices. Due to the nature of this role, it is a full-time post and you will be expected to work a minimum of 3-4 days per week from your assigned base location of 220 High Street, Glasgow. As this role will be Scotland-wide, it may also require occasional overnight stays and out-of-hours working, including weekends and public holidays. About Us Social Security Scotland is an Executive Agency of the Scottish Government. Our benefits help people from all walks of life in Scotland. We are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that is representative of the clients we serve. Find out more about us here • Carrying out static, foot and mobile surveillance, maintaining operational surveillance logs and using covert recording equipment to gather evidence during authorised directed surveillance. • Working closely with fraud investigators and other internal and external stakeholders in relation to covert activities conducted under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Scotland) Act 2000 RIPSA. • Carrying out risk assessments related to surveillance activity, with responsibility for the application and management of Directed Surveillance Authorities. • Assisting in the preparation and planning of surveillance operations and participation in subsequent briefing and debriefing sessions. • Being responsible for the storage, retention and destruction of surveillance products in line with data protection policies. • Assisting with the collation of all surveillance products to support investigations and subsequent related court proceedings. • Other ad hoc duties relevant to the role. Additional Duties • You will be required to complete a specialist driver training course relative to the role. • You will be required to complete an accredited surveillance course. How to apply To apply for this post, you will need to provide the information requested below via the online application process. A CV (no longer than two pages) setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements - this is accessed through the candidate profile. A Personal Statement (no longer than 1000 words) explaining why you consider your personal skills, qualities and experience suitable for this role, with particular reference to the essential criteria below. 1. Operational surveillance experience including foot/mobile surveillance in relation to a criminal investigation. 2. Experience of working collaboratively with internal and external partners, seeking opportunities to share resources, information, experience and best practice. 3. An ability to consider proportionality and necessity when undertaking enquiries to adequately balance intrusion against level of risk, protecting the rights of suspects while ensuring allegations are thoroughly investigated. 4. A proven ability to work effectively in a team in a changing environment, demonstrating flexibility and contributing to overcoming challenges. 5. A full UK Driving Licence - please indicate within your CV whether or not you have a full UK Driving Licence. Candidates who are invited to interview will be required to bring their original driving licence with them. When considering how your experience relates to the role, please tailor your CV and personal statement to reflect the role and the essential skills/criteria as described in the job description. Both the CV and personal statement will be assessed. When reviewing your application, we will be assessing your career history and achievements against the essential criteria for the role. We’re looking for examples of things you have previously achieved or your knowledge in a particular field which are relevant to the role. We strongly recommend that you utilise the 1000 word limit when completing your personal statement, in order to provide the level of detail required to pass the sift. If we receive a large number of applications, we may complete an initial sift on the first essential criteria. Candidates who pass the initial sift will be progressed to a full sift. If you are invited to an interview and assessment these will be held in person at 220 High Street, Glasgow. Social Security Scotland - Further information for job applicants Information Session If you are interested in applying for a role as a Fraud Investigation Officer (Covert), we highly recommend attending our online Preparation for Application Session. The session will tell you more about the application process, the benefits of working with us, and lots of tips and guidance to help you submit a great application. Apologies if you were unable to access the Preparation for Application session on Monday 29th April 2024 at 11am. To accommodate anyone who did not get access to that session we have added an additional session on Tuesday 30th April at 11.30 -12.30. Click here to join meeting Interview/Assessment Information Here are details of the Competencies required for this role which you will be tested against if you are invited to attend the interview/assessment: • Self-Awareness • Communication and Engagement • Improving Performance • Analysis and Use of Evidence • Specialist Competencies or Knowledge - Operational surveillance experience and skills. Reserve List In the event that further posts are required, a reserve list of successful candidates will be kept for up to 9 months. Recruitment Contact To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Kenneth Milne who can be reached at kenneth.milnesocialsecurity.gov.scot. Further Information This post requires the successful candidate to clear additional National Security Vetting before a start date can be offered. The successful candidate will be expected to remain in post for a minimum of 3 years unless successful in gaining promotion to a higher Band or Grade. Social Security Scotland are a Disability Confident Employer. We will consider and implement any reasonable adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment process and during the course of your employment, should you be successful in securing a post. If you feel you may require assistance with any part of our recruitment process, please contact us at recruitmentsocialsecurity.gov.scot. Social Security Scotland’s recruitment processes are underpinned by the recruitment principles of the Civil Service Commissioner, which outline that selection for appointment be made on merit on the basis of fair and open competition - Recruitment - Civil Service Commission (independent.gov.uk) If you feel at any time your application has not been treated in accordance with the values in the Civil Service Code and/or if you feel the recruitment has been conducted in such a way that conflicts with the Civil Service Commissioner’s Recruitment Principles, you can make a complaint, by contacting Social Security Scotland at recruitmentsocialsecurity.gov.scot in the first instance. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive you can contact the Civil Service Commissioner. If you experience any difficulties accessing our website or completing the online application form, please contact the Resourcing Team via recruitmentsocialsecurity.gov.scot. 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