Join to apply for the National Social Work Agency: Professional Social Work Adviser for Adults role at The Scottish Government
Do you want an exciting opportunity to join the new National Social Work Agency (NSWA) as Professional Adviser for adult social work, with a key role in shaping the development of the Agency and having a lasting influence on the future of the social work profession in Scotland?
We are seeking an highly experienced social worker to lead on all aspects of adult 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 adult social work. They will work alongside Professional Advisers for children’s and justice services and will be a member of the senior leadership team of the NSWA.
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 adult social work. They will help shape national government policy across adult social work, impacting the delivery of social work services, responding to emerging challenges, and ensuring 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 work across and influence the many policy areas which impact specifically on adult social work and 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 with 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 adult 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 frontline 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 adult 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 focussed on the needs of the service user, including contributing to the embedding of effective professional governance at a local level.
Qualifications
It is essential that you are a registered social worker with the SSSC or equivalent body.
Success Profiles
Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on.
Experience
* Extensive experience and significant achievement in social work and Service Management at Service/Senior Manager/Head of Services or equivalent in adult’s social work.
* Current knowledge of adult social work services, strengths and challenges and awareness of emerging themes.
* Strong understanding of the Scottish political and policy landscape, with experience of contributing to national reform agendas and aligning services with strategic priorities.
* Proven ability to work across organisational boundaries, to build and maintain partnerships and relationships across stakeholders and politicians that generates confidence, respect and collaborative working.
Behaviours
* Changing and improving - Level 4
* Leadership - Level 4
* Communications and Influencing - Level 4
How To Apply
Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 1000 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified the application will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and presentation.
Assessments are scheduled for w/c 15th December 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 and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role. From October 2025, the Scottish Government will require staff
#J-18808-Ljbffr