Lead Officer, Financial Inclusion & Welfare Support

Scottish Borders Council; Galashiels; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Scottish Borders Council is seeking a Team Leader (Lead Officer Financial Support and Inclusion) for the Paton Street Galashiels post SBO10511. The role leads a specialist team delivering high-quality financial inclusion services, including welfare benefits support and Discretionary Housing Payments.

You will manage day-to-day operations, support policy development, and work with partners to reduce inequalities and improve outcomes for customers across the Scottish Borders.

Qualifications

• Experience in a welfare rights or financial inclusion environment.
• Demonstrable experience of managing staff and setting objectives.
• Ability to support performance and improve services while working with partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Financial Inclusion Team and associated teams.
• Provide advice on welfare benefits, housing payments and related policy areas.
• Support performance management, quality assurance, service planning and continuous improvement.
• Contribute to poverty reduction, welfare reform and reducing inequalities across the Council.
• Oversee complex cases, appeals, and tribunal-related activity when required.
• Prepare reports and communications to support service delivery and decision-making.
• Promote a positive, inclusive and high-performing team culture.

Skills

Leadership

Welfare rights knowledge

Policy development

Performance management

Education

HND level qualification or equivalent

Job description

Scottish Borders Council is seeking a Team Leader (Lead Officer Financial Support and Inclusion) for the Paton Street Galashiels post SBO10511. The role leads a specialist team delivering high-quality financial inclusion services, including welfare benefits support and Discretionary Housing Payments.

You will manage day-to-day operations, support policy development, and work with partners to reduce inequalities and improve outcomes for customers across the Scottish Borders.