Planning Officer x2

Elovate Systems Inc.; Dalkeith; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading child services organization in Scotland is seeking a dedicated individual to lead the development and planning of internal resources for children's services. The role includes enhancing support services and engaging with stakeholders. Candidates must possess a social work degree, extensive experience in service management, and strong communication skills for reporting. This fixed-term position offers a minimum salary of £48,370.86, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding and maintained standards in children and adult protection.

Qualifications

• Post-qualifying experience in service planning or development.
• Substantial experience in the delivery or management of services in social care.
• Specialist knowledge in areas such as learning disabilities or mental health.

Responsibilities

• Lead the review and development of internal resources and workforce.
• Plan and increase internal support services.
• Engage stakeholders and write policies and reports.

Skills

Understanding of modern social work practice

Communication skills for stakeholder engagement

Report writing and presentation skills

Practical experience of partnership working

Education

Degree in social work or equivalent

Post-graduate qualification from a recognised professional institute

Job description

Job Vacancy

Children's Services continues to be impacted by the complex needs of children and families. This is an exciting opportunity to lead the review, planning and development of internal resources, including our workforce.

The post holder will plan and increase internal support services such as residential care, commissioned services and workforce planning. Candidates must have a depth of understanding of modern social work practice, communication skills to support stakeholder engagement and the development of policy and reports.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the review, planning and development of internal resources and workforce.
• Plan and increase internal support services such as residential care and commissioned services.
• Engage stakeholders, write policy and report.

Requirements

• Degree in social work or acceptable equivalent, or post‑graduate qualification from a recognised professional institute.
• Post‑qualifying experience:
  • Direct practice experience of service planning or development.
  • Substantial experience in the delivery or management of services within a social care environment.
  • Practical experience of partnership working and joint commissioning.
  • Proven report writing and presentation skills.
• Essential understanding of Adult Social Care and Health and Community service systems.
• Specialist knowledge in one or more service areas (e.g., learning disabilities, older people, mental health).

Contract & Salary

Contract Status: Fixed term for 2 years – 36 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 52 weeks per year. Minimum actual salary: £48,370.86 per annum.

Additional Requirements

This post is considered Regulated Work with Children and Protected Adults under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. Applicants must not be barred from working with children or protected adults. Successful candidates will require PVG Scheme membership and will need to join the scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update check prior to commencing employment.

Additional Information

If you have difficulty applying for this post, accessing attached documents or require reasonable adjustments, call 0131 271 3063 and state the post reference number. Midlothian Council is undergoing a transformation, so internal candidates may be interviewed before the wider pool.

If you are a trainee of a Midlothian Council Training Programme, have a disability, or have previously been looked after, you are eligible for a guaranteed interview if you meet the essential criteria.

CLOSING DATE – Sunday 18th January 2026 | INTERVIEW DATE – February 2026 (TBC)