Team Leader – Mental Health Service Renewal - C1

This opportunity is only open to internal Scottish Government applicants who are currently 'Priority Movers'. Applications from individuals not currently on the Priority Mover list will be rejected and not considered.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a leading role, in partnership with delivery partners, to ensure people across Scotland can access mental health services and neurodevelopmental support - at the right time, and in the right place. This post is key to the delivery of mental health service renewal. In particular, the post will be responsible for 2 key deliverables, supporting the development of the third deliverable, a blueprint, and the longer term implementation of the renewal priorities to drive improvement across the system.

We are seeking a high-performing and ambitious leader for the new Service Renewal Team which will sit within Improving Mental Health Services Division, Mental Health and Social Care & National Care Service Directorate.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a leading role, in partnership with delivery partners, to ensure people across Scotland can access mental health services and neurodevelopmental support - at the right time, and in the right place. You will make a significant contribution to achieving the vision and outcomes set out in the Mental Health & Wellbeing Strategy, and directly work on renewal priorities across mental health, as set out in the forthcoming Mental Health and Wellbeing Delivery Plan. This work will be aligned to the Public Service Reform, Health and Social Renewal Framework and the Population Health Framework.

This post is key to the delivery of mental health service renewal. In particular, the post will be responsible for 2 key deliverables, supporting the development of the third deliverable, a blueprint, and the longer term implementation of the renewal priorities to drive improvement across the system. The successful candidate will work in partnership with units across the three Mental Health divisions to deliver a mental health population needs assessment and mental health quality indicators.

The post holder will need to be confident in developing relationships with senior leaders in health, local government and the third sector, to ensure that the renewal work takes into account the roles of each part of our mental health and wellbeing system, as well as working alongside Ministers, senior officials, professional advisers, NHS Boards and delivery partners to support implementation.

This is a new team, and there is considerable scope for a motivated and dynamic Team Leader to scope the work required and shape the work of the team accordingly. The team will also be responsible for ensuring that the learning and work from Mental Health and Adults With Incapacity programme supports the development of the new renewal activities. The team comprises a C1 (this post) and 2 x B3s. You will have line management responsibility for the 2 x B3s. You will also have support from a wider matrix project team and professional advisers.

Responsibilities

Lead implementation of mental health service renewal activity, working strategically and collaboratively with external mental health partners and colleagues in the Directorate and DG to develop a programme to implement the mental health blueprint and outcomes framework to facilitate the delivery of strategic service redesign.

Ensure robust plans are in place for two of the key mental health service renewal deliverables – a Mental Health Strategic Needs Assessment and the Refresh of Mental Health Quality Indicators. This activity should be developed alongside the third element of renewal - work on the Mental Health and Wellbeing Blueprint. In support of these, it is expected modelling work and appraisal of governance options will be required.

Develop and oversee an engagement strategy to ensure the work is driven and shaped collaboratively; key partners include senior leaders in NHS, Integrated Joint Boards, clinical professions, key third sector mental health organisations and people with lived experience.

Directly lead on the coordination of the mental health and neurodevelopmental key deliverables with partner organisations, such as PSD Scotland, Healthcare Improvement Scotland and Public Health Scotland. This will include scoping work to establish how to best ensure mental health funding maximises impact and to establish appropriate oversight.

In conjunction with the mental health blueprint lead, develop a matrix project team across the Directorate to ensure policy alignment and excellent communication on service renewal, and ensure that all 3 key deliverables are taken forward with appropriate governance.

Lead the development of a plan to ensure performance data and evidence from the mental health system is used to provide assurance for Ministers. This will involve working closely with colleagues in the Performance and Delivery Directorate to ensure that there is a robust approach to monitoring performance and driving improvement across services.

Ensure alignment of the mental health renewal plans with wider Health and Social Care Renewal, including the Primary Care Route Map, Community First and the Hospital Flow Plan, and actively engage and contribute to the overarching Health and Social Care Strategic Renewal Framework programme arrangements.

Oversee ministerial and corporate business for the team, including micases, PQs and debates where appropriate.

Experience

• Leading policy development, and programme delivery in a complex environment.
• Managing strategic relationships with senior stakeholders, including NHS Boards, government colleagues and national partners.
• Delivering projects or programmes involving multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
• Using analysis, evidence and performance information to support decision-making and drive renewal.
• Leading and developing high-performing teams, building capability and fostering an inclusive culture.
• Influencing outcomes in politically sensitive or high-profile environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, engagement and relationship-management skills.

Working Pattern

This role is a permanent level transfer position.

This post is a full-time role, but we welcome applications from staff with different working patterns, proposed working patterns will be assessed against the business requirements for this post.

Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role, including Flexi-leave. Scottish Government staff in hybrid-compatible roles should aim to work in-person 40% of the time, either in an office or other agreed work location. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.

How to Apply

• Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive C1 grade employees.
• Please submit a statement outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team (maximum 500 words).
• Vacancies close at 23:59pm on Thursday 22 October.
• If you have questions about your application, please contact [email protected]

Selection Process

All applicants will be invited to an informal discussion with the hiring manager. There will be no formal testing or assessment.

Discussions are expected to be scheduled for w/c TBC

Recruitment Principles

As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principlesand we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases.