CASEWORKER JOB DESCRIPTION – SEPTEMBER 2018

Job Title: Caseworker Working For: Luke Pollard MP (Plymouth, Sutton & Devonport) Location: Plymouth, Devon Salary: £21,000 Job Details

Luke Pollard was elected as the Labour and Co-operative Member of Parliament for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport in June 2017. He has set out an ambitious programme of activities to support local people and help Plymouth get its fair share.

Luke is looking to recruit a highly motivated Caseworker to help in his busy city centre office in Plymouth. The successful candidate will be part of a team working in a demanding and challenging political environment and must possess the ability to manage a large workload independently.

Experience of working in people-facing workplaces, political or casework-type environments would be a strong advantage. Some Saturday work will be required assisting at advice surgeries for constituents. The position is advertised as full- time, however part-time or job share applications will be considered.

Key Tasks

* Provide general and specialist casework support working as part of a casework team. The key focus will be on dealing with constituent casework but may occasionally also include assisting in responding to policy casework.

* Deal with daily enquiries from members of the public by phone, in person, email or letter.

* Staffing the city centre office including helping “walk-ins” who are seeking assistance and other general administrative functions in the office. It is a small local team so an “all hands on deck” approach is the norm.

* Gather relevant information from constituents to progress, resolve or close the case.

* Draft enquiries to government agencies on behalf of constituents.

* Ensure records of contact with constituents are properly logged and recorded using Caseworker.mp software and in line with GDPR and data protection rules.

* Competent use of IT including casework management systems, Microsoft Office, email and internet.

* Ensure cases are dealt with in a sensitive and confidential manner.

* Assist with the work of other colleagues as required and communicate appropriately with internal and external contacts.

* The role will also include working with local people and local community leaders, institutions, councillors, officials and charities on community issues.

* Accompany the MP to advice surgeries and occasional visits in Plymouth.

* The role is based in Plymouth but occasional travel to Westminster may be required.

* Undertake reasonable tasks as requested by Luke Pollard MP.

The successful candidate will have:

* Strong written, communication and analytical skills with a good telephone manner and attention to detail including grammar, spelling and tone of correspondence. Excellent

command of written English is required to produce high quality correspondence, representing the MP in letters and emails.

* Experience of keeping professional notes and accurate records of cases desirable.

* Ability to carry out tasks quickly and to a high standard.

* Willingness to work in a team dealing with a quickly changing environment.

* Experience of working and dealing with the general public, experience of working with people with complex issues and sometimes in a distressed state.

* Previous experience in an MP’s office is an advantage, but not essential, as is experience with an advisory service such as the CAB or similar.

* Being sympathetic to the aims and values of the Labour and Co-operative Parties would be an advantage.

Luke is more interested in the skills you have than whether you went to University so please remember to include life experiences and skills prominently in your application. Plymouth is a fantastic place to live and work. Luke’s job is to try and make it better, greener and fairer. If you have the passion, commitment and energy to join the team please apply.

Upon appointment you will be required to comply with the Baseline Personnel Security Standard, undertaken by the Members’ Staff Verification Office (MSVO). See Members’ Staff Verification Office (MSVO) page for further info. MPs generally pay staff in accordance with IPSA guidelines.

Closing Date: 27 September Interview/Start Dates: Interviews week commencing 8th October Application Details

Accepted applications should include: Covering letter (max one side) explaining how you could fulfil this role and why you would like to work for Luke Pollard MP with brief details of your most recent experience.

An up to date CV (max 2 sides). Contact details of two referees and confirmation of any notice period you would need to give if in current employment. Please apply by email with the subject line “Caseworker Application – YOUR NAME” to luke.pollard.mp@parliament.uk by Sunday 23 September 2018.

We expect a large number of applicants and we will endeavour to get back to all applicants. Website: http://www.lukepollard.org