Mike Thornton MP is looking for a part-time caseworker to work 3 days a week in his constituency office in Eastleigh. The role will be for 24 hours a week, with a Monday and Friday requirement and the further day to be agreed at the interview.

Skills required:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge of Mike's work and knowledge of the Eastleigh constituency
• Knowledge of the structure and roles of government, from national down to local
• Knowledge of the welfare system would be an advantage
• Knowledge of coalition policies and how they are applied locally
• The ability to get on well with colleagues within a close knit team

Key duties will involve:

• Manage own caseload and progress of casework, ensuring all cases are logged updated with any actions taken and outstanding queries are followed up, with urgent cases reported to the Office Manager and Member.
• Deal with daily queries from members of the public by phone or in person, taking the appropriate initial action to resolve, document or escalate their concerns or enquiries.
• Gather relevant information from constituents in order to progress or close the case.
• Liaise with the appropriate Government agencies, the voluntary sector and others to resolve matters for constituents.
• Provide advice and support to constituents on a variety of issues through liaison with Government agencies, the voluntary sector and others to resolve matters.
• Draft responses or respond to constituents on any issues raised on behalf of the Member.
• Ensure cases are dealt with in a sensitive and confidential manner.
• Ensure records of contact with constituents are kept, with details of each case by adhering to the Data Protection Act principles and respect the confidentiality of data at all times.
• Assist with the work of other colleagues as required and communicate appropriately with internal and external contacts.
• Undertake general administrative/secretarial tasks, eg dealing with replies to the member’s correspondence and carrying out research on local issues.
• Competent use of IT including casework management systems (Training will be provided), Microsoft Office package, email and internet to support the above.

Any other duties related to the post and appropriate to the pay band as directed and agreed by the Member and the Office Manager.