Kerry McCarthy MP is looking for a caseworker to join her busy team in the Bristol East constituency office.

The caseworker will provide support and advice to constituents on a wide range of issues but with a focus on welfare, immigration and housing and will support constituency activity and engagement.

Kerry is looking for a diligent and professional team player, committed to helping local people and able to operate in a demanding political environment. Particular experience or interest in immigration, housing, welfare, financial and/or home office an advantage.

This role can be full-time/part time or a job share and it is constituency office-based. There may be requirement to work outside of normal hours and to travel for work occasionally.

Key responsibilities:

• Managing and progressing a varied portfolio of casework, including logging cases securely, taking appropriate actions promptly, monitoring updates, and analysing patterns of enquiries.
• Drafting correspondence in a manner which reflects Kerry’s views.
• Liaising with appropriate agencies including government and third sector organisations to help resolve casework.
• Maintain, update and develop knowledge of relevant legislation.
• Attend Constituency meetings and surgeries as required.

Essential skills:

• Excellent IT skills (the office uses Caseworker, MS Office Word, Excel and Outlook).
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communications skills.
• Great telephone manner with the ability to demonstrate patience, empathy and respect confidentiality.
• Ability to draft clear and conscise letters and emails to a high professional standard.
• Happy to work both independently and as part of a small team.
• A non-judgemental outlook and ability to empathise with people in difficult situations.
• Great organisational and office administration skills.
• Excellent time management.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of the issues handled by a Member of Parliament and of the Bristol East constituency.
• Previous experience at working for an MP or in an advice setting.
• Sympathetic to the aims and values of the Labour Party.
• Knowledge of central government agencies (eg Home Office, the Department of Work and Pensions) would be an advantage.
• Applicants are encouraged to have other areas of interest that they can develop expertise to help support what is a diverse and vibrant constituency.