Kerry McCarthy, MP for Bristol East, is looking for a Caseworker to join her constituency-based team.

You will manage complex and sensitive cases working with the wider team, Government departments and external organisations to progress issues. A working knowledge of current policy relating to immigration and welfare is particularly advantageous.

Kerry is looking for someone who cares deeply about community support, who is also calm under pressure and can demonstrate sound judgement. The ideal candidate will already be experienced in handling casework or advice work, but on-the-job training will be given if required. This role is open to job-sharing and flexible working by agreement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Independently manage a caseload of complex and confidential cases, ensuring they are progressed and properly documented in a timely, professional and sensitive manner.

• Drafting responses to constituents, and liaising with Government agencies (eg Home Office, Department for Work and Pensions), Bristol City Council, the voluntary sector and other organisations.

• Providing briefings for Kerry for constituency surgeries and alerting her to any notable case trends or new issues affecting the constituency.

• Develop expert knowledge of Government policy in relevant areas.

• Organising advice surgeries and other local events, including managing security arrangements.

• Liaising with external stakeholders to resolve cases and support local projects.

Essential skills:

• Empathic, friendly and tactful when dealing with constituent enquiries, with an ability to prioritise workload, working to tight deadlines.

• Excellent verbal & written communication skills and confidence in interacting with people at all levels.

• Prior experience of casework is desirable, or other experience of working directly with the public, for example, in the advice sector or in a legal/ administrative role.

• Experience of immigration, welfare and/ or housing issues is particularly welcome.

• Strong organisational and time management skills.

• Identify with the aims and values of the Labour Party and Kerry McCarthy