Job Title: Policy Caseworker/Communication Support Officer

Working For: Jeff Smith MP (Manchester Withington)

Location: Manchester

Salary: In line with IPSA pay scales

Length of Contract: Permanent

Job Details:- Jeff Smith MP is recruiting for a full-time Policy Caseworker/Communication Support Officer, to join his busy Constituency office.

Applicants should have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work well in a small team. A good telephone manner and strong written skills are essential. The successful candidate will be enthusiastic, responsible, able to use initiative and capable of working under pressure to meet deadlines.

Job Specification:

• Managing, tracking, and resolving casework;
• Drafting policy responses to constituents;
• Dealing with email, letter and telephone enquiries, providing information and support to constituents on a broad range of issues;
• Undertaking research and written tasks;  
• Knowledge of Caseworker.mp software;
• Working with the Parliamentary Assistant with all aspects of communication, and  experience would be an advantage;

The following skills are essential:

• Excellent verbal and written communications skills and confidence in interacting with people at all levels;
• Extremely organised and able to prioritise a demanding workload to meet deadlines given;
• Able to deal with sensitive issues in a confidential and timely manner;
• Ability to work quickly and calmly under pressure in a small team or individually;
• Able to deal with high volumes of correspondence and other workload;
• Organised and able to prioritise a demanding workload to meet deadlines;
• Competent use of IT including proficiency in using Microsoft Office, Outlook and the internet;
• Knowledge of social media, including Facebook and Instagram;
• Good knowledge and understanding of local and national political issues and how Parliament would be an advantage;
• Keen interest in current affairs and sympathy with Labour Party values;

Job Description:-

• Carrying out research into a wide range of policy issues and provide accurate information and advice as required;
• Respond to correspondence from constituents on a wide range of policy matters (with access to the Parliamentary Research Service) and liaise with the appropriate government departments/other agencies, on any policy issues raised on behalf of the Member;
• Undertake research tasks using the House of Commons Library and secondary sources to identify relevant information;
• Work with the Member and his Parliamentary Assistant based in Westminster, to identify constituency issues and opportunities to raise them in Parliament;
• Keeping the Member up to date on key policy developments;
• Use caseworker management system to record all transactions accurately and log correspondence and ensure records are kept and information managed confidentially and in line with data protection legislation;
• Managing own workload progress a portfolio of casework and ensure all information is accurately captured;
• Develop and maintain current knowledge of relevant Bills, legislation and campaigns – research local, regional and national issues to support the MP’s work;
• Update the Website, Twitter and Facebook with events and visits and monitor media coverage and brief the Member on relevant issues;
• Prepare newsletters;
• Attending constituency surgeries as required;

Desirable 

• Experience of working in a similar role;
• An understanding of Parliamentary procedures;

•   Knowledge of Jeff’s work in parliament and Manchester Withington;

Support for the Labour Party and its aims is essential.

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.

Interview/Start Dates – to be confirmed.

Applications must be submitted by 6.00pm on Friday 11 October 2024.

Applicants should send a cover letter and CV via email to jeff.smith.mp@parliament.uk marked for the attention of the Office Manager with the subject: “Policy Caseworker Application – and include your full name”.

Closing Date: 11th October 2024