James Duddridge MP is seeking to recruit a full-time Junior Caseworker and Chief of Staff (maternity cover - fixed term 1 year).
Both positions will be based in the MP's busy constituency office in Southend-on-Sea.
Full job descriptions can be found below and interested candidates should send a one-page cover letter and full CV to Pindie Kuzvinzwa: [email protected], with either the subject line: "Caseworker Application" or "COS Maternity Cover".
Junior Caseworker
Location: Southend-on-Sea
Salary: Within IPSA guidelines
Closing Date: 09:00am - 4 September 2019
Job Details
The role will focus on constituency casework and policy correspondence and will involve dealing directly with constituents on a wide range of issues. It will include:
- Dealing with constituents' correspondence/problems and progressing casework
- Drafting responses on behalf of the Member to constituents
- Providing information, advice and support to constituents over the phone or in writing
- Maintaining accurate records and files
- Attending Advice Surgeries and meetings in the constituency
- General office administration and support
The following skills are essential:
- Ability to provide advice and support to constituents through liaison with Government Agencies, the voluntary sector and other bodies
- Excellent written skills
- A polite telephone manner, and an ability to remain calm in difficult situations.
- An appreciation of the importance of attention to detail and a thorough approach to completing all tasks
- Ability to empathise with others
- Strong organisational and people skills
- Ability to manage a large case load efficiently
- Competent use of IT. Experience using casework processing software is desirable but not essential
- An understanding of the importance of record keeping and dealing with confidential and sensitive information appropriately
- Ability to work flexibly and as part of a small team
You should be self-motivated, reliable, have sound judgement and be prepared to work both as part of a small team or individually. You should have the ability to take responsibility for and manage a large case load.
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.
Chief of Staff (Maternity Cover - Fixed Term 1 Year)
Location: Southend-on-Sea
Salary: Within IPSA guidelines
Closing Date: 09:00am - 13 September 2019
Job Details
The successful applicant will be responsible for managing a small team and running offices in both London and the constituency. The role is based in Southend.
The role will include coordinating the team's busy workload and overseeing team contracts, leave and training.
Responsibilities include:
- Managing James Duddridge’s parliamentary inbox
- Responding to telephone and email enquiries
- Diary management and arranging parliamentary and constituency commitments
- Providing research to accompany James to meetings and events
- Occasionally accompanying James to events and on constituency visits as well as attending meetings on his behalf
- Being the main point of contact for all stakeholders
- Monitoring the budgets, actioning all MP’s expenses with IPSA and ordering office equipment and stationery
- Managing interns and work experience
- Recruiting and onboarding new staff
- Managing the HR in the office, in terms of staff wellbeing, hiring and ending of staff contracts
- Keeping up-to-date with House business and whipping
- Advising James Duddridge on debates, speeches and timings
- Analysing, evaluating and interpreting data to ensure James is accurately informed on key issues
- Arranging tickets for debates and tour requests
The role demands a dedicated team player who can lead, manage and inspire with excellent communication skills and a relentlessly positive outlook whatever the political weather. The ability to be flexible and to take on a myriad tasks is essential given the size of the team.
The following skills will be essential:
- Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
- Excellent communication skills, written and oral
- Evidenced ability to prioritise different projects and work to tight deadlines
- Being IPSA literate and having worked for an MP or Peer before.
The following skills are desirable:
- Evidenced experience of managing a small team.
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.
Candidates who need to serve out a long notice period in their current job would only be considered in exceptional circumstances.
Interested candidates are advised to apply as soon as possible as the application will be closed should we find the right candidate before the closing date.
Please note given the high volume of applications only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
