Job Title:
Constituency Assistant
Working For:
Alberto Costa MP (South Leicestershire)
Location:
South Leicestershire
Salary:
In line with IPSA payscales (£16,000 - £25,558)
Job Details:
Alberto Costa MP is seeking a highly motivated, well organised individual to take on the role of Constituency Assistant based in his Constituency Office.
The successful candidate will have the following:
- Ability to carry out tasks quickly and to a high standard, with a clear and concise writing style.
- Good knowledge of key social policy issues: welfare benefits, immigration, housing and health.
- Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
- Excellent organisational skills.
- Strong communication and IT skills.
- A methodical approach to record keeping.
- Keen interest in current affairs.
The job description includes, but is not limited to:
- Correspond with constituents on casework and policy casework matters.
- Provide information, advice and support for individuals on a range of issues including immigration, housing, benefits and other social issues.
- Liaise with government agencies, the voluntary sector and others to resolve problems.
- Communicate with constituents clearly and sensitively over the telephone.
- Attend MP’s surgeries both in constituency office and around South Leicestershire and the region.
- Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of relevant guidelines/legislation as appropriate.
- Maintain an up-to-date knowledge on local issues and how they will affect residents.
- Ensure cases are dealt with in a sensitive and confidential manner, adhering to the Data Protection Act principles and respecting the confidentiality of data at all times.
- Competent use of IT including casework management systems, Microsoft Office packages, email, internet and social media to support the above.
- Assist the MP with other Parliamentary duties including organising and attending visits and liaising with the media, drafting news releases and working with social media.
- Assist with the work of other colleagues as required.
Candidates should be sympathetic to the Conservative Party aims and policies.
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.
Closing Date:
3rd August 2015
Test/Interview/Start Dates:
There is a two stage process. Those shortlisted for stage 1, will be invited to sit a written test on Wednesday 2nd September in South Leicestershire. The test will consist of (1) drafting a letter and (2) a news release based on 2 questions. One hour will be given to complete each question. Stage 1 shortlisted candidates can bring their own laptop or can write the two documents on paper provided. Full instructions will be provided to those shortlisted for the test. Those who pass this test will be invited to stage 2 final interview on Friday 4th September in South Leicestershire. Please inform the organisers whether you have any special needs.
Appointments may be made before the closing date if a suitable candidate is found.
Start date: As soon as possible.
How to apply:
Candidates should send a CV and a covering letter to [email protected] with ‘Constituency Assistant’ as the subject line. Should you require any further details about this post please call the Parliamentary Office of Alberto Costa MP on 020 7219 4936.
Please include details of any notice period, and ensure all documents associated with your application include your full name in the document title i.e. ‘<Full Name>_CV’.
Candidates will be notified via email as to whether they have been shortlisted for the stage 1 test. Due to the high volume of expected applications, we regret we shall only be able to provide feedback to those unsuccessful candidates who have been shortlisted.
You may download the job description and application instructions here - Constituency Assistant