Staffordshire Branch of UNISON

Caseworker - JOB DESCRIPTION

Grade:7 (SP pts U13 – U15)

Salary:£26,840 pa on a scale rising by annual increments to£28,384 pa (as at 1st July 2016)

Hours:35 hours per week

LocationStaffordshire Branch of UNISON

Reports to:Branch Secretary

Accountable to:Branch Executive Committee

Overall summary

The key responsibility of the post is in supporting the branch to maintain appropriate levels of representation for members.

The Caseworker Role

Staff in this post will provide advice, representation, support and guidance to members of the branch employed within the non-core areas including the private sector employers. Supporting the Branch in engaging with employers as required.

Work Areas

  • To provide individual representation and support that covers:

Grievances, disciplinaries, local workplace issues, general advice and guidance to members, mentoring and building individual capacity of activists.

  • To maintain an up to date working knowledge of the key provisions of employment law.
  • To work closely with colleagues to maintain a consistent approach to working with members.
  • To ensure the accurate and secure maintenance of members records, including case files etc (to ensure compliance with the Data Protection Act)
  • To attend meetings of the branch, its committees and sub-committees and other such meetings as required.
  • To prepare reports for meetings of the branch as required.
  • To participate in any agreed training considered relevant to this post.
  • Undertakes other duties as required by the grade definition or job profile of this post.

Staffordshire Branch of UNISON

Caseworker Person Specification and Selection Criteria

UNISON is an equal opportunities employer, committed to providing equal opportunities regardless of race or ethnic origin, gender identity, family situation, sexual orientation, disability, religion or age. This person specification is designed to help members of Interviewing Panels judge the qualities of interviewees in a systematic and consistent way and in accordance with UNISON’s equal opportunities policy. It is given to all job applicants for information.

Heading / Selection Criteria
Thinking / 1.Experience of solving straightforward problems including:
1.1practical problem solving
1.2planning and organising meetings
1.3analysing information
1.4drafting action plans
1.5drafting statements of case
  1. Learning and Development
2.1ability to identify development needs of others
2.2commitment to continuous personal learning and development
Interpersonal & Communication / 3.Experience of advising, guiding or persuading using interpersonal skills to respond to the needs of others:
3.1influencing others
3.2giving advice
3.3drafting correspondence letters, minutes etc
3.4supporting and referring
4Experience of giving advice including:
4.1member/customer care
4.2responding effectively to people who are angry or upset.
4.3conciliation skills to resolve disagreements
5.Experience of effectively working in a team environment
Initiative & Independence / 6.Experience of organising and prioritising own workload including:
6.1decision making within guidelines
6.2following policies and procedures
6.3referring or escalating casework to offers appropriately
Resource Management / 7.Experience of handling or processing material financial or & information resources including:
7.1time management
7.2information management
7.3monitoring expenditure
7.4maintaining confidential information
Physical Skills (with DDA modification where necessary) /
  1. Lifting light equipment
  2. Ability to travel

General Knowledge / 10.Understanding of and commitment to the principles of equality and democracy
  1. General understanding of employment issues
  1. A working knowledge of employment law
  1. Understanding of the role of trade unions
  1. ICT packages including Microsoft Office suite

Other Information

The closing date for applications is Friday 31stMarch 2017 at 4.30pm.

Completed applications should be sent to Ann-Marie Davies, 56 Eastgate Street, Stafford, ST16 2LY or email

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend a formal interview w/c 24th April 2017.

Interviews will take place at the Staffordshire Branch of UNISON, 56 Eastgate Street, Stafford, ST16 2LY.

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