Caseworker

Caseworker

Manchester Full-Time 30000 - 42000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Help resolve complaints and make a real difference in public services.
  • Company: Join the vibrant team at the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman in Manchester.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a Civil Service pension, 32.5 days leave, and flexible hybrid working.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture with opportunities for career progression.
  • Why this job: Be part of a mission to improve public services and support individuals in need.
  • Qualifications: Analytical mindset, excellent communication skills, and a can-do attitude required.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.

Overview

Candidates who have previously applied within the last 6 months are kindly encouraged not to reapply at this time.

Please note, we reserve the right to close the advert early if we receive a high volume of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Make a difference, join our team.

The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) is a modern, vibrant organisation full of passionate, committed people. We make final decisions on complaints that have not been resolved by UK Government departments and the NHS in England. We work closely with people to understand where, how and why public services sometimes fall short and fail to put people first. And we find ways to put it right.

Based in the centre of Manchester, we employ 600 individuals, collaboratively working together to make voices heard. We have created a diverse and inclusive culture that is supportive, whilst offering flexibility and hybrid working.

The role

We have grown significantly as an organisation last year and are continuing to grow. As our team grows, we\’re looking for multiple caseworkers to help make sure every complaint makes a difference.

You will analyse evidence, speak to complainants and NHS or other government departments and liaise with our own Clinical Advisers to reach decisions on whether to uphold complaints.

Our Caseworkers bring experience from all walks of life. Some have been solicitors; others are nurses or complaints investigators in local government. Others are recent graduates who combine great customer service experience with writing and analysis skills.

Whatever your background, if the following sounds like you we would love to hear from you:

  • an analytical mindset
  • able to consider conflicting information and reach well-reasoned, impartial decisions
  • able to interpret evidence from different sources and view things logically
  • empathetically and sensitively
  • able to communicate well, in writing and verbally with all people
  • excellent writing skills, able to present complex information in a clear format
  • resilient with a can-do attitude, some of our cases involve sensitive and upsetting situations
  • able to work towards targets and meet deadlines
  • organised and can balance conflicting priorities, often in a fast-paced or dynamic environment.

This is an exciting opportunity to help make a difference in society. The work we do is extremely important in righting individual wrongs, informing public policy and driving improvements in public services.

We offer the opportunity for progression. We have seen Caseworkers progress to Senior Caseworker positions, management positions, and positions in our internal quality and training teams. Some of our current Assistant Casework Directors joined us as Caseworkers.

Benefits

  • Civil Service Pension scheme
  • 32.5 days annual leave
  • hybrid working – 40% office based
  • access to a free, confidential Employee Assistance Programme offering 24/7 advice and support from professionals and counsellors
  • comprehensive learning and development programme
  • employee discount scheme across hundreds of retailers
  • bicycle loan scheme
  • season ticket loan
  • paid for professional memberships

We recognise the value of lived experience. If you have experience of complaining about any public body, we strongly encourage you to apply.

We know the value of having diverse, representative teams across our organisation. Which is why we particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented within the team. These include people who are:

  • Asian, Black, Mixed Ethnicity or another ethnic background
  • disabled
  • LGBTQ.

Equality, diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing are vital to the way we work and our culture. We want our colleagues feel included, valued, and supported at work. It is essential that we are representative and accessible for the people who work here and those who use our service.

Actions we take to embed this include:

  • an anonymised shortlisting process to make sure it is fair and unbiased
  • monitoring the demographic trends in our workforce and making measured, sustained efforts to improve our diversity at all levels
  • providing wellbeing support and opportunities for personal and professional development for all colleagues
  • creating spaces for connection and engagement through our employee network groups and social clubs
  • part of the disability confident scheme
  • providing reasonable adjustments
  • engaging in regular inclusion learning to enhance the cultural competency of our organisation.

Key dates

Please note due to the training for the role, the start date is fixed and is 11 May 2026, you must be available for the following 3.5 weeks. We are unable to offer any flexibility on this date. Training is delivered as a mix of in office and virtual sessions and you will be required to be in the office for three days per week throughout this initial training period

However, if this date doesn’t work for you keep an eye out for upcoming recruitment. Due to growth, we are likely to be recruiting Caseworkers in the near future. Alternatively, you can register for job alerts on our careers page.

If you would like to learn more about the role and hear from our team directly, come along to one of our virtual open day sessions. Our colleagues will explain the role in depth and give you a chance to ask questions.

Sessions will be held via Microsoft Teams:

  • Thursday 15 January 2026 at 12:00 pm
  • Meeting ID: 314 008 246 385 22
  • Passcode: AX6923bC
  • Tuesday 20 January 2026 at 17:30 pm
  • Meeting ID: 380 452 183 502 30
  • Passcode: 9Fd2gz2A
  • Thursday 22 January 2026 at 12:00 pm
  • Meeting ID: 348 765 844 383 50
  • Passcode: rP3JF7zN

Selection process

Application: you will be asked four questions as part of your application. You must use strong, clear examples, using the STAR method to answer questions. Question one will be used as an initial sift, if unsuccessful at this stage you will not be taken through to shortlist stage. Please do not use AI as this may result in in your application being rejected.

Assessment: if you are shortlisted for the role, you will be invited to complete a written assessment online. We will then invite candidates that pass the written assessment for interview in person.

Due to the high volume of applications, the need to carefully assess written assessments and the number of interviews we’ll be conducting, we anticipate a longer recruitment process.

Interview date: 09/03/2026 – 20/03/2026

If you would like to learn more about the role, please contact: Ruth Gray, Operations Manager at Ruth.Gray@ombudsman.org.uk

Interviews will be held onsite.

Please note that we do not offer feedback at application stage.

PLEASE NOTE: We can only consider applications from candidates who have the right to work in the UK. We are unable to offer sponsorship as we do not have a licence.

We do not accept CV’s. To apply for the role, please complete the application form by clicking on the ‘apply now’ button.

No agencies. Applications from individuals only.

Important notice: fraudulent job postings

We have been made aware that some websites are falsely advertising job vacancies for the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO). We only advertise job vacancies through these official channels:

– our website

– LinkedIn

– GOV.uk

– Indeed

Do not share personal details with any other websites claiming to represent PHSO. Contact our recruitment team to report any concerns at recruitment@ombudsman.org.uk

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Caseworker employer: Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman

The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) is an exceptional employer located in the heart of Manchester, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With a commitment to making a meaningful impact on public services, PHSO provides extensive benefits including a Civil Service Pension scheme, generous annual leave, and opportunities for career progression, ensuring that every team member feels valued and supported in their role.
Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman

Contact Detail:

Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Caseworker

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the organisation! Research the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, their values, and recent news. This will help you tailor your approach and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.

✨Tip Number 2

Practice your communication skills! As a Caseworker, you'll need to articulate your thoughts clearly. Try mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable discussing your experiences and how they relate to the role.

✨Tip Number 3

Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. This can give you insider knowledge about the role and the team culture, plus it shows your enthusiasm for joining the organisation.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the opportunity. Don’t forget to highlight your analytical mindset and empathy in your application!

We think you need these skills to ace Caseworker

Analytical Mindset
Impartial Decision-Making
Evidence Interpretation
Empathy
Verbal Communication
Written Communication
Complex Information Presentation
Resilience
Target Orientation
Organisational Skills
Prioritisation
Adaptability
Customer Service Experience
Collaboration

Some tips for your application 🫡

Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing, make sure to read the job description thoroughly. It’s packed with clues about what we’re looking for in a candidate. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Caseworker.

Show Off Your Writing Skills: Since excellent writing is key for this role, make sure your application is clear and concise. Use simple language to present complex information, and don’t forget to proofread for any typos or grammatical errors. We want to see your best work!

Be Authentic and Personal: We love hearing your unique story! Share your experiences and what drives you to apply for this position. Whether it’s your background or a personal connection to public services, let your personality shine through in your application.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website. This ensures that your application gets to us directly and helps you avoid any fraudulent postings. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!

How to prepare for a job interview at Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman

✨Know the Organisation

Before your interview, take some time to research the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman. Understand their mission, values, and the types of complaints they handle. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in making a difference.

✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills

As a Caseworker, you'll need to analyse evidence and make impartial decisions. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully interpreted conflicting information or made tough decisions. Be ready to discuss your thought process during these situations.

✨Demonstrate Empathy and Communication

This role requires excellent communication skills and a sensitive approach. Think of instances where you've had to communicate complex information clearly or dealt with upset individuals. Practise articulating these experiences, focusing on how you showed empathy and understanding.

✨Prepare for the Written Assessment

Since there's a written assessment as part of the selection process, brush up on your writing skills. Practise summarising complex information and presenting it clearly. This will not only help you in the assessment but also in your role as a Caseworker, where clear writing is crucial.

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