Maximizing the Casework Operation
Do's
- Do determine and communicate a clear definition of casework.
- Do assess environmental and political factors, and the Member’s goals and interests, when determining the role and priority of casework.
- Do develop clear policies and procedures for conducting casework.
- Do take care to effectively hire, train and manage your Caseworkers.
- Do maintain high-quality, up-to-date constituent and case information, agency information and public information about casework.
- Do clearly define the relationship and tone Caseworkers should establish with the agencies they interact with.
- Do regularly produce and review casework reports from the constituent database.
- Do revise casework policies and procedures based on changes in the Member’s priorities, caseloads, and the needs of constituents.
Don'ts
- Don't allow changes in casework volume to have significant impact on the quality of casework.
- Don't neglect to enforce casework policies and procedures and keep all Caseworkers operating in the same way.
- Don't forget to provide Caseworkers opportunities to let off steam so they do not burn out.
- Don't miss opportunities, such as seminars and CRS programs, to enhance Caseworkers’ knowledge.
- Don't use casework reports to shame Caseworkers or pit them against one another.
- Don't fail to conduct a thorough review of casework priority, policies and procedures annually or biennially.
- Don't neglect to establish clear policies and procedures for other constituent services, such as military academy nominations, letters of commendation and tour and flag requests.
Details
Copyright 2010, Congressional Management Foundation
Paperback: 244 pages
Publisher: Congressional Management Foundation; 3rd edition (March 8, 2010); Reprinted in 2017
ISBN-13: 978-1-930473-13-3
Dimensions: 7.5 x 9.25 inches
- Download the entire book in PDF:
Keeping It Local: A Guide for Managing Congressional District & State Offices(2.5 MB)
Pricing for Hardcopies
Price: $25.00
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