We are looking for a reliable, practical and experienced Maintenance Assistant to join our residential care home team. Our home supports mainly residents living with dementia, so the successful applicant must be patient, respectful and able to carry out maintenance work with minimal disruption to residents’ daily lives.
Position details
Employment type: Permanent, full-time
Contracted hours: 30 hours per week
Salary: £15.00 per hour
You may occasionally be called upon to attend the care home outside your regular working hours to ensure the safety of the home and its residents in the event of an emergency that cannot reasonably be postponed until normal working hours.
Main responsibilities:
- Carrying out routine maintenance, painting, decorating and general repairs
- Completing minor plumbing repairs, including unblocking drains, repairing leaks and replacing washers
- Undertaking basic electrical tasks, such as changing light bulbs, replacing plugs and resetting trip switches
- Maintaining internal and external fixtures and fittings
- Carrying out minor carpentry work where required
- Ensuring equipment, facilities and resident areas remain safe and in good working order
- Identifying repairs that require a qualified specialist or external contractor
Health and safety
- Conducting regular safety checks throughout the building and grounds
- Testing fire alarms, emergency lighting and other safety equipment
- Maintaining clear and accurate records of maintenance work and safety checks
- Reporting health and safety concerns to the Home Manager immediately
- Following all relevant health and safety, COSHH and fire-safety requirements
- Keeping maintenance areas, storage rooms and workspaces clean, safe and organised
Grounds and external areas
- Maintaining gardens, pathways and external areas so they remain safe and presentable
- Keeping entrances, car parks and external routes clear and accessible
- Carrying out seasonal duties, including gritting during cold weather
- Maintaining outdoor furniture and equipment
- Checking that external lighting is working correctly
Reactive maintenance
- Responding promptly to maintenance requests from staff and management
- Prioritising urgent repairs affecting residents’ safety, comfort or wellbeing
- Liaising with external contractors when specialist work is required
- Monitoring contractor work to ensure it is completed safely, effectively and with minimal disruption to residents
Records and compliance
- Maintaining accurate maintenance logs and compliance records
- Keeping an inventory of tools, equipment and materials
- Ordering supplies and equipment within agreed budget limits
- Supporting the home during audits and inspections, including those conducted by CQC, Environmental Health and the Fire and Rescue Service
Essential requirements
- Previous experience in a similar maintenance or handyperson role is essential
- Basic knowledge and practical experience of plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, painting and decorating
- A good understanding of workplace health and safety procedures
- Practical problem-solving skills and a positive, can-do attitude
- Ability to work independently and as part of a wider care-home team
- Good time-management and organisational skills
- Flexibility to respond to urgent maintenance issues
- Good communication skills and a professional manner
- Physical ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, carry and work at height using the appropriate equipment
- Reliability, trustworthiness and the ability to remain calm under pressure
Experience working in a care home, hospital or similar environment is desirable. A valid UK driving licence is also desirable.
Working in our residents’ home
Applicants must understand that the care home is first and foremost the residents’ home. Maintenance work must be planned and completed respectfully around residents’ routines, meals, activities, rest periods and individual needs.
The successful applicant must:
- Be comfortable working around residents living with dementia
- Communicate calmly and respectfully with residents
- Respect residents’ privacy, dignity and personal space
- Use discretion when entering residents’ bedrooms or private areas
- Minimise noise and disruption wherever possible
- Keep tools, materials and work areas secure to protect residents’ safety
Pre-employment requirements
The successful applicant will be required to provide:
- Satisfactory employment references
- Proof of the right to work in the UK
- A satisfactory enhanced DBS check
- Evidence of relevant experience or qualifications where applicable
The successful applicant must also complete all required mandatory training, including Health and Safety, Fire Safety, Infection Control and Safeguarding, and comply with all care-home policies and procedures.
Please note: We are currently unable to offer visa sponsorship. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK.
Pay: £15.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
