Caretaker Handyperson

The Caretaker Handyperson is a new role at the charity and is for a period of 6 months, working 21 hours per week. You will work closely with the Facilities Manager to ensure our properties are well-maintained and provide a safe and welcoming environment to enable the charity’s wider plans. You will be the eyes and ears of the Buildings Team, spotting, reporting and resolving problems. You will also be helping the housekeeper with delivering the refreshments, including light lunches, during busy periods and stepping in to cover holidays and sickness.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE
• Undertake general repairs and maintenance of the buildings and their surroundings, including items in the Annual Maintenance Plan, using power tools if required.
• Monitor the state of all properties, taking the initiative to resolve problems encountered or report those which are beyond the scope of the role.
• Maintain the floors in the halls of the two community centres, using floor cleaning machines where appropriate.
• Oversee the work of building contractors whilst on site.

CLEANING
• Carry out cleaning and grounds maintenance duties, including the external waste storage areas.
• Keep internal storage spaces secure, tidy, safe and accessible.
• Keep footpaths immediately outside buildings clear of rubbish, foliage, snow etc. and undertake gritting duties around all buildings as soon as the need arises.
• Monitor the supply of consumables and replenish them on a regular basis.

SECURITY
• Act as a key holder, on rota.
• Respond to any breach of security/sounding of fire and/or security alarms, including out of normal working hours.
• Close premises as directed by the Facilities Manager, ensuring that the check-list is completed.

ROOM HIRES AND PORTERING
• Make ready rooms which are to be used for bookings, ensuring that required furniture, equipment and refreshments are available.
• Troubleshoot buildings-related matters during room bookings.
• Clear and clean rooms after room bookings end and notify Front of House if problems are encountered.
• Receive and distribute goods between premises as appropriate.
• Collect or deliver goods including by car, van and public transport, when required.

HEALTH AND SAFETY
• Immediately clear away or zone-off hazard areas.
• Undertake checks and record results in relation to fire safety.
• Induct and monitor the work of tradespeople who are on site.

OCCASIONAL DUTIES
• Attend special events organised by Pembroke House which may be during the evenings or at weekends.
• Attend monthly team meetings held during the evening.
• Complete other tasks commensurate with the level of the role.

OTHER
• Act as a Fire Warden making daily/weekly/periodic checks and follow up actions.
• Take part in weekly and monthly meetings of all staff or smaller project-based teams helping foster effective team-working and a coherent approach across all our activities.
• Contribute to developing the learning framework for our organisation as a whole by taking part actively in discussions and learning days.
• Take part in the life of Pembroke House by mucking in when a team effort is required to get something done.
• A commitment to the Equal Opportunities Policy of Pembroke House.

Who we’re looking for
The person we appoint to this role will be passionate about buildings and customer service. We use our buildings to provide welcoming, safe and multi-use spaces that are accessible to all, as well as to generate income for our work. Our buildings are either listed or of architectural significance and include a functioning church. All require sensitivity in their repairs and maintenance.

We are looking for someone who gains satisfaction from looking after buildings and seeing them function well. You will also enjoy meeting the public and have a friendly and helpful manner in responding to their requests, as is required of a front line worker.

Person specification:
*General building repairs and maintenance skills e.g. minor repairs, plumbing, painting and decorating, carpentry and joinery and minor electrical works
• Basic IT skills including email, MS Word and Excel
• Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate or willingness to undertake training (at our expense) to obtain one
• A working knowledge of Health and Safety legislation and compliance including COSHH
• A manual handling certificate and physically able to move multiple heavy objects such as meeting room furniture
• Able to use chemicals involved in cleaning whilst wearing PPE
• Literate and numerate
• Able to work at height and outdoors
• Able to use initiative to respond to a range of challenges
• Have a sensitive but firm approach with people
• Holder of a current driving licence
• Able to work flexible hours including some evenings and weekends, with time off in lieu
• Be sensitive to the ethos of St Christopher’s Church
• Commitment to the Equal Opportunities, Data Protection, and Child and Vulnerable Adult Safeguarding Policies of Pembroke House
• A passion for the vision and mission of Pembroke House

Pembroke House is a centre for social action and residential community in Walworth, south-east London.

We were founded in 1885, by students from Pembroke College, Cambridge, as one of the first settlement houses. Shocked by growing poverty and inequality, the pioneers of the settlement movement sought a new approach; taking up residence to live, work and solve problems alongside local communities.

For over 130 years, we’ve been working to bridge traditional divides and unite people – whatever their background or walk of life – in building a better Walworth. We currently manage two public buildings - Pembroke House and the Walworth Living Room - as well as three Houses in Multiple Occupation.