Job Introduction
Avante Care & Support is a registered charity supporting over 1,000 older people through registered nursing and dementia care homes and home care services. We are a well‑established not‑for‑profit organisation with an experienced and skilled workforce. We are committed to making a positive difference to both individuals and their loved ones through individualized support and guidance.
Job Context
Avante Care & Support operates a number of residential care homes in Kent and South East London. Each home requires substantial maintenance work to preserve the building and grounds, and this role is crucial in delivering high‑quality service for the elderly residents. The post holder will be the principal local resource to maintain the home and grounds and will be supported by the Maintenance Support Manager.
Job Location
The post holder will be normally based in Northbourne Court, Sidcup, Kent but may be required to assist other homes within a reasonable distance to cover absences or additional staffing needs. The position is full‑time, working Monday to Friday, with occasional weekend work. A valid driving licence is required.
Job Summary
The post holder will undertake a range of day‑to‑day maintenance, caretaking and grounds maintenance duties, including minor repairs, redecoration, and ensuring all tasks meet a high standard. Duties will vary based on the home’s needs, and the role requires flexibility, health and safety compliance, and collaboration with the Home Manager.
Main Responsibilities and Duties
All aspects of grounds maintenance: grass cutting, bed and plant care, weeding, edging and maintenance of outbuildings. Perform internal cyclical redecoration and undertake repair and remedial work within competence. Monitor heating and lighting equipment, report defects. Support management in testing fire alarm, call alarm, and emergency lighting systems. Conduct routine H&S inspections, audits, and keep required records (TMV, PAT, flushing/labour, wheelchairs, frames, walking stick inspections, substantiation records, COSHH inventory, calibration, risk assessments, fire drills, food probe calibration). Perform day‑to‑day plumbing and carpentry repairs, maintain equipment safely, and assist with furniture and goods deliveries. Carry out risk assessments before all work, consider risks to clients, visitors and staff, and comply with health and safety, fire regulations, and Equal Opportunities policy. Recommend improvements for the home and grounds, advise on contractor performance, and ensure all duties follow Standing Orders, Policies and Procedures.
Person Specification
Essential experience and skills:
- Previous experience in caretaker capacity.
- Previous experience of grounds maintenance.
- Previous experience of internal and external decoration.
- Experience working in a residential environment.
Desirable experience and skills:
- Comfortable working with elderly people with varying levels of dependency.
- Flexibility and teamwork.
Benefits
- Competitive rates of pay.
- DBS at no cost.
- Pension contributions.
- Free uniform.
- Refer a Friend bonus scheme.
- Training and development opportunities.
- 24/7 access to virtual GP’s, physiotherapy and counselling.
- Employee of the Month & Sparkle Awards.
- Flexible working patterns.
- Discount at over 800 retailers.
- Friendly, supportive, team‑working environment.
Work Details
- Job type: Full‑time, Permanent.
- Expected hours: 37 per week.
- Schedule: Day shift, Monday to Friday.
- Experience required: 1 year in maintenance (required).
- Licence/Certification: Valid driving licence (required).
- Work location: In person.
Equal Opportunity
We are an Equal Opportunities Employer.
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