Purpose of Position
This role plays a key part in carrying out a range of general health & safety room checks, cleaning, building maintenance and caretaking tasks, while supporting a safe, respectful and dignified living environment for residents.
The Maintenance Officer will support the Facilities Manager in delivering planned and reactive maintenance tasks, ensuring buildings remain safe, compliant and welcoming. The role also contributes to the organisation’s wider mission by working sensitively within a supported housing environment and recognising residents’ needs.
Work Environment
The position is based within supported housing for individuals who have experienced homelessness and may be living with mental health challenges, substance misuse, or complex trauma. The environment can at times be unpredictable, and properties may experience higher levels of wear and tear than typical residential settings. Candidates must be comfortable working in these environments, demonstrating patience, resilience and a non‑judgemental approach at all times.
Regular access to occupied rooms and communal areas is required, and residents may display challenging behaviours. The successful candidate will be supported by a wider team but must maintain professional boundaries while showing empathy and respect.
Responsibilities & Duties
- Support daily, weekly and monthly planned maintenance tasks (e.g., fire alarm tests, water temperature recording, emergency lighting tests).
- Assist Customer Services with planned room health & safety checks.
- Provide first‑line response to reactive maintenance, cleaning and repairs.
- Carry out minor building repairs including decorating, plumbing and fabric repairs.
- Check plant rooms and boilers for leaks and general condition.
- Ensure equipment is well maintained and safely stored.
- Ensure portable electrical appliances are tested as required.
- Use hand and power tools safely and effectively.
- Assist with inspections of grounds, buildings and facilities.
- Undertake general janitorial and porterage duties.
- Maintain accurate digital documentation and records.
Health & Safety
- Consistently implement Health & Safety procedures.
- Contribute to risk assessments and implement actions.
- Monitor subcontractors to ensure compliance and quality of work.
- Proactively identify and report hazards across properties.
- Clear snow and ensure safe access during adverse weather.
Working with Residents & Environment
- Engage with residents respectfully, using a trauma‑informed and non‑judgemental approach.
- Work within occupied properties with sensitivity and awareness of resident circumstances.
- Build positive, professional relationships while maintaining clear boundaries.
- Remain calm and professional when dealing with distressed or challenging individuals.
- Report safeguarding concerns appropriately and follow organisational procedures.
- Collaborate with housing and support teams for a coordinated approach.
Service Delivery
- Proactively walk communal areas and report maintenance, safety or cleaning issues.
- Monitor and action tasks through internal systems in a timely manner.
- Ensure all duties align with organisational policies and performance standards.
- Undertake other duties within the scope of the role as required.
Important Information About the Role
This is not a standard maintenance role; it involves working in environments affected by complex social issues. Properties may be in poor condition due to resident circumstances, and you may encounter behaviours linked to mental health challenges, trauma or substance use.
The role requires resilience, adaptability and a strong values‑based approach. Full training and support will be provided, but candidates should be confident and motivated to work in this type of environment.
Person Specification
Experience
- Experience of building maintenance, cleaning, caretaking or handyperson duties.
- Experience of risk assessment or health & safety practices.
- Experience working in social housing, supported housing, homelessness services or similar environments (highly desirable).
- Experience working with vulnerable adults or individuals with complex needs (desirable).
Qualifications
- Relevant building trade or health & safety/facilities qualification (desirable).
Skills & Knowledge
- Good understanding of health and safety in a building environment.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Good IT and systems skills.
- Understanding of safeguarding principles (desirable).
- Awareness of trauma‑informed or person‑centred approaches (desirable).
Abilities
- Communicate effectively with a wide range of people while maintaining professional boundaries.
- Manage workload effectively in a dynamic environment.
- Remain calm and professional under pressure.
- Accurately record and manage information.
Personal Qualities
- Empathy and compassion for individuals facing multiple disadvantage.
- Resilience and emotional maturity in challenging environments.
- Non‑judgemental and inclusive approach.
- Strong sense of accountability and professionalism.
- Honest, reliable and self‑motivated.
- Patient, tolerant and able to remain calm in difficult situations.
Desirable Criteria
- Full driving licence.
Additional Information
Before starting this position, you will undergo a criminal record check by the Disclosure and Barring Service.
All applicants must be entitled to work in the UK.
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