At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure cleanliness and safety in multi-storey blocks while supporting residents.
- Company: Join a supportive local council committed to community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, and a fantastic pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that values diversity and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community with flexible hours and growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs or equivalent, customer service experience, and problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Position Fixed term contract position until 31.03.2027.
What You'll Get To Do
- Provide a high standard of cleanliness within multi-storey blocks in line with published service standards.
- Carry out compliance checks to support the Council’s Health & Safety and Fire Safety requirements for the building.
- Play a key role in ensuring the security of the building and surrounding areas, reporting any evidence of antisocial behaviour.
- Initiate appropriate action in response to vandalism or emergency situations and contact relevant services.
- Report repairs and maintenance needed in communal and external areas to the appropriate services.
- Carry out minor repairs such as changing light bulbs and redecorating, including painting over graffiti when required.
- Use routine manual handling skills, including rotation of refuse bins.
- Verify the credentials of official visitors, including delivery personnel and representatives of public utilities or Gateshead Council.
- Accompany the Neighbourhood Housing Officer on new visits and accompanied viewings when required.
- Visit new tenants to provide information about their block, the caretaker role, and available services.
- Enhance grounds maintenance delivered by other agencies, including litter picking external areas, footpaths, and gullies.
- Work closely with other Council sections and external agencies to help maintain a clean, attractive, and safe living environment in multi-storey blocks.
- Act as a first point of contact for residents and visitors, dealing with queries or signposting to the appropriate service.
- Undertake any other responsibilities appropriate to the grade of the post.
What You'll Bring
- Ability to use own initiative to solve problems.
- A good understanding of equality and diversity and how this is demonstrated within a work environment.
- 5 GCSEs or equivalent at Grade C or above (Level 4 or above), including Maths or English, or relevant experience.
- Experience of delivering good customer service.
- Experience of working alone with minimal supervision and using own initiative.
- Experience of working unsupervised.
- Experience of effective communication skills.
- Experience of liaising with internal and external agencies.
What’s In It For You
- Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
- Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary we invest in your future too.
- Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
- Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
- Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
- Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
- Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions.
- Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more.
Our commitment to you
We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
Disability Confident
As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.
Recruitment Process
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.
Block Caretaker: Flexible Hours, Pension & Leave in Gateshead employer: Gateshead Council
As a Block Caretaker with us, you will enjoy a supportive work environment that prioritises your wellbeing and professional growth. Our commitment to flexible working hours, generous annual leave, and an outstanding pension scheme ensures that you can maintain a healthy work-life balance while contributing to the safety and cleanliness of our community. Join us in making a meaningful impact in a role that values your initiative and dedication, all within a diverse and inclusive workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Block Caretaker: Flexible Hours, Pension & Leave in Gateshead
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research their values and mission. When you walk into that interview, show them you understand what they stand for and how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. The more comfortable you are with your answers, the more confident you'll feel when it counts.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! Make sure your outfit is appropriate for the role and reflects the company culture. First impressions matter, so look sharp and professional!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Block Caretaker: Flexible Hours, Pension & Leave in Gateshead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Block Caretaker role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:Since this role involves interacting with residents and visitors, emphasise any previous experience in customer service. Share specific examples of how you've handled queries or resolved issues effectively.
Highlight Your Initiative:We love candidates who can take the initiative! In your application, mention instances where you've solved problems independently or taken action without supervision. This will show us you're a proactive fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly and allows you to keep track of your application status easily.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gateshead Council
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Block Caretaker role. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities like maintaining cleanliness, conducting compliance checks, and handling minor repairs. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Since the job requires using your initiative to solve problems, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully tackled challenges. Whether it was dealing with antisocial behaviour or managing emergency situations, having specific stories ready will highlight your capability.
✨Emphasise Customer Service Experience
As a Block Caretaker, you'll be the first point of contact for residents and visitors. Be ready to discuss your previous customer service roles and how you effectively communicated with diverse groups. This will show that you can handle queries and provide excellent service.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how they measure success in this role. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
