At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for vulnerable children.
- Company: Join a supportive team at Swanwick Lodge, dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and comprehensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Access to 24/7 support for your wellbeing and a friendly, inclusive work culture.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on children's lives while developing your career in care.
- Qualifications: Experience in maintenance and strong understanding of health and safety regulations.
The predicted salary is between 25186 - 26244 £ per year.
Job Reference: HCC623914
Salary Range: £25,186 - £26,244 per annum, plus Market Supplement of £2,000 per annum
Work Location: Swanwick Lodge, Swanwick
Hours per week: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 14 June 2026
The Role: Join our supportive team as a Caretaker/Facilities Assistant and play an essential role in the everyday running of our service. At Swanwick Lodge, we provide a safe, secure and therapeutic environment for some of our most vulnerable children in a specialist, secure residential home, looking after up to ten children with complex attachment, mental health and behavioural needs. You’ll ensure Swanwick Lodge is safe, secure, well‑maintained and welcoming at all times for children, staff and visitors. Your dedication, compassion and commitment to the highest standards will enhance the quality of life and wellbeing of those who need our support.
What you’ll do:
- Maintenance: Carry out day‑to‑day maintenance, repairs and grounds upkeep, reducing the need for external contractors where appropriate.
- Health & Safety: Support the home in meeting health & safety, safeguarding and regulatory requirements.
- Build relationships: You’ll establish positive connections with the children, and your colleagues, whilst sharing our commitment to creating an inclusive culture.
What we’re looking for:
- Health & safety expertise: Strong understanding of Health and Safety regulations and compliance.
- Practical maintenance experience: Proven ability in routine maintenance, repairs, and grounds upkeep.
- Site and contractor management: Experience overseeing site operations and working effectively with external contractors.
- Commitment to high standards: A genuine passion for helping others, delivering excellent care, and communicating clearly and respectfully with children.
- Empathy, patience, and respect: Ability to understand individual needs, build trust through compassion, and remain calm and dignified in challenging situations.
- Self‑motivated and adaptable: Resilient, able to work with minimal supervision, and confident adapting positively to changing demands.
Why join us?
- Meaningful work with strong support: Make a lasting positive impact on service users’ lives while working in a friendly, inclusive and collaborative team.
- Training and career development: Benefit from a comprehensive induction, ongoing training and clear opportunities to develop your skills and progress your career in care.
- Employee support: Access to Health Assured's comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme to support your physical and mental wellbeing, including 24/7 telephone support, a suite of online resources, and legal and financial advice.
- Competitive benefits package: Including generous annual leave entitlement, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
Please note: We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role and therefore it is essential that you already have the right to work in the UK before applying. Applicants can expect to hear from us within two weeks of the advertised closing date.
Additional Information: Caretaker/Facilities Assistant - Candidate Pack
Vetting Requirements: The post is subject to a Criminal Records Check. As such, please note that under safer recruitment requirements for Children’s Services, references will be requested prior to interview.
Contact Details for an Informal Discussion: For general enquiries, please contact care.careers@hants.gov.uk For an informal chat about the role, please contact Lisa Moore, Senior FM Officer on Lisa.Moore@hants.gov.uk
Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.
In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.
We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.
Caretaker/Facilities Assistant employer: Hampshire County Council
At Hampshire County Council, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering meaningful work in a supportive and inclusive environment at Swanwick Lodge. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through comprehensive training and career development opportunities, alongside a competitive benefits package that prioritises your wellbeing. Join us to make a lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable children while being part of a dedicated team that values compassion and high standards.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Caretaker/Facilities Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the place! Before your interview, take a good look at Swanwick Lodge and its values. Understanding the environment and the kids you'll be working with can really help you connect during the chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you're in the interview, make sure to highlight your practical maintenance experience and health & safety knowledge. Share specific examples of how you've tackled similar challenges in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Be yourself! The role is all about empathy and building relationships, so let your personality shine through. Show them your passion for helping others and how you can contribute to a positive atmosphere.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up! After your interview, don’t hesitate to drop a quick thank-you email. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a nice touch!
We think you need these skills to ace Caretaker/Facilities Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your passion for helping others shine through. We want to see your genuine commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment for the children at Swanwick Lodge.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to detail any practical maintenance experience you have. Whether it's routine repairs or grounds upkeep, we want to know how your skills align with what we're looking for in a Caretaker/Facilities Assistant.
Demonstrate Our Values:Take a moment to reflect on our values and how they resonate with you. In your application, share specific examples that showcase your empathy, patience, and respect for others, especially in challenging situations.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our team there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hampshire County Council
✨Know Your Health & Safety Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of health and safety regulations. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles, especially in maintenance or facilities management. This will show that you understand the importance of keeping a safe environment for everyone.
✨Show Off Your Maintenance Skills
Prepare examples of your practical maintenance experience. Think about specific tasks you've handled, like repairs or grounds upkeep, and be ready to explain how you approached them. This will demonstrate your hands-on abilities and commitment to high standards.
✨Build Rapport with the Team
Since this role involves working closely with children and staff, think about how you can showcase your ability to build positive relationships. Share stories that highlight your empathy, patience, and respect for others, especially in challenging situations.
✨Be Ready to Adapt
This job requires someone who can handle changing demands. Prepare to discuss times when you've had to adapt quickly in your previous roles. Highlight your resilience and self-motivation, as these traits are key to thriving in a dynamic environment like Swanwick Lodge.
