Maintenance Officer in London

Your Place is a supported housing service 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. The ideal Maintenance Officer must be comfortable working in these environments and demonstrate patience, resilience, and a non-judgemental approach at all times. They will regularly access occupied rooms and communal areas and may encounter individuals in distress or displaying challenging behaviours. They will be supported by a wider team but must be able to maintain professional boundaries while showing empathy and respect.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Support daily, weekly & monthly planned maintenance tasks as scheduled (fire alarm tests, water temperature recording, emergency lighting tests, etc.)
• Support 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
• Ensure equipment is well maintained, adequately stored and meets all safety requirements

Health & Safety:

• Ensure Health & Safety procedures are consistently implemented
• 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 in a respectful, trauma-informed and non-judgmental way
• 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
• Work collaboratively with housing and support teams to ensure 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:

This is not a standard maintenance role and involves working in environments affected by complex social issues. Properties may at times be in poor condition due to resident circumstances. 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 feel confident and motivated to work in this type of environment.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

Ideal attributes for meeting the needs of the position and being an effective member of the wider Your Place team.

Experience:

• Experience of risk assessment or a health & safety qualification
• Experience of building cleaning and maintenance, handyperson or caretaking duties.
• Experience working in social housing, supported housing, homelessness services or similar environments desirable
• Experience working with vulnerable adults or individuals with complex needs desirable

Qualifications:

• Building trade or health & safety/facilities management qualification

Skills & Knowledge:

• Good understanding of health and safety requirements within a building environment
• Good communication skills
• Good IT and systems skills

Abilities:

• Ability to interact and communicate effectively with a wide variety of people maintaining professional boundaries
• Ability to manage own workload effectively and under pressure
• Ability to accurately input information on a database or information systems

Personal Qualities:

• Confidence to challenge where necessary in relation to property/security matters
• Diplomatic and tactful
• Patient and tolerant
• Self-motivated and enthusiastic
• Honesty, reliability and punctuality
• Good interpersonal skills

Desirable Criteria:

• Full driving licence

Before starting this position, you will need to undergo a criminal record check by the Disclosure and Barring Service. You must be entitled to work in the UK.