At a Glance
- Tasks: Keep our community spaces clean and safe while making a real difference.
- Company: Join Lewisham Council, a proud Borough of Sanctuary.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, local discounts, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Supportive environment with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a diverse community and help improve residents' lives.
- Qualifications: A commitment to customer service and a clean driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 28523 - 34861 £ per year.
Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities! We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, and for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.
We are looking for someone who can provide high quality, customer focused and responsive service to Lewisham residents.
What’s the role? Put simply, our caretakers clean and maintain the shared areas of the buildings that we manage. They take pride in ensuring that our residents live in an environment that is safe, clean and tidy.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Sweeping and cleaning all internal and external communal areas on a scheduled and a reactive basis, including the safe use of appropriate equipment, chemicals, and materials.
- Removing fly-tipping, lumber or other bulky items, from communal areas and dwellings to an appropriate area, including loading vehicles and if appropriate, driving to a disposal site.
- Carrying out systematic checks on a scheduled or reactive basis, and ‘sorting or reporting’ problems, including but not limited to chutes, litter bins, communal lighting, fire safety hazards and communal repairs.
- Requesting and monitoring repairs to communal areas, using appropriate means or as identified by managers or supervisors.
- Identifying and reporting any welfare or safeguarding concerns about vulnerable residents.
- Identifying and reporting nuisance, anti-social behaviour or criminal behaviour and providing evidence to support enforcement action – including the provision of information on individuals, actively looking for evidence as required, and providing witness statements.
What’s in it for you? Excellent training and development opportunities, plus a range of benefits including:
- Local Government Pension scheme
- Flexible working and family friendly policies
- Season ticket and bicycle loans
- A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
- Supportive staff networks
What we’re looking for:
- Takes pride in their work.
- Has an awareness of - and a commitment to - equality of access and opportunity in a diverse community.
- Maintains excellent customer service in all areas of work.
- Takes responsibility for their own learning and development.
- Engages with colleagues and management to support the delivery of excellent services for the benefit of our residents and stakeholders.
- Complies with all policies and procedures - including those relating to Health & Safety and Equality & Diversity.
Location: Our caretakers work at and from a variety of locations across the borough.
Special conditions: A clean, full manual UK/EU driver's licence with Category B. There may be opportunities to work at weekends on a rota basis. The job is subject to a basic DBS check.
The recruitment process is anonymous and we don’t accept CVs. It is essential that you complete the application fully and that your supporting statement covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed.
Diversity: Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process.
The Council has a dedicated employment support service, Lewisham Works, which offers Lewisham residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs.
The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.
Caretaker employer: Lewisham Youth Service
Lewisham Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values collaboration and innovation in the heart of Catford. Employees benefit from a hybrid working model, professional development opportunities, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the community through strategic procurement initiatives. Join us to be part of a team that prioritises value for money while fostering growth and mentorship within the procurement sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Caretaker
✨Get Your Hands Dirty
In skilled trades, practical experience is everything. Consider volunteering or doing odd jobs in your area to build up your skills and visibility. Local businesses often appreciate helping hands and it might just lead to a full-time gig!
✨Join Trade Associations
Look into joining organisations specific to your trade (like the National Federation of Builders or similar). They often have job boards, networking events, and apprenticeships that can put you in touch with employers who value skilled workers. Plus, being part of these communities adds credibility to your profiles!
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Craft a portfolio that highlights your craftsmanship—before and after photos, project descriptions, and client testimonials are all golden! Share this on platforms that cater to skilled trades, like Instagram or dedicated forums, to attract potential employers looking for your skillset.
✨Apply Directly and Follow Up
Don’t just rely on job boards—visit local businesses, introduce yourself, and drop off your CV. Building rapport face-to-face can work wonders in the skilled trades sector. And remember, following up after applying through our website shows dedication; it might just give you an edge over other candidates!
We think you need these skills to ace Caretaker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills with Certificates:In the skilled trades world, your practical skills and certifications are key! Make sure you highlight any relevant qualifications or training you've completed. If you’ve got a trade-specific certificate, like an NVQ or City & Guilds, include it in your CV to catch Lewisham Youth Service's eye.
Tailor Your CV to the Job:Don’t just send out a generic CV; tailor it specifically for the skilled trades role at Lewisham Youth Service. Emphasise your hands-on experience, the tools and techniques you’re proficient in, and any notifiable compliance standards you've met. This shows that you’ve put thought into your application.
Highlight Your Projects or Achievements:Don’t forget to showcase any significant projects or achievements in your cover letter. Whether it’s completing a complex installation or meeting deadlines on a large project, these details make a big difference. They help paint a picture of your expertise and dedication!
Keep It Concise and Relevant:When applying for a full-time role in skilled trades, keep your writing to the point. Hiring managers appreciate clear, concise applications. Focus on relevant experiences and skills, and avoid fluff. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can get the job done—so show them you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lewisham Youth Service
✨Master the Hands-On Skills
In skilled trades, practical skills matter a ton. Be ready to showcase your hands-on abilities during the interview—whether it's through a practical test or a demonstration of your craftsmanship. Bring your best examples of past projects to discuss them in detail!
✨Know Your Tools Like the Back of Your Hand
Employers in the skilled trades often want to hear about your proficiency with specific tools and equipment. Brush up on the tools relevant to your field and be prepared to discuss your experiences using them. This shows you’re not just experienced but also safe and competent.
✨Be Ready to Talk About Safety Practices
Safety is paramount in skilled trades. Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of safety regulations and how you've implemented them in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to a safe working environment—a quality that employers highly value.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
When tackling skilled trade roles, employers want to know about your ability to think on your feet. Be ready with examples of how you've solved unexpected problems on the job. This will illustrate your adaptability and resourcefulness, key traits for a full-time position at Lewisham Youth Service.
