At a Glance
- Tasks: Help older people by gardening and doing handy repairs in their homes.
- Company: Join a caring community-focused organisation making a difference in Kingston.
- Benefits: Flexible part-time hours, outdoor work, and the chance to connect with the community.
- Other info: Perfect for those who love helping others and want to gain valuable experience.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on people's lives while enjoying the outdoors.
- Qualifications: Must have a driving licence and be physically fit for various tasks.
The predicted salary is between 10 - 13 £ per hour.
Part time, 15 hours — 2 days per week, Mondays & Tuesdays. We are looking for a new person to join our dedicated community of staff and volunteers as part of our Handyperson team. The role will mainly focus on completing everyday gardening tasks for our clients along with other general repairs and maintenance, usually during the colder months. This is the perfect opportunity for someone looking to work outdoors while doing good by supporting older and vulnerable people in the borough of Kingston upon Thames.
As a member of our Handyperson team, you will be out and about across the Kingston area every day, visiting clients and meeting new people in the heart of the Kingston community. The requirements for each job are as varied as those who use our services, and no two days will be the same. This role will focus on meeting the gardening needs of our Handyperson clients, which are proving increasingly popular with those who use the service.
Typical tasks might include:
- Cutting back overgrown plants
- Lawn-mowing
- Weeding
- Clearing pathways and removing other trip hazards
You will be responsible for most requests involving these tasks outside the home. However, in quieter periods during the colder months, you will be expected to carry out other jobs carried out by our Handyperson team. This includes a wide range of DIY jobs around the house, from general repairs and installing lightbulbs to fitting draft excluders, curtain rails, grab rails or key safes.
The benefit you have on your clients will go far beyond the tasks themselves. With many of the older people we support struggling with social isolation and loneliness, your friendly presence and understanding of the issues they face will make a significant difference to their lives. By understanding Staywell’s other services, you can help signpost relevant additional support where needed to improve the quality of life of those in the community even further.
Requirements:
- Full driving licence
- Weekly availability on Monday and Tuesday
- Physically fit
- Knowledge and ability to carry out small maintenance tasks around the home
- Lives in or is able to commute to the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames
As we work with vulnerable people at Staywell, a DBS check will be required for this role. The following are also highly desirable for any candidate:
- A background in charitable or community-focused work
- Experience of working with members of the public
- Empathy with older people and an awareness of the obstacles they face day-to-day
- Reliable and punctual
Gardener & Handyperson employer: Staywell (Charity no. 299988)
Join our dedicated community at Staywell, where we prioritise meaningful work and a supportive environment. As a Gardener & Handyperson in Kingston upon Thames, you'll enjoy the benefits of flexible part-time hours while making a real difference in the lives of older and vulnerable residents. Our inclusive work culture fosters personal growth and encourages you to connect with the community, ensuring that every day brings new opportunities to learn and contribute.
Contact Details:
Staywell (Charity no. 299988) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Gardener & Handyperson
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the community! Spend some time in Kingston, chat with locals, and understand their needs. This will not only help you connect better during interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Bring along a portfolio of your gardening and DIY work. Pictures of your past projects can really impress potential employers and give them a taste of what you can do.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Reach out to local community groups or volunteer organisations. They might have leads on job openings or even recommend you directly to employers looking for someone just like you.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it super easy to submit your application and get noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our Handyperson team and making a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Gardener & Handyperson
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Gardening:When writing your application, let us know why you love gardening! Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your skills and enthusiasm for working outdoors. This will help us see your genuine interest in the role.
Highlight Your People Skills:Since you'll be interacting with clients, it's important to showcase your ability to connect with others. Mention any previous experience working with the public or supporting vulnerable individuals, as this will resonate with our community-focused mission.
Be Clear About Your Availability:Make sure to clearly state your availability for the role, especially since we need someone who can commit to Mondays and Tuesdays. This helps us understand if you’re a good fit for our schedule right from the start!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important details about the role. Plus, it shows you're keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Staywell (Charity no. 299988)
✨Know Your Gardening Basics
Brush up on your gardening knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific tasks like lawn-mowing, weeding, and cutting back overgrown plants. Showing that you understand these tasks will demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Show Your People Skills
Since this role involves working with older and vulnerable people, be prepared to share examples of how you've interacted positively with clients in the past. Highlight any experience in community-focused work or volunteering, as it shows you care about making a difference.
✨Emphasise Reliability and Punctuality
The job requires you to be reliable and punctual, especially since you'll be visiting clients on specific days. Mention any previous roles where you demonstrated these qualities, and reassure them that you understand the importance of being dependable.
✨Understand the Community Impact
Familiarise yourself with Staywell’s mission and services. Being able to articulate how your role contributes to reducing social isolation and improving the quality of life for clients will show that you're not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in the community.