At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain a safe and welcoming environment through hands-on maintenance and repairs.
- Company: Join YMCA Reading, a community-focused organisation making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy private medical insurance, discounted food, and a cycle to work scheme.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact in the lives of residents while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in building maintenance and good DIY skills are essential.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with opportunities for personal growth in a supportive environment.
Reporting to: General Manager
Hours: 30 per week, 8am 4pm or 1:30pm 9:30pm, on a rota including 1 weekend in 4
About the Role:
Are you a practical, hands-on person who enjoys making a real difference each day?
Join us at YMCA Reading as a Facilities Assistant, where you ll play a key role in maintaining a safe, welcoming environment for our residents.
This is a varied and rewarding role that s perfect for someone who takes pride in their work, enjoys problem-solving, and thrives in a proactive setting with minimal supervision.
What You ll Be Doing:
- Carrying out day-to-day maintenance and repair tasks (e.g. replacing appliances, lightbulbs, small repairs)
- Performing planned preventative maintenance across our buildings and accommodation units
- Painting, decorating, and general refurbishment works
- Assisting with grounds/garden upkeep.
- Supporting health and safety checks to keep our facilities in top condition
- Keeping the maintenance workshop and stores organised
- Handling deliveries, emergencies, and supporting housekeeping where needed
- Representing YMCA Reading with professionalism and respect in all resident/customer-facing interactions
What You ll Need:
- Experience in general building maintenance
- Qualifications, skills or experience in a trade ( eg plumbing, electrics, decorator etc)
- A good level of DIY skills with good fault-finding abilities
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- A clean, valid UK driving licence
- Knowledge of COSHH regulations
- A clean and professional appearance (uniform provided)
What we re looking for:
- A reliable, self-motivated individual with a can-do attitude
- Someone who can stay calm under pressure and think on their feet
- Comfortable working in a resident/customer-facing environment
- Flexibility to cover rota shifts
- Calm and professional approach to challenging behaviours
- Ability to take initiative and work with minimal supervision
- Experience in housing, support, or charity sectors
- Knowledge of tenancy sustainment or housing administration
Role details:
- Shift pattern: 8am 4pm or 1:30pm 9:30pm, on a rota including 1 weekend in 4
What we offer:
- Private medical insurance and Free flu vaccination
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme and Tech Scheme
- Discounted food in our Cafe and Discount on hire of our community spaces
- Free on site Parking
Any appointment will be subject to suitable references and an enhanced DBS check
Interviews will be held on a rolling basis so don t delay to submit your application.
Why Join us?
Everyone should have a fair chance to discover who they are and what they can become.
YMCA believes in fairness and opportunity. These are essential building blocks for a full and rewarding life: a safe home, acceptance, guidance, friendship, physical and mental health, academic support, employability skills, and access to real opportunities
Many young people have never known these things, other people have lost one or more as they grew up, but we all need them. All of us.
At YMCA, we provide these critical foundations for a fresh, strong start for young people and a better quality of life in the community.
Facilities Assistant employer: YMCA Reading
Contact Detail:
YMCA Reading Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Facilities Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on YMCA Reading. Understanding their values and mission will help you connect your skills to what they’re looking for. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills make you a great fit for the Facilities Assistant role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your DIY skills! Bring examples of past maintenance work or projects you’ve completed. Whether it’s a photo album or a portfolio, tangible evidence of your abilities can really impress the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email. It’s a nice touch that keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Facilities Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Practical Skills: Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience you have in maintenance or DIY tasks. We want to see how your skills can make a difference in our facilities!
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to customise your application for the Facilities Assistant role. Mention specific experiences that relate to the job description, like problem-solving or working independently.
Be Professional and Personable: Since you'll be interacting with residents and customers, let your communication skills shine through in your application. We appreciate a friendly and professional tone!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get the ball rolling on your journey with YMCA Reading.
How to prepare for a job interview at YMCA Reading
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, brush up on your general building maintenance knowledge. Be ready to discuss your experience with tasks like plumbing, electrics, or DIY repairs. This will show that you’re not just a hands-on person but also someone who understands the technical side of the role.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Think of specific examples where you've tackled maintenance issues or improved a situation. During the interview, share these stories to demonstrate your proactive approach and ability to think on your feet, which is crucial for a Facilities Assistant.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since this role involves interacting with residents and customers, practice clear and professional communication. Be prepared to discuss how you would handle challenging behaviours calmly and respectfully, showcasing your interpersonal skills.
✨Emphasise Your Flexibility
The job requires working on a rota, including weekends. Make sure to express your willingness to adapt to different shifts and your reliability in covering them. This shows that you’re committed and can be counted on when needed.