Handyperson/gardener

Highbury Rise (part of Benslow Management Company) is a small family run Dementia Accredited Residential Care Home located in the Market Town of Hitchin, just a short walk from the Town Centre, Railway Station and close to the A1 & A505. Our motto is '_**Big Enough to Cope, Small Enough to Care'**_

**GENERAL BRIEF**

The Handyperson/Gardener is responsible for the general maintenance of the grounds, garden s and buildings of the home.

The Handyperson/Gardener will assist in creating and maintaining an environment that is tidy, beneficial and safe for those individuals staying at the home.

**EXPERIENCE**

Competent at basic building repairs which are to include carpentry and plumbing, maintenance and grounds maintenance. Use of small industrial/electrical/mechanical equipment.

**PERSONAL QUALITIES AND ATTRIBUTES**:
A proven record of a high level of attendance at work; honest; able to work effectively with little supervision; polite and courteous to service users, visitors and family; calm and patient when under pressure; co-operative with other employees, service users and visitors. Able to show initiative and work proactively to ensure the smooth running of the home.

**DUTY HOURS**

The working day is 25 hours per week, usually 5hrs per day Monday to Friday depending upon the needs of the home. Hours would normally be between the core hours of 7.00am and 10pm but this will be agreed with the Home Manager.

**TRANSPORT & TOOLS**

The handyperson will need to provide their own transport to get to the home(s) within Benslow Management Co Ltd. (See sickness/annual leave cover) They will also need to provide their own tool kit for general maintenance in the home. Gardening equipment will however be provided.

**SICKNESS/ANNUAL LEAVE COVER**

May be required to travel and work at other homes that are within Benslow Management Co Ltd to ensure emergency cover in the event of sickness or other absences including holiday leave.

**MAIN DUTIES**
- To be responsible for the care and maintenance of the grounds and gardens of the home to achieve and maintain a satisfactory standard of tidiness in liaison with the Home Manager.
- To be responsible for the care and maintenance of the garden including weeding, planting, pruning and watering when appropriate.
- To be responsible for the use and care of the garden machinery, and/or general tools, and ladder and steps maintenance with due regard to Health & Safety requirements.
- To deal with small, general items of repair and maintenance in the interior of the home e.g. Putting up shelves, general domestic carpentry, changing light bulbs, moving furniture, cleaning lamp shades, cleaning windows for the benefit and safety of staff and service users.
- To deal with the general upkeep of the interior by painting and decorating.
- To be responsible for unblocking of sinks and drains and domestic plumbing e.g. dripping taps, bleeding radiators.
- To purchase where necessary any goods/items required for maintenance and care of the building as deemed by the Home Manager.
- To make the required routine checks on door closures, emergency lighting, nurse call systems, heating system, window restrictors and record that checks have been completed as required.
- To liaise with the Home Manager or senior on duty and record in the appropriate books any problems requiring specialist attention.
- To attend and participate in team meetings, when appropriate.
- To attend any training courses relevant to the post.
- To undertake such duties related to the work of Benslow Management Co Ltd as may be assigned which are consistent with the nature of the job and its level of responsibility.

**OTHER DUTIES**:

- To undertake such other duties, training and/or hours of work as may be reasonable required and which are consistent with the general level of responsibility of this job.
- To undertake health and safety duties commensurate with the post and/or as detailed in the company’s Health and Safety Policy and in line with Health and Safety Law.
- To be aware of and comply with the control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH) requirements. This will include your awareness of any specific hazards at your place of work. You will also be required to comply with the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the storage and use of their products.
- The wearing of appropriate protective clothing provided by or recommended by the organisation will be obligatory, if required.
- To work in a manner which respects the confidentiality of service users.

**Job Types**: Part-time, Permanent
Part-time hours: 25 per week

**Salary**: £10.60 per hour

**Benefits**:

- Company pension
- On-site parking

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Hitchin: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: One location