Maintenance Assistant

Job overview

We have a great opportunity for you to assist in our hospitals buy supporting our busy Estates team. We are looking for Maintenance Assistant. You will be assisting with the maintenance and repair of a wide range of mechanical and electrical plant, equipment and services and minor building fabric repairs.

To work as a part of the wider Estates team to achieve site-wide engineering compliance, maintaining all building systems and achieving the wider strategic aims as set out by the site Head of Estates.

We offer extensive training and development opportunities, with access to courses and certifications to help advance your career. Alongside a comprehensive benefits package— including the NHS pension scheme, generous annual leave, and health and wellbeing programs— y ou can also earn additional income if you qualify to participate in the on-call rota, increasing your earning potential.

This is a fantastic opportunity to grow professionally while contributing to something truly meaningful.

Main duties of the job

Carry out routine work such as:

Plant room checks and reporting of defects

Change of filters on Air Handling Units

Clearing drain blockages

Replacement of lamps

Checking condition of fire doors

Planned Maintenance tasks

Painting and replacing locks

Investigation and rectification of minor faults

Generally, assist craftspersons in their work 

Other semi-skilled mechanical, electrical and buildings repairs or maintenance (within the job holder’s competence and capabilities) as may be determined and directed by Trust Estates officers and team leaders/supervisors.

Water system flushing for Legionella control

Water sampling for legionella control (once trained and qualified)

Change taps, showers, minor cooper pipe work alterations and drainage pipework

Assist with isolation as directed on mechanical ventilation systems

Assist with medical gas systems works under direction (following training)

First response air conditioning checks

To be prepared to work outside normal working (core) hours (overtime) when required (for emergencies or to complete works that for operational reasons cannot be carried out during normal working hours)

To work as part of the out of hours ‘on-call’ rota

Working for our organisation

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves. 

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex. 

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Communication and Relationship 

Establish and develop effective communications with all stakeholders, both internal and external

Ensuring verbal and written complaints are assisted with effectively and that any remedial action is undertaken is reported to senior team members for evaluation 

Knowledge, Training and Experience

This is an entry level role so previous experience is not necessary

Previous experience in a similar role is desirable

Must show demonstrable aptitude for the role

Any maintenance, building or engineering qualifications would be desirable

Must show good attitude with desire to undertake training as required from the outset

To maintain up to date skills and knowledge, and attend on-going training and development courses as deemed necessary by the Trust. This will ensure that the job holder can undertake the full roles and responsibilities of their post and maintain current and up to date knowledge.

Analytical and Judgemental

Ability to assist in decision making with regard to solving maintenance issues

Able to understand building systems and identify maintenance or performance issues

Ability to review system and compliance documentation and decide on a course of action 

Planning and Organisational

Able to organise and plan own workload

Able to assist team leaders and managers in the longer- term planning of the Estates department assets and works

Able to liaise with relevant stakeholders to arrange tasks and associated access as required within a hospital environment 

Service Delivery and Improvement

Carry out routine work such as:

Plant room checks and reporting of defects

Change of filters on Air Handling Units

Clearing drain blockages

Replacement of lamps

Checking condition of fire doors

Planned Maintenance tasks

Painting and replacing locks

Investigation and rectification of minor faults

Generally, assist craftspersons in their work 

Other semi-skilled mechanical, electrical and buildings repairs or maintenance (within the job holder’s competence and capabilities) as may be determined and directed by Trust Estates officers and team leaders/supervisors.

Water system flushing for Legionella control

Water sampling for legionella control (once trained and qualified)

Change taps, showers, minor cooper pipe work alterations and drainage pipework

Assist with isolation as directed on mechanical ventilation systems

Assist with medical gas systems works under direction (following training)

First response air conditioning checks

To be prepared to work outside normal working (core) hours (overtime) when required (for emergencies or to complete works that for operational reasons cannot be carried out during normal working hours)

To work as part of the out of hours ‘on-call’ rota

Before applying for the position, ensure you read the job description and person specifications to see if they align with your qualifications and experience.

Previous applicants need not apply.

Person specification

Experience

Essential criteria

Previous experience in a similar role Consideration will be given to Candidates who can demonstrate relevant experience gained via previous employment history

Desirable criteria

Have extensive knowledge of hospital operational estates issues, including an in depth understanding of maintenance procedures within a medical environment. Any mechanical, electrical or building qualifications NVQ 2 or equivalent knowledge and 2 years’ experience.

Skills

Essential criteria

Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues Good interpersonal skills

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Essential criteria

Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role). Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues

Important information for applicants

Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager. 

DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check . We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.

Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for those that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker.

Closing adverts early: Please apply as early as you're able for this role. In the event of exceptional interest we may close adverts earlier than specified.

UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications

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