The Caretaker and General Hand will be responsible for the maintenance of equipment and buildings to ensure the safety and security of properties and undertake minor repairs and decorating as appropriate. In addition, this will incorporate gardening duties. Utilising skills and experience in property maintenance and a knowledge of equipment, will be important elements in undertaking this role effectively. Accountabilities

• Responsible for ensuring all safety equipment and security systems are effectively maintained.
• Contributes to general property maintenance by ensuing minor repairs and property upkeep are conducted to a high standard.
• Responsible for undertaking routine vehicle checks, on occasion.
• Responsible for reporting issues and maintaining appropriate records with regard to systems i.e. fire alarms. Liaising with external contractors, when necessary, to ensure speedy resolution of issues.
• Responsible for maintaining grounds to a high standard to ensure safety and effective management of gardens.
• Undertake responsibility for health and safety of the home.
• Dropping off and / or collecting item from suppliers.
  
  Educated to RQF level 2 (GCSE) or equivalent by experience, which may include specific practical qualifications such as apprenticeships.
• Evidence of Health and Safety experience, relevant qualifications and recent training.
• Evidence of a First Aid qualification, training and experience.
• Horticultural experience including the use of appropriate machinery, such as strimmers, mowers, cutters and experience of working in a gardening team.
• Experience of undertaking building repairs, internal and external.
• Understanding of working in a setting that provides residential care to children and young people.
  
  Why Essex?
As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we're committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in Everyone's Essex. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you. In February 2025, Greater Essex was accepted onto the Government's devolution priority programme, which will see local authorities in Essex work towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority by May 2026. You can read more about devolution and local government reorganisation (LGR) on our careers site. Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We're committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We're also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying. Once you've secured your role within Essex County Council you will receive many great employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs. At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone. Please note that the job role requires you to be mobile throughout an operational area. Therefore, the post holder will need to have a driving licence and access to a vehicle, or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means. As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC) should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription, and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained. For further information on the DBS update service please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. If you would like to be kept up to date on other relevant opportunities, blogs, news, events and industry related news at Essex County Council, please join The Essex Talent Community

Please note that this position is being offered as a part time role, offering 22.2 hours per week / 0.6 full Time Equivalent which is to be worked over the following days: Monday's, Tuesday's and Friday's, with the earliest start time of 8.30am and the latest finishing time of 5pm. Interview date: 1st May 2025. Actual earnings based on working 22.2 hours per week - £15,048.60 Per Annum. Here in Essex, we continue to raise the bar about practice and our investment in our workforce is second to none. It's an exciting time to join us having received our 2nd Outstanding Ofsted rating in a row. To read more about our business area, please visit: Children & Families Please take a look at our 'No Magic' Children & Families video