Facilities Operative

About the role

Due to continued growth we now have a fantastic opportunity for a full time Facilities Operative to join The Shires. The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting the Facilities Manager with the maintenance and health and safety across our 3 sites.

Reporting to the Facilities Manager you will also be required to support the Senior Leadership team to manage general maintenance across the sites. 

About the School

The Shires consists of three sites all within a 15 minute drive of one another. We have two Special Educational Needs (SEN) Schools and 3 Residential homes.  We help care for and support 33 young people aged 11-19 who have been diagnosed with Autism and may have accompanying learning disabilities, behavioural problems or medical conditions.

The ethos of The Shires is very much characterised by a ‘can do’ attitude. We want people who focus on the positive outcome of our children and take responsibility for helping improve the lives of our young people. We share the value of creating a safe and nurturing home and we want people who can be fair and respectful, in order to do the right thing to support everyone in our care.

About the Group

We are part of Acorn Care and Education and can promise you plenty of challenges, and a rich variety of opportunities to develop your career.

Acorn Care and Education provide education and care across 20 schools and 19 residential care homes nationally. Our vision is to build incredible futures by empowering vulnerable young people in the UK to be happy and to make their way in the world. Every day we improve the lives of thousands of young people, their families and communities through a relentless focus on caring and learning. 

Who we are looking for

We are looking for a Facilities Operative who has a suitable qualification (or provide evidence of experience) of one of the following trades - carpentry, plumbing, decorating. Someone who is ICT literate for updating systems, able to priorities tasks anticipate and reduce risk where possible and an effective communicator. Ideally, someone who is IOSH trained, has a current first aid certificate and experience of COOSH, PAT testing, asbestos awareness and working at heights but this is not essential.

The ideal candidate will have a strong ability to solve problems independently, with a high degree of accuracy working in accordance with the health and safety policies and procedures of the group.

We are looking for someone that is able to deal with emergencies and problems in a positive and a systematic manner, work independently and as part of a team, has a willingness to undertake additional training and understand and is able to apply health & safety procedures relevant to the job. 

Key accountabilities

• Undertake general and emergency repairs and maintenance around the establishment, inside and out, including plastering, basic joinery, decorating, repairs to fixtures and fittings, furnishings and buildings, to ensure the site is a safe and well maintained environment for pupils, employees and visitors.
• Ensuring garden and surrounding areas, including pathways, hedging, trees, car parking and external play areas are well maintained.
• Move heavy and awkward shaped furniture and supplies as requested
• Maintain security of the site, i.e. opening and closing the premises in line with agreed opening and closing procedures.
• Undertake required statutory Health & Safety including water checks (legionnaire testing), change and monitor gas bottles, oil supplies on various sites, ladder checks, and equipment condition checks.
• Carry out a daily walk of the site, report to the SLT of any significant issues.
• To ensure that all equipment and materials are used in accordance with Health & Safety guidelines.
• To provide transport duties including mini buss runs as required by the sites.
• Deputise for the Facilities Manager as and when required. 

Essential Criteria

• Competent in the use of ICT skills.
• Knowledge of Health & Safety and how to apply it in the workplace including carrying out checks and maintaining log books.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, to gain credibility and respect from people at all levels and maintain a positive relationship with all customers.
• Adaptability and flexibility - can handle multiple priorities across sites.
• High degree of accuracy, attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Ability to deal with difficult and multiple tasks at any one time and prioritise work to meet demanding timescales.
• Team orientated yet also able to work autonomously
• Full driving license 

Desirable

• Understanding of pupils with SEN
• Health & Safety qualification
• Experience of taking responsibility of security of a building 

Why work for us

• Free parking
• Free meals
• Holiday on pro rata 6.6 weeks
• Extensive training
• Annual loyalty bonus
• Attendance voucher
• Free bottle of wine on your birthday 

Acorn Care and Education are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff share this commitment.