Facilities Assistant

Facilities Assistant

3 months contract with a Local Authority.

Job Purpose

The Facilities Assistant is responsible for delivering a high quality facilities and security service across the Council's property portfolio. The role supports the safe, efficient and effective operation of corporate buildings by undertaking a variety of facilities management, maintenance, security, logistical and customer service duties. The post holder will ensure buildings remain secure, compliant, well maintained and operational while supporting staff, visitors, contractors and other stakeholders across multiple Council locations.

Key Responsibilities

• Open and close Council buildings in accordance with operational requirements.
• Undertake general facilities management duties to ensure buildings are safe, secure and functional.
• Support facilities operations across multiple SMBC sites as required.
• Participate in rotating shift patterns and out of hours emergency response arrangements.
• Carry out routine inspections of premises and report defects or maintenance requirements.
• Perform minor maintenance and repair tasks such as changing light bulbs, cleaning shades and diffusers, undertaking minor repairs and responding to emergency cleaning requests.
• Ensure washrooms, kitchens and communal areas remain adequately stocked and maintained.
• Conduct routine health and safety inspections and compliance checks; monitor security systems and ensure procedures are followed; report and escalat e risks, hazards, incidents and non compliance issues.
• Assist with fire evacuations, emergency procedures, lift breakdowns and building incidents; undertake Portable Appliance Testing following appropriate training.
• Conduct internal and external security patrols; ensure buildings and surrounding areas remain secure and accessible; participate in emergency call out rota and be available for out of hours emergencies; monitor contractor access, visitor movements and site security arrangements.
• Collect, sort, verify and distribute mail, parcels and packages; operate franking equipment; manage outgoing post.
• Arrange deliveries, collections and distribution of supplies and equipment; assist with office moves, relocations, furniture set up and equipment transportation; coordinate waste disposal and removal of unwanted materials and furniture.
• Monitor contractors on site to ensure compliance with Council procedures and health & safety regulations; raise concerns if activities present risks or fail to meet required standards.
• Administer staff identification badges and electronic access control systems; maintain accurate records and reports on building access and security.
• Use Microsoft Outlook and other software to manage communications and respond to enquiries; maintain documentation associated with facilities operations.
• Provide reception cover when required; meet and greet visitors and provide assistance to customers, staff and contractors; deliver professional and courteous customer service at all times.
• Maintain external access routes, including litter picking and basic grounds maintenance around building entrances; monitor and report parking related issues within site boundaries; carry out other duties appropriate to the grade of the post.

Experience Required

• Experience working independently and as part of a team.
• Experience carrying out practical facilities, maintenance or operational support tasks.
• Experience providing excellent customer service.
• Experience following health and safety procedures.
• Experience working in a fast paced environment with multiple priorities.
• Experience working in a facilities management, building support, caretaker, porter or maintenance environment.
• Experience undertaking security patrols and building security duties.
• Experience supporting office relocations and furniture moves.
• Experience monitoring contractors on site.
• Experience working within a local authority or public sector environment.
• Experience using access control and security systems.

Qualifications

• Basic literacy and numeracy skills.
• Ability to undertake training required for the role.
• NVQ Level 2 in Facilities Management, Property Maintenance, Building Services, Customer Service or equivalent qualification.
• Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) certification.
• Health & Safety qualification (e.g., IOSH Working Safely).
• First Aid certification.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly with staff, visitors and contractors.
• Ability to work flexibly across multiple sites.
• Physically capable of undertaking manual handling, moving furniture and carrying out maintenance tasks.
• Basic IT skills, including Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel.
• Understanding of workplace health and safety requirements.
• Good organisational and problem solving skills.
• Knowledge of facilities management practices.
• Basic understanding of building maintenance systems.
• Knowledge of security procedures and access control systems.
• Understanding of logistics and office move requirements.

Additional Qualifications / Requirements

• Full UK driving licence and access to own vehicle (up to 6 penalty points considered).
• Previous experience in facilities, porter, security or caretaking roles.
• Knowledge of health and safety inspections and site compliance checks.
• Ability to identify and report building, security and maintenance issues.
• Flexible to work rotating shifts and participate in the emergency call out rota.
• Willingness to travel between multiple sites.

Additional Information

• Pay: £17.72 per hour (Umbrella) / £13.05 per hour (PAYE).
• Hours: 37 hours per week.
• Contract: Temporary with review after 4-6 weeks; potential for permanent employment.
• Shifts: 7:30 am-3:00 pm or 11:30 am-7:00 pm (30 minute unpaid break).
• Location: Blue Bell Centre Offices, Chelmsley Wood Shopping Centre, B37 5TN, with travel to nearby sites including the Library and Connect Centre.
• Payment schedule: bi weekly.

Closing date: Soon - early applications are encouraged.