3 months contract with a Local Authority

Job Title: Facilities Assistant

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 providing support to staff, visitors, contractors, and other stakeholders across multiple Council locations.

Key Responsibilities

Facilities Management

• 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.
  

Building Maintenance

• Carry out routine inspections of premises and report defects or maintenance requirements.
  
• Perform minor maintenance and repair tasks including:
  
• Changing light bulbs.
  
• Cleaning shades and diffusers.
  
• Undertaking minor repairs.
  
• Responding to emergency cleaning requests.
  
• Ensure washrooms, kitchens, and communal areas remain adequately stocked and maintained.
  

Health, Safety and Compliance

• Conduct routine Health & Safety inspections and compliance checks.
  
• Monitor security systems and ensure building security procedures are followed.
  
• Report and escalate risks, hazards, incidents, and non-compliance issues.
  
• Assist with fire evacuations, emergency procedures, lift breakdowns, and building incidents.
  
• Undertake Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) following appropriate training.
  

Security Services

• Conduct internal and external security patrols.
  
• Ensure buildings and surrounding areas remain secure and accessible.
  
• Participate in the Council's emergency call-out rota and be available for out-of-hours emergencies.
  
• Monitor contractor access, visitor movements, and site security arrangements.
  

Logistics and Porterage

• Collect, sort, verify, and distribute internal and external mail, parcels, and packages.
  
• Operate franking equipment and manage outgoing post.
  
• Arrange deliveries, collections, and distribution of supplies and equipment.
  
• Assist with office moves, relocations, furniture setup, and equipment transportation.
  
• Coordinate waste disposal and removal of unwanted materials and furniture.
  

Contractor Management

• Monitor contractors whilst on site to ensure compliance with Council procedures and Health & Safety regulations.
  
• Escalate concerns or intervene where contractor activities present risks or fail to meet required standards.
  

Administrative Support

• Administer staff identification badges and electronic access control systems.
  
• Maintain accurate records and reports relating to building access and security.
  
• Use Microsoft Outlook and other software systems to manage communications and respond to enquiries.
  
• Maintain documentation and records associated with facilities operations.
  

Customer Service

• 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.
  

General Duties

• 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 any other duties appropriate to the grade of the post.
  

Experience Required

Essential

• 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.
  

Desirable

• 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

Essential

• Basic literacy and numeracy skills.
  
• Ability to undertake training required for the role.
  

Desirable

• 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

Essential

• 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 & Safety requirements.
  
• Good organisational and problem-solving skills.
  

Desirable

• 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 & 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: 7:30am–3:00pm or 11:30am–7:00pm (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.
  
• We operate on a bi-weekly payment schedule.
  

·         Closing date: Soon – early applications are encouraged