Identification of Post
Division: Place Directorate Ref: H573 Designation: Caretaker/ Neighbourhood Cleaner Section: Landlord Services/Housing No of Posts: Variable within District Management
Sub-Section: Quadrant/Neighbourhood Grade: GR 2
Job Summary
Responsible for the delivery of a high standard of caretaking, cleaning, health and safety and maintenance services across specified neighbourhoods. This will include the cleaning of internal and external communal areas of high rise and low rise blocks and other housing communal areas within the neighbourhood/quadrant.
Will provide assistance to customers with general housing related queries, liaising with Neighbourhood Caretakers, District Neighbourhood Caretakers and other BCC colleagues.
You will also liaise with other organisations in order to maintain the local environment such as Repairs colleagues, Repairs contractors and Fleet and Waste Management.
Page 1 of 10 Final Draft CC01.17 Job Content
1. Supervisory and managerial responsibility
Number of staff supervised or accountable Degree of control and/or management
Non-manual: Nil Not applicable
Manual: Nil
2. Supervision received
Responsible to: Street Scene Coordinator, Place Manager, Neighbourhood Caretaker District Neighbourhood Caretaker Housing Officer Type of supervision received: Day to day control, advice, guidance
3. Special conditions
Neighbourhood Cleaners/Caretakers will whilst on duty wear the official uniform or work clothing provided by the Department. Appropriate safety clothing and equipment is provided for carrying out specific tasks, these are referred to in the Caretakers’ Safety Manual, which is issued to all Caretakers.
Neighbourhood Cleaners/Caretakers will be required to undertake appropriate training.
Neighbourhood Cleaners/Caretakers may be provided with a tool kit for carrying out limited/some minor repairs. They are personally responsible for the equipment provided and will replace any missing items as necessary. This activity will depend on local needs, training and supervisor discretion.
Neighbourhood Cleaners/Caretakers will be required to work a 36.5 hour week across specified neighbourhoods. Working hours can vary according to local need and customer preference. The type of service delivered will include everything within the neighbourhood boundary that remains the responsibility of the Homes and Neighbourhoods Directorate – to include multi-storey blocks, low rise blocks, garage sites, drying areas and other sites/communal housing land.
Page 2 of 10 Final Draft CC01.17 Job Content 4. General Duties: 4.1 a) Neighbourhood Cleaner/Caretaking Duties The duties reflect a flexible and adaptable caretaking and cleaning service. Within this job description duties are to be carried out individually or as part of a team. It must be emphasised that Caretakers and Neighbourhood Cleaners are employed to work in a neighbourhood/district area but may be required to work at any site within the city as directed by the Local Housing Manager or his/her representative.
b) All of the duties listed in this job description must be carried out according to Health and Safety Guidelines.
c) Tools, equipment and machinery will be provided and used to enhance working performance, the appearance and maintenance of the estate. These are to be used subject to appropriate training/competence and/or utilised in accordance with appropriate procedures.
4.2 a) High Rise Blocks Essential Tasks – to be carried out at a minimum of once a day i. Entrance halls to be swept and mopped. ii. Lift car doors to be cleaned. iii. Lift door tracks to be cleaned iv. Carpeted areas to be vacuumed.
b) In addition to the daily tasks, all graffiti will be removed within 24 hours and all staircases will be swept and mopped at least twice per week.
c) Any rubbish and large items/or bulky waste items must be removed from communal areas to a safe location for subsequent collection/disposal.
d) Similarly any other items posing a fire or other health and safety threat must be appropriately dealt with immediately, either via (for example) an emergency clean being carried out or a repair being reported as urgent. 4.3 Inspections
a) The following inspections are to take place on a daily basis and any problems to be resolved either immediately or at the direction of the Line Supervisor All staircases and corridor lighting to be checked daily and defective bulbs/tubes replaced. If health and safety is not compromised these can be reported to the Repairs service. b) Roof areas to be checked daily for security, protection of equipment and to ensure areas are free from rubbish. c) Check lift motor rooms to ensure door is secure and firefighting equipment is in working order. d) Tank rooms to be checked daily to ensure security and rooms are free from rubbish e) TV aerial room to be checked daily for security and kept clean and tidy. f) Dry riser cupboards to be checked daily for security and kept clean and tidy.
Page 3 of 10 Final Draft CC01.17 Job Content 4. General g) Refuse chute rooms to be checked as often as deemed necessary by local Supervisor (but at least once a day) to ensure chutes are not blocked and rooms are free from rubbish. h) The estate/external areas to be inspected daily to ensure that paths/entrance ways are free from litter, hazardous materials/substances. i) Check that MEB cupboard is secure. j) Forms Hou1774 and Hou1776 must be completed and related actions carried out in a timely/appropriate manner.
4.4 Regular Tasks The following duties will be carried out as deemed necessary by the supervising officer or his/her representative following consultation with customers and depending on the needs/type of estate to be managed.
a) Entrance Halls i. All woodwork to be dusted. ii. All glass and metal fitments to be cleaned iii. All walls to be dusted/washed. iv. All carpeted areas to be cleaned. b) Lifts i. Lift walls and ceilings to be cleaned. ii. All internal glass screens to be cleaned. c) Landings (Link and Communal) i. All landings to be swept and mopped as necessary. ii. All glass in landing doors to be cleaned. iii. All woodwork and ledges to be cleaned and polished. iv. Chute rooms and chute room landing to be swept and mopped. v. Chute room walls to be wiped down. vi. Lift door and architrave to be cleaned on a regular basis and polished where practical. vii. External lift observation panels to be cleaned viii. Carpeted areas to be cleaned. ix. Louvres to be wiped/dusted as necessary. d) Roof Area Roof drains and gullies to be kept clean and flushed with disinfectant. e) Main Bin Rooms i. Ensure where possible that Fleet and Waste Management can gain access to the bin room/area on collection days. This will include liaising with customers to remove any obstacles and blockage to the bin room area and where necessary moving the bin to an appropriate location for refuse collection. ii. Main bin rooms to be swept after rubbish is emptied and hosed where safe to do so. iii. Main bin rooms to be kept locked at all times where practical. iv. Chute hoppers to be scraped and disinfected as often as deemed necessary. This is to include identification and reporting of any repairs issues connected to the doors/roller shutters, an in-depth inspection of the guillotine shut off plates, fused links and bolts, checking for any rust/cracks and making sure all components are greased.
Page 4 of 10 Final Draft CC01.17 Job Content 4. General 4.5 Low Rise Blocks Essential tasks to be carried out a minimum of once per week or at more frequent level as determined by the Line Supervisor, Sweep and mop: a) i. Communal floors ii. Communal landings iii. Entrance halls iv. Lifts (as applicable) v. Bin rooms/bin store areas vi. Staircases vii. Chute rooms viii. Chute room landings b) Clean/wash down: i. Communal Walls ii. Communal Doors iii. Woodwork iv. Balustrades and stair rails v. Lift car doors (where applicable) vi. Lift car walls, doors and tracks (where applicable) vii. Glass and metal fitments viii. Bin rooms/bin store areas ix. Chute room/chute room walls c) Clean and vacuum all carpeted areas d) Removal of bulky waste items to the communal bin area serving the block. e) Litter pick and tidying of external communal areas serving the block. f) Scrape and disinfect chute hoppers as often as necessary. This is to include identification and reporting of any repairs issues connected to the doors/roller shutters, an in-depth inspection of the guillotine shut off plates, fused links and bolts, checking for any rust/cracks and making sure all components are greased. g) Any health and safety issues identified must be recorded and dealt with appropriately and immediately. For example, this may require you to report a repair as urgent or to carry out an emergency clean.
General Tasks Relevant to High/Low Rise Blocks and/or Neighbourhood The following tasks will be carried out as often as deemed necessary by the 4.6 local housing manager or Line Supervisor: 1. Identify and remove graffiti within 24 hours in conjunction with or as directed by the Line Supervisor. This to be undertaken in accordance with a) applicable health and safety/task guidelines. Seek supervisor advice as necessary. Identify or undertake emergency or ‘spot’ cleaning in conjunction with or as directed by the Line Supervisor. b) Remove litter and debris from drains and gullies and ensure they are free from all cleaning residue in accordance with health and safety procedures. c) Removal of any offensive and dangerous material or obstacle found in or around the block and neighbourhood in accordance with health and safety d) procedures
Page 5 of 10 Final Draft CC01.17 Job Content 4. General
e) Ensure access to the bin room area is not obstructed in order that Fleet and Waste Management can gain access to enable refuse collection. This will include liaising with tenants to remove obstructions. Where necessary remove bin to an appropriate location for refuse collection and relocate post refuse collection. f) You are responsible for the ensuring that the internal and external areas of blocks and surrounding communal areas are environmentally clean, attractive and safe. g) You will (where necessary) ensure pathways are free of leaves and you undertake appropriate actions to ensure access areas/pathways are free of snow and ice. h) Inspect the estate and check that all services are in safe working order and report any failures i) Monitor the work of and liaise with other Departments, organisations and contractors. Report any areas of concern such as non-performance/ uncompleted work. j) Record and where necessary report all incidents occurring on the estate. k) Assist tenants in all reasonable requests in a polite and helpful manner in accordance with the Department’s Customer Care code. l) Check that fire extinguishers are in place, are fully charged and of the correct type. m) Litter pick, tidy and maintain external communal housing areas within the neighbourhood as directed by the Line Supervisor. n) Unblock chutes as directed by the Line Supervisor and in accordance with health and safety procedures.
4.7 Other Duties The following duties will be carried out by the Caretaker as deemed necessary by the Local Housing Manager or his/her representative depending on the. needs of the neighbourhood to be managed.
a) Sweep and mop void flats where requested. b) Clean common area of adjacent walk-up flats and maisonettes. c) Caretakers will, at all times, wear the uniform/overalls supplied by the Department whilst on duty. d) When necessary, contact the Emergency Services on behalf of tenants, visitors etc. e) Note repairs on behalf of tenants, ensuring that details are forwarded to the Neighbourhood Office for action. Assist tenants in minor repairs as detailed below:- i. Unblock sink with plunger; ii. Turn off water supply; iii. Drain down domestic water system; iv. Fit padlock. (communal areas too)
Page 6 of 10 Final Draft CC01.17 Job Content 4. General 4.7 Other Duties Check that all fire equipment, controlled entry doors, electrical cupboards etc. . are maintained in a safe and secure condition and advise the Housing Officer of any repair work.
f) Remove any offensive and dangerous material or obstacle found in and around the block. In accordance with health and safety guidance.
Note: If any material is too dangerous (i.e. asbestos) or difficult to remove, advise the Line Supervisor immediately g) As reasonably requested, assist the supervising officer/colleagues as required at HLB, Residents Association or Council meetings on a voluntary basis. h) Report all incidents of ASB or other relevant activity occurring in the neighbourhood to the Line Supervisor. i) Offer any assistance, as necessary, to tenants during lift failure- ensuring that release is secured by either themselves or other Caretakers through approved procedure. j) Keep paths to front and rear entrances of block clear of snow , ice, leaves and gritted as necessary. k) Deliver leaflets and other correspondence to residents. l) Monitor the occupancy of flats and report to Housing Officer or Concierge staff as necessary. m) Carry out a visual inspection of the block/s and surrounding neighbourhood and record/report any matters of health and safety to the Line Supervisor. n) Report and record any communal repairs to the Line Supervisor. o) Provide day to day support to the Line Supervisor. p) Assist the Line Supervisor with any other duties within the neighbourhood as deemed necessary. q) Inform residents of appropriate means of litter/refuse disposal and encourage/support tenants in helping to maintain the quality of the local environment. r) Work with tenants/colleagues on recycling initiatives in the locality. s) Work with colleagues with a view to providing information to supervising officer in the identification of tenants/citizens who are littering/fly tipping or causing other damage to the local environment. t) All duties to be carried out using the correct safety signage, uniform and PPE and in accordance with health and safety procedures. u) All cleaning materials to be used in accordance with COSHH regulations. All tasks undertaken in accordance with Departmental Health and Safety Manual.
Page 7 of 10 Final Draft CC01.17 Job Content
5. Work complexity
Dealing with a range of cleaning and maintenance tasks.
Ensure work undertaken is in accordance with safe working practices.
6. Contacts
Contact: Purpose:
With Place Manager, Street Scene Information gathering. Coordinator, Housing Officer, Provision of advice and help. Neighbourhood Caretaker, District Neighbourhood caretaker, other Council employees, employees of Public Utilities and Services, Contractors, residents and visitors to the site.
7. Decisions made
As they relate to efficient management of the sites for which they have responsibility.
A range of basic day to day decisions on a number of housing management issues.
Record/Report matters of health and safety.
Report repairs.
8. Creative work
Liaison with customers to enhance the working environment and customer satisfaction.
Report writing, maintenance of records.
Page 8 of 10 Final Draft CC01.17 Job Title: Caretaker/ Neighbourhood Cleaner Ref No: H573
Location: Various Grade: GR 2
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
Experience, Knowledge, Skills, Ability, Training, Development, Education, Qualifications
Please demonstrate in your application, using examples where possible, that you have the ability to meet the following criteria essential to this post:
Method of Assessment*
1. Ability to carry out a variety of cleaning tasks indoors and outdoors in AF, I & T accordance with health and safety procedures. 2. An understanding of the types of problems that may occur in our neighbourhoods. AF & I
3. An ability and willingness to deal with a variety of issues affecting residents living on an estate. AF & I
4. Awareness of steps which should be taken to ensure personal safety and the safety of customers whilst carrying out duties. AF & I 5. Ability to work without supervision to detailed works schedules and AF & I timetables. 6. Ability to work as part of a team or on own initiative. AF & I 7. Ability to understand basic written and verbal instructions including AF & I equipment operating instructions and the correct use of cleaning materials. 8. Good interpersonal and communication skills. AF & I 9. Commitment to equal opportunities in all aspects of service delivery. AF & I
* AF = Application Form I = Interview T = Work based test or exercise P = Presentation
Page 9 of 10 Final Draft CC01.17 Job Title: Caretaker/Neighbourhood Cleaner Ref No: H573
Location: Various Grade: GR 2
DESIRABLE CRITERIA
Experience, Knowledge, Skills, Ability, Training, Development, Education, Qualifications
Please demonstrate in your application, using examples where possible, that you have the ability to meet the following criteria essential to this post:
Method of Assessment*
* AF = Application Form I = Interview T = Work based test or exercise P = Presentation
Page 10 of 10 Final Draft CC01.17