Caretaker’s Assistant

Location: St Johns Wood United Synagogue

You are responsible for the proper carrying out of all the duties of a caretaker both in respect of the normal use of the Synagogue premises and special functions.  This includes overseeing the security, health and safety, cleaning and maintenance of the Synagogue building and grounds both inside and out. For example, the school areas, administrative offices, reception halls, kitchens, and WC areas. The caretaker has a key role within the broader synagogue team of administrators rabbinic team and volunteers.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Carrying out the instructions of the Caretaker & Facilities & Office Manager /Honorary Officers/Rabbinic Team of the Synagogue
2. Undertake general caretaking tasks and duties as requested by the caretaker as can reasonable be expected from a role of this nature
3. To be responsible for opening and locking up procedures, occasionally under the guidance of the security team
4. To liaise with the police and security authorities at all times in the event of an emergency.
5. On Fridays, Saturdays and all Jewish High Holidays ensure that all lighting/heating are correctly switched on and off as required.
6. On Saturdays (Sabbath), High Holy Days and when in house functions take place (eg Bridge, Elderly lunch) you are required to assist with, prepare and put out when needed. To clear tables and dismantle them, wash up and store away all china, glasses etc and ensure that the SBH, MGH, DWH and other areas of the building are clean and tidy.
7. Preparing the Synagogue premises and other rooms for weddings, social events and Council meetings etc authorised by the Administrator/Honorary Officers and cleaning the same after the function has terminated.
8. To control all cleaning materials, catering equipment etc (except those relating to the Kindergarten and office areas) used in the Synagogue and ensure that they are properly, correctly and safely stored in the appropriate storage locations.
9. To erect and dismantle and store away the chupah in the Synagogue as required and ensure that the Brides’ Room is clean and prepared prior to a wedding ceremony.
10. Carry out the cleaning, under the guidance of the caretaker, of the Synagogue complex and ensure that the complex is as a whole properly cleaned, and to always ensure that all staircases are properly cleaned, tidy, not obstructed and safe.
11. To ensure that at all times all the toilets throughout the Synagogue complex are properly cleaned, in proper working order and fully stocked with toilet paper, towels, soap etc.
12. To report all defects and repairs to the Caretaker and facilities & Office Manager
13. To be responsible for ordering cleaning stores and water as and when needed.
14. Keeping the grounds tidy and in good order, cleaning all gullies.
15. To speak in a polite and responsible manner to all other people, including visitors and staff.
16. To support the testing of the fire alarm and emergency lighting weekly and maintain the log.
17. To co-ordinate with all contractors on site and report visitors to the Office & Facilities Manager.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The person to be appointed to this post should able to demonstrate the following:

EXPERIENCE

• Proven experience as a caretaker
• Proactively working as a team member contributing to the success of the wider team
• Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
• Good spoken English

GENERIC DUTIES

• Committed to the aims of the United Synagogue and act as an ambassador for the organisation
• Comply with The United Synagogue’s policy and procedures and code of expectations
• Bring to the attention of senior staff any health and safety requirements, which become obvious. In the event of any immediate danger, to take the appropriate action to reduce risk to physical danger to employees, members, contractors, volunteers, children, parents, visitors or staff
• Work collaboratively with other colleagues across the organisation to ensure the United Synagogue can achieve its vision, mission, and strategy
• Undertake appropriate training as requested by your line manager in conjunction with the Human Resources Department and be committed to own continuous professional development
• Carry out any other reasonable duties as requested by the Chief Executive or other designated senior staff/undertaking such other duties that occasionally fall within the purpose of the post
• Maintaining high levels of discretion and confidentiality at all times
• This job description and person specification is not prescriptive; it merely outlines the key tasks and responsibilities of the post and the key tasks and responsibilities are subject to change, any changes will be made in consultation with the post holder
• This Job Description is subject to alteration in response to the changes in legislation or The United Synagogue’s operational procedures
• Due of the nature of the work for which you are applying, this post is exempt from the provisions of Section 4(2) of the Rehabilitation Act, 1974, by virtue of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, 1974, (Exceptions) Order 1975
• Accordingly, a valid and current enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate (formerly CRB) that is satisfactory to the United Synagogue will be required; please ensure that you complete the United Synagogue Application Form Part 2 appropriately

BENEFITS:                            

• 20 days holiday, plus 8 Bank Holidays
• Ride-to-Work Scheme
• Auto-Enrolled Pension

For further information or to express interest, please get in touch with the Employment & Education team via this email address or on 023 9298 1920.