Overview
This role supports THW's mission to provide safe accommodation and refuge for women and children fleeing domestic abuse. The Maintenance Multi-trade Operative ensures that properties are maintained to a high standard, offering a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment. While the focus is on maintenance duties, THW recognises the importance of staff well-being and provides support and structure for those working in this sensitive context. The role involves delivering high-quality, timely maintenance across THW's safe accommodation and refuge sites for women and children fleeing domestic abuse, ensuring properties are safe, comfortable, functional, and welcoming through general plumbing, carpentry, and painting & decorating work. The postholder will respond to both reactive repairs and planned works, maintaining a standard of repair that supports the dignity, safety, and well-being of residents. The role is restricted to female applicants in line with the Equality Act 2010 (Schedule 9, Part 1).
Note: No previous direct experience in domestic abuse services is required, but the successful candidate must share and embody THW's values of dignity, compassion, professionalism, empowerment, and respect, working with discretion, sensitivity, and confidentiality at all times.
Compensation and working conditions (informal guidance based on sector practice): working hours are primarily weekdays with occasional urgent or on-call tasks; tools, PPE, and where necessary, a vehicle/van for inter-site travel will be provided. Travel between THW properties is a regular requirement; a clean driving licence is essential. Staff are supported through safeguarding training, confidentiality policies, and supervision given the sensitive nature of the work.
Essential:
* NVQ Level 2 or 3 (or equivalent) in a relevant trade (plumbing, carpentry or general building maintenance) or demonstrable equivalent practical experience.
* Clean, full UK driving licence.
* Basic Health & Safety training (such as manual handling, ladder safety) or willingness to undertake training.
* Willingness and ability to obtain an Enhanced DBS check.
Desirable:
* Trade-specific certificates (e.g., City & Guilds in plumbing/carpentry or multi-trade).
* Asbestos awareness (UKATA or equivalent).
* Legionella (L8) awareness.
* Emergency First Aid (EFAW).
* CSCS card or similar recognition of competence in construction/trades.
Skills & Knowledge — Essential:
* Proficient in plumbing, carpentry, and basic painting & decorating to a high standard.
* Basic electrical skills restricted to changing fuses, plugs, bulbs; clear understanding of when to escalate.
* Good diagnostic/problem-solving skills; able to assess issues, plan work, estimate materials.
* Strong knowledge of Health & Safety in a domestic/residential environment; able to conduct risk assessments and work safely in occupied properties.
* Excellent communication skills: respectful, clear, able to explain work to non-technical people (residents, staff).
* Good record keeping: materials, jobs done, outstanding works, documentation/photos.
* Ability to manage time, prioritise tasks under pressure; work both independently and as part of a small team.
Desirable:
* Ability to work with and maintain small grounds or external areas.
* Some experience in finishing trades: tiling, plaster patching, sealants, making things neat and visually pleasing.
* Basic awareness of social housing standards, planned versus reactive maintenance.
* Experience with simple digital job ticketing or maintenance software.
Experience — Essential:
* Several years' practical multi-trade maintenance in occupied residential settings (housing, supported accommodation, similar).
* Proven track record of reactive repairs and regular maintenance work, delivering to standard and with minimal rework.
* Experience working under basic health & safety, following correct procedures, using equipment and PPE appropriately.
Desirable:
* Prior experience in safe accommodation or working with women in vulnerable circumstances.
* Supervising or coordinating contractors, ordering materials, managing small budgets.
* Experience of planned preventative maintenance (PPM) schedules.
Legal, Safeguarding & Eligibility — Essential:
* Female applicant required under Equality Act 2010 (Schedule 9, Part 1).
* Right to work in the UK.
* Able to pass an Enhanced DBS check and maintain this as required.
Desirable:
* Training or awareness in safeguarding, especially relating to domestic abuse or trauma-informed practice.
Values & Behaviours — Essential:
* Alignment with THW's values: dignity, compassion, empowerment, professionalism.
* Discretion, sensitivity, confidentiality in all dealings with residents; ability to work in trauma-aware way.
* Reliability, punctuality, flexibility - willing to respond to urgent repairs where reasonably required.
* Pride in workmanship; attention to detail and delivering clean, safe, respectful environments.
* Trustworthiness and ability to maintain appropriate boundaries; respectful of diversity.
Desirable:
* Initiative: spotting improvement opportunities and suggesting improvements.
* Willingness to mentor or support less experienced colleagues.
* Openness to additional training and professional development.
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