Job Description

Overview

We are seeking a proactive and organised Community Assistant to join our team at Burnhope Community Centre. This paid role offers an excellent opportunity for an individual with strong administrative skills and a keen eye for detail to support trustees, volunteers, staff, and user groups. The post holder will contribute to the smooth day-to-day running of the centre through a combination of compliance duties, maintenance coordination, administration, publicity, and group support. The role is vital in ensuring the centre operates safely, efficiently, and remains a welcoming, inclusive environment for residents, visitors, and community groups, while providing high-quality support and enhancing community engagement.

Duties

Compliance & Maintenance:

Grass cutting and grounds care Tidying plants, shrubs, and outdoor spaces Clearing and sweeping paths Snow clearance and gritting for access Oiling and maintaining gym equipment Routine checks of alarms and fire alarm systems Regular defibrillator checks Ensuring all centre furniture is clean, safe, and in good condition Cleaning duties during cleaner's annual leave Emptying dishwasher and keeping kitchen clean Basic repairs (tightening screws, small leaks, minor adjustments) Meter readings (gas, electric, water) Weekly/monthly emergency lighting checks Ensuring fire exits and evacuation routes are clear Maintaining and checking first aid kits Monitoring CCTV system when the gym is in use Inspecting for trip hazards or damage around the centre Keeping external bins tidy and ready for collection Litter picking around the building Stocking consumables (soap, toilet roll, cleaning supplies) Maintaining COSHH storage and safety

Group Support:

Room set-ups for all groups, meetings, and events AV set-ups (projector, screens, speakers) Burnhope Bairns (Tuesday) - setting up and tidying away equipment Kids Klub (Wednesday) - group leader support when needed Friday Bairns - putting equipment out on Thursday Lunch Club - setting up the hall and tidying afterwards Ensuring safe spaces, equipment, and layout for all user groups

Office & Administrative Tasks:

Weekly updating of group numbers spreadsheet Updating diary labels and schedules Keeping filing areas and digital information organised Assisting with publicity and community engagement materials

Reception & Building Cover:

Opening and locking up the centre for groups and events Providing evening cover for Thursday and Friday bookings Monitoring CCTV while the gym is in use Cash handling for groups and gym users Welcoming visitors and offering basic front-of-house support

Experience

Experience of working in a

community centre, voluntary sector organisation, school, leisure facility, or similar public-facing environment.

Practical experience in

basic maintenance and caretaking duties

, including cleaning, minor repairs, health and safety checks, and grounds care. Experience of carrying out or supporting

health & safety and compliance tasks

, such as fire safety checks, emergency lighting checks, COSHH awareness, first aid kit checks, and ensuring safe access. Experience of

opening, securing, and monitoring a building

, including responsibility for keys, alarms, and CCTV systems. Experience of

front-of-house or reception duties

, including welcoming visitors, providing basic customer service, and handling cash securely. Experience supporting

groups, activities, or events

, including room set-ups, equipment handling, and maintaining safe, accessible environments. A strong understanding of

safeguarding principles

, particularly when working in environments used by children, young people, older people, and vulnerable adults. Experience of working in line with

safeguarding policies and procedures

, including recognising concerns and knowing how and when to report them. Experience of working in a role requiring

security awareness

, such as monitoring access, CCTV observation, ensuring building safety, and responding appropriately to incidents. Basic administrative experience, including

record-keeping, spreadsheets, schedules, and maintaining organised filing systems.

Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and prioritise tasks in a busy community setting.

Preferred Experience:

(but not essential)

Previous experience working specifically within a

community centre or multi-use community facility.

Formal experience in a

caretaker, facilities, security, or site support role.

Training or experience in

security services

, including CCTV monitoring, access control, incident reporting, or lone-working procedures. Experience supporting

children's groups, family activities, or youth provision

within a safeguarding framework. Knowledge of

fire safety procedures

, evacuation planning, and alarm systems. Experience with

AV equipment

, including projectors, screens, and sound systems Experience assisting with

publicity, community engagement, or promotion of activities.

Experience working alongside

volunteers, trustees, and external user groups

A current or previous

DBS check

(or willingness to obtain one). First Aid training, fire safety training, or health & safety certification.
Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From 12.71 per hour

Expected hours: 17 per week

Benefits:

Company pension Flexitime On-site parking
Work Location: In person