Plasterer/Decorator

Job Title: Plasterer / Decorator - Voids and Repairs

Location: South Manchester

Contract Type: Temporary

Hourly Rate: ~£25 per hour

1. Job Purpose

To undertake plastering, decorating and associated internal finishing works across the housing association's housing stock, with a primary focus on void properties, responsive repairs and planned maintenance.

The postholder will be responsible for delivering high-quality plastering, preparation, painting and decorating works to ensure properties are maintained, repaired and returned to a safe, clean and lettable standard within agreed timescales.

The role will involve repairing damaged plasterwork, preparing surfaces, applying paint and decorative finishes, making good following repairs by other trades, and completing internal refurbishment works in both vacant and occupied properties.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong practical skills, attention to detail, a commitment to health and safety, and a professional, customer-focused approach when working in residents' homes.

2. Key Responsibilities

A. Voids and Property Refurbishment

• Undertake plastering, painting and decorating works to void properties in accordance with the housing association's lettable standards and specifications.
• Repair damaged plaster, skim walls and ceilings, patch plasterwork and undertake other appropriate surface repairs.
• Remove loose or defective plaster and prepare surfaces for re-plastering where required.
• Prepare walls, ceilings, woodwork and other surfaces to receive paint or decorative finishes.
• Fill cracks, holes and surface imperfections, sand surfaces and apply suitable primers, sealers and undercoats.
• Apply paint, emulsion, gloss, eggshell and other specified finishes to walls, ceilings, woodwork and other surfaces.
• Carry out wallpaper stripping, hanging and other decorative works where required.
• Make good surfaces following the removal or installation of fixtures, fittings, kitchen units, bathroom components, doors, windows and other building elements.
• Complete internal finishing works to a consistent and professional standard, ensuring properties are ready for inspection and reoccupation.
• Identify and report defects that may require further investigation, including persistent dampness, suspected mould, water damage, significant cracking or possible structural movement.
• Work collaboratively with other trades to ensure void refurbishment programmes are completed efficiently and within agreed timescales.

B. Responsive Repairs and Maintenance

• Attend allocated plastering and decorating repairs in occupied properties, communal areas and other housing association premises.
• Repair damaged walls, ceilings, plasterwork, paint finishes and decorative surfaces.
• Make good following leaks, plumbing repairs, electrical works, joinery repairs and other maintenance activities.
• Carry out localised plaster repairs, filling, patching, sanding, sealing and repainting as required.
• Repair peeling, blistering, flaking or damaged paintwork, identifying and reporting any underlying causes.
• Undertake minor remedial decorating works to restore surfaces to an acceptable condition.
• Respond to urgent repairs as directed by the supervisor, prioritising issues in accordance with service requirements.
• Identify where additional work is required and report defects that fall outside the scope of the allocated repair.
• Ensure completed repairs blend appropriately with surrounding finishes wherever practicable.
• Minimise disruption to residents and ensure work areas are left clean, safe and tidy on completion.

C. Plastering and Surface Preparation

• Carry out patch plastering, skimming, rendering and other plastering works appropriate to the role and required specification.
• Prepare backgrounds and substrates to ensure suitable adhesion and a durable finish.
• Apply plaster and finishing compounds evenly, achieving a smooth and consistent surface.
• Repair damaged corners, edges, reveals and other plastered details.
• Use appropriate fillers, bonding agents, primers, sealers and preparation products.
• Assess surface conditions before applying plaster or decorative finishes.
• Identify and report excessive moisture, recurring staining, loose backgrounds, cracking or other defects that could affect the quality or durability of the work.
• Ensure adequate drying and curing times are observed before applying subsequent finishes.
• Use suitable protection to prevent damage to floors, fixtures, fittings and residents' belongings.

D. Painting and Decorating

• Prepare surfaces by cleaning, scraping, sanding, filling and priming as necessary.
• Apply decorative coatings using appropriate brushes, rollers, spray equipment or other suitable methods where authorised and competent.
• Apply the correct number of coats and observe manufacturer instructions and drying times.
• Achieve an even finish, with clean edges and appropriate coverage.
• Decorate walls, ceilings, doors, frames, skirting boards, staircases and other internal surfaces.
• Undertake minor external painting and decorating where required and within the postholder's competence.
• Select and use suitable products for different surfaces and environments in accordance with the work specification.
• Ensure colour matching and consistency with existing finishes where practicable.
• Protect completed work from damage and ensure surfaces are clean and ready for handover.
• Identify and report recurring paint failure, staining, damp-related deterioration or other underlying defects before redecorating.

E. Quality Assurance and Compliance

• Complete all works to the housing association's specifications, quality standards and required timescales.
• Follow manufacturer instructions and relevant guidance for plastering materials, paints, coatings, fillers and preparation products.
• Inspect completed work to ensure it meets the required standard before signing off the job.
• Rectify workmanship defects identified during inspections or reported through the repairs process.
• Ensure repairs are completed right first time wherever possible, reducing repeat visits and unnecessary costs.
• Record outstanding issues and additional works required to achieve a satisfactory finish.
• Support inspections, quality checks and handover processes for void properties.
• Maintain consistent standards of workmanship across all properties and work types.

F. Resident and Customer Service

• Provide a professional, courteous and respectful service when working in residents' homes.
• Explain the work to be undertaken and communicate any delays, access requirements or additional repairs where appropriate.
• Respect residents' privacy, belongings and individual circumstances.
• Protect furniture, flooring, fixtures and fittings from dust, paint, plaster and other materials.
• Keep work areas tidy and minimise disruption throughout the job.
• Ensure residents have appropriate information about any temporary restrictions or drying times that may affect the use of rooms.
• Report complaints, resident concerns, access issues and safeguarding concerns through the appropriate channels.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with the housing association's customer care policies.
• Contribute to a positive resident experience and the delivery of a reliable, customer-focused maintenance service.

G. Health, Safety and Environmental Compliance

• Comply with all relevant health and safety legislation, organisational policies, risk assessments and method statements.
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly and maintain safe working practices at all times.
• Follow safe procedures for working at height, using ladders and access equipment, and handling tools and materials.
• Comply with COSHH requirements when using paints, solvents, adhesives, fillers, sealers and other potentially hazardous substances.
• Ensure adequate ventilation when using paints, coatings and other products that may produce fumes.
• Control dust when sanding, preparing surfaces, removing defective plaster or carrying out associated works.
• Follow relevant procedures for asbestos awareness and stop work if suspected asbestos-containing materials are identified or disturbed.
• Report suspected damp, mould, water ingress or other property hazards in accordance with the housing association's procedures.
• Maintain safe and secure working areas to protect residents, colleagues and members of the public.
• Report accidents, incidents, near misses, defective equipment and unsafe conditions promptly.
• Dispose of waste materials, paint containers and other substances in accordance with environmental requirements and organisational procedures.

H. Materials, Equipment and Administration

• Ensure the correct materials, tools and equipment are available to complete allocated works efficiently.
• Calculate material requirements accurately and minimise waste.
• Use materials responsibly and demonstrate value for money.
• Maintain tools and equipment in a clean, safe and serviceable condition.
• Complete job sheets, mobile working records, timesheets and material usage records accurately and within required timescales.
• Record work completed, defects identified, outstanding repairs and follow-on works required.
• Report material shortages, failed access, delays and changes to the scope of work to the relevant supervisor.
• Follow procedures for the collection, storage and security of materials, keys and property access devices.

I. Teamwork and Service Delivery

• Work collaboratively with other maintenance operatives, including plumbers, electricians, joiners, bricklayers, floor layers and general builders.
• Coordinate work with other trades to support the timely completion of repairs and void properties.
• Manage allocated workloads effectively and prioritise jobs in line with operational requirements.
• Attend team meetings, toolbox talks and training sessions as required.
• Maintain a flexible and professional approach to changing service priorities.
• Contribute ideas to improve service delivery, reduce repeat repairs and increase efficiency.
• Undertake other reasonable duties consistent with the role, skills and level of responsibility.

3. Person Specification

Essential Requirements

• Relevant qualifications in plastering and/or painting and decorating, such as an NVQ Level 2 or an equivalent recognised qualification.
• Demonstrable experience in plastering and painting and decorating within a property maintenance, construction, social housing or similar environment.
• Practical experience of repairing plasterwork, preparing surfaces and applying decorative finishes.
• Ability to carry out patch plastering, filling, skimming and associated making-good works to an appropriate standard.
• Competence in preparing and decorating walls, ceilings, woodwork and other internal surfaces.
• Knowledge of plastering materials, paints, fillers, primers, sealers and other relevant products.
• Ability to identify defects and recognise when further investigation or specialist assistance is required.
• Understanding of health and safety requirements, safe working practices and the correct use of tools and equipment.
• Awareness of COSHH requirements and the risks associated with dust, fumes and hazardous substances.
• Awareness of asbestos risks when working in older properties and understanding of the procedures to follow if suspected asbestos-containing materials are identified.
• Ability to work independently, organise workloads and meet agreed deadlines.
• Good attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality workmanship.
• Good communication and customer service skills, particularly when working in occupied properties.
• Ability to complete job records and use mobile devices or electronic job management systems.
• Full, valid UK driving licence, where driving is an essential requirement of the role.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience working for a housing association, local authority or other social housing provider.
• Experience of void property refurbishment and working to a defined lettable standard.
• Experience of responsive repairs in occupied residential properties.
• Experience working within a multi-trade maintenance team.
• Relevant health and safety training, including asbestos awareness and COSHH.
• Knowledge of damp and mould reporting procedures and the importance of identifying underlying causes before redecorating.
• Experience using mobile working applications and electronic repairs management systems.

4. Key Performance Indicators

Performance in the role may be assessed against the following measures:

• Completion of plastering and decorating works within agreed timescales.
• Quality of workmanship and compliance with the housing association's standards.
• First-time fix rates and reduction in repeat repairs.
• Timely completion of void properties and achievement of lettable standards.
• Resident satisfaction and the quality of customer interactions.
• Compliance with health and safety procedures.
• Accurate and timely completion of job records.
• Effective use of materials and reduction of avoidable waste.
• Identification and reporting of underlying defects and follow-on works.
• Performance against quality inspections and handover requirements.

How to Apply

We would love to hear from you. Please apply via the advert or contact 0161 838 3616 for more information.

Morgan Hunt is a multi-award-winning recruitment Business for interim, contract and temporary recruitment and acts as an Employment Agency in relation to temporary vacancies. Morgan Hunt is an equal opportunities employer, job suitability are assessed on merit in accordance with their skills, qualifications and abilities to perform the relevant duties required in a particular role.