Housekeeper

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust; Halifax; On-site; CAD 37,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A NHS Foundation Trust in Halifax is looking for a Housekeeper to maintain high standards of cleanliness and provide catering services within a ward for mental health patients. You will be responsible for food storage, liaising with staff, and ensuring the ward environment is welcoming and hygienic. Ideal candidates will have relevant qualifications and experience in a similar environment, with a caring attitude towards service users.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Training opportunities

Supportive workplace environment

Qualifications

• Experience in demanding work environments preferred.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and use initiative.
• Smart appearance and a caring attitude.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain good working relationships with staff.
• Receive and store food in accordance with set standards.
• Ensure cleanliness of laundry and kitchen areas.

Skills

Basic literacy and numeric skills

Good interpersonal skills

Ability to work without supervision

Education

Level 2 Certificate in Food Safety

Job description

Housekeeper – South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust

Closing date: 26 September 2025

Overview

To provide a high standard of domestic, catering and general household duties within a ward environment for people with mental health problems. Duties to be carried out in line with the National standards of cleanliness. Maintain confidentiality regarding service users, colleagues and information obtained during interactions with service users, and share relevant information with the nurse in charge of the ward area.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain good working relationships and clear communication with ward staff and service users while delivering the core duties of a housekeeping service.
• Receive and store all food in accordance with set standards and Trust policy. Check stocks of sundry items, food and linen.
• Store linen and personal clothing as laundered and ensure sufficient stocks are available at all times to meet service user requirements.
• Support service users in guiding them to use laundry equipment when required.
• Communicate with multidisciplinary teams (nursing staff, catering, dieticians and facilities) to ensure service users receive special diets in accordance with nutritional requirements and care plans. Liaise and communicate any menu changes with service users and nursing staff.
• Oversee day-to-day ward upkeep, including ordering via the Oracle system and maintaining cleanliness of white goods in the staff room. Serve breakfast and lunch with support from ward staff. Maintain relationships with estates and attend IPC/estate meetings.
• Ensure food storage and stock control, and maintain cleanliness of the laundry and kitchen areas. Follow procedures for securing and locking doors and respond to spills in line with Infection Control and Health and Safety policies.
• Monitor and advise patients on healthy eating options where required. Distribute snacks to service users. Clean comodes, shower chairs and assisted bathroom hoists. Replenish consumables as needed.
• Maintain bedrooms: ensure name plates on doors, information packs in bedrooms, and support patients in taking care of their living space. Open patient room doors as required and spot-clean as needed.
• Organise and tidy patient property cupboards; assist with auditing property sheets and disclaimer forms; supervise laundry needs for service users.
• Conduct required flush regime twice weekly and ensure cupboards, microwaves and fridges are clean. Check chairs/furniture for wear and tear.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Level 2 Certificate in Food Safety or willing to undertake and complete within 12 months (can be obtained through SWYPFT).
• Basic literacy and numeric skills.
• Good interpersonal skills; ability to communicate with service users, colleagues and visitors in a courteous and sensitive manner.
• Ability to work without immediate supervision, prioritize tasks and use initiative. Basic Health & Safety awareness.

Experience

• Experience in demanding work environments and in industrial cleaning or catering settings. Experience in patient-focused environments is preferred.

Personal and Physical Attributes

• Smart appearance; ability to work as part of a team; flexible approach to working patterns and changing environments; caring, friendly attitude; ability to deliver high standards of work at all times.
• Ability to undertake duties and meet the demands of the post; satisfactory sickness record as required.

Training

• Commitment to undertaking relevant training related to the role.

Other Information

• This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and requires a Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
• We reserve the right to close the vacancy before the advertised closing date if necessary. Applicants are encouraged to apply promptly.

About us

We are a specialist NHS Foundation Trust providing community, mental health and learning disability services for the people of Barnsley, Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield, with a focus on high-quality care delivered in the right place at the right time. We employ over 4,500 staff and are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

We encourage and welcome applications from all protected characteristic groups. We value diversity and strive for a workforce representative of our communities.

We do reserve the right to close the vacancy before the advertised closing date if necessary. Be aware as of advertising that the role meets UKVI sponsorship requirements for eligible candidates.