Bank - Housekeeper

Strong Life Care; North East; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Strong Life Care in the United Kingdom is seeking a dedicated Housekeeping Assistant to uphold the highest cleaning standards across the home. You will work under the Home Manager to deliver a welcoming, hygienic environment for residents, staff and visitors.

Responsibilities include following the cleaning schedule, managing stock with COSHH data, completing IPC audits, and supporting infection control practices. The role requires reliability, teamwork and a flexible approach to duties and hours.

Qualifications

• GCSEs or equivalent required.
• Experience in a domestic environment preferred.
• Knowledge of health and safety practices and COSHH considered a plus.

Responsibilities

• Carry out cleaning duties according to the cleaning schedule and document activities.
• Support a clean and welcoming environment for residents, colleagues and visitors.
• Manage stock levels, storage and usage with COSHH data sheets.
• Maintain appropriate waste handling procedures in line with guidelines.
• Conduct IPC audits to ensure high infection control standards.
• Perform regular quality spot checks and report issues to management.
• Complete regular walk rounds and develop action plans for improvements.
• Contribute to the Customer Journey, maintenance audits and governance checks.
• Engage with residents, relatives and staff to support a respectful living environment.
• Assist with decorating and upkeep to sustain home standards.
• Assist with safeguarding and safety practices in line with Public Health guidance.

Skills

Cleaning knowledge

Education

GCSEs or Equivalent

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Home Manager / Deputy Manager, the Housekeeping Assistant is responsible for ensuring a high quality of service within the home.

The Housekeeper will ensure the highest service standards of cleaning are delivered in the home.

The Housekeeper is responsible for the work completed by the staff who work in their department at any time and must always ensure that standards are met.

JOB SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

Housekeeping Services

• Ensure that cleaning duties are carried out in accordance with the cleaning schedule and documented appropriately
• Ensure teamwork is applied always to provide a clean and welcoming environment for the residents, colleagues, and visitors.
• Ensure that all stock is ordered, stored, and used appropriately with COSHH data sheets.
• Ensure that the measures in place to manage general, clinical and offensive waste are maintained at all times, raising any issues to the Management of the service.
• Cost marketing exercises as and when required to ensure that we are using the most cost-effective products without compromising quality.
• Use any government PPE portals to ensure a robust contingency stock of essential items.
• Ensue that the Duty Rota, and any annual leave approvals are completed to ensure that the Department is adequately staffed at all times.
• Ensure that Duty Rota’s and allocation of staff are tailored to ensure that there is appropriate skill mix at all times.
• To ensure that all persons working in the Housekeeping Department are fully inducted and deemed competent to use all of the equipment, chemicals and understand the importance of completing documentation for both the laundry and cleaning sectors.
• Ensure that all employees maintain the highest standards of personal hygiene, cleanliness and wear only appropriate uniform / clothing suitable for the work at all times.
• To complete regular IPC audits, to ensure that the highest standards are met and sustained.
• To complete quality spot checks, PPE and uniform spot checks and elevate any concerns to the Management Team.
• To complete documented walk arounds of the Home and devise any action plans to resolve any issues identified.
• To complete the Customer Journey, Maintenance audit and any other governance tool deemed appropriate to your department.
• To actively participate in Head of Department meetings to ensure that communication is consistent and in the best interests of the Home.
• Ensure that resident, relatives, and professional feedback surveys are obtained on a regular basis and shared with the Management.
• To be able to demonstrate ongoing improvements with the Home including decorating programs, maintenance schedules etc.
• To assist with maintaining the décor of all areas of the home to ensure that standards are sustained.
• Work closely with the Manager to ensure that people living with an ongoing infections, have their needs met safely and appropriately, in line with the latest guidance from Public Health and Infection Control teams.
• Support the Home Manager in reporting any defects or damage to furnishings within the home.
• Ensure that all service contract equipment is in safe working order, reporting any issues to the Home Manager or the service provider.
• Ensure that you have an understanding of the business continuity plan, and, ensure that any business related to your department is kept relevant and up to date.
• Ensure that products being used have been specifically selected for the purpose.
• Carry out any reasonable instruction from the Home Manager.
• Work with the team to ensure alignment with the Strong Life Care vision and are operating from the Strong Life Care Mission Statement.
• Complete and spot check cleaning documentation in line with company policy and report any issues or omissions.
• Ensure that infection control policies and universal precautions are followed always, and to participate in the review of policies and procedures as required to ensure the best possible standards.
• Ensure that you actively keep up to date with any changes to local and national guidelines in the treatment and prevention of infections and diseases, i.e. Covid-19, with the support from your Manager.
• Carry out deep cleaning in line with Strong Life Care procedures on a regular basis.
• To actively engage with residents in conversation and meaningful occupation related to their lifestyle choices at a level and pace that values the individual and respects their dignity and communication differences.
• Ensure that any equipment or cleaning equipment / storage areas are kept clean, tidy, organised, and safe at all times.
• To respond in a timely way to residents who are distressed (calling out, calling for help, knocking or making noises that suggest the need for support) or seek assistance if you feel unable to respond appropriately

Health and Safety

• Ensure all health and safety requirements are being met and attend training as required.
• Work alongside maintenance to ensure that environmental, safety and quality audits are completed in a timely and meaningful manner.
• Ensure regulations and compliance are met and adhered to.
• Ensure equipment and environment is safe within the home, taking actions on any areas within limitations and capabilities.
• Ensure the safety data sheets and risk assessments for all chemicals that are used.
• Assist with any Fire safety and prevention measures in line with training and company expectations. This may include fire alarm testing.
• You will be made aware of any accidents / incidents on a monthly basis, where you will be expected to ensure that any lessons learned, or risk reduction measures are implemented and sustained
• You will be required for this role to potentially liftheavy objects; however you will be provided with equipment to minimize this risk wherever possible.
• All staff are responsible for protecting themselves and others against infection risks. All staff regardless of whether clinical or not are expected to comply with current infection control policies and procedures and to report any problems regarding this to the manager. All staff undertaking patient care activities must attend infection control training and updates as required by this organisation.

JOB DESCRIPTION RECORD

This job description reflects the current main organisational priorities for the position. These priorities may develop and change in consultation with the post holder in line with needs and priorities of the business, and at the Managers discretion.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Criteria

Qualifications/Education

• GCSE’s or Equivalent

Experience

• Experience working within a domestic environment
• Health & Safety knowledge

Skills/

Knowledge

• Cleaning knowledge

Personal Qualities

• Reliable and punctual
• Able to adapt to change
• Willing to learn and develop
• Approachable
• Enthusiastic
• Flexible
• Patient
• Positive attitude
• Self-motivator
• Flexible approach to working hours - able to work occasionally outside of normal hours.
• Ability to promote a professional image for the company always
• Ability to travel to other homes where needed for training / support
• Able to adapt to the Strong Life Care culture