Domestic Assistant

NHS National Services Scotland; Kirkwall; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A local health board in Scotland is seeking a dedicated individual for a part-time domestic services role at The Balfour Hospital. The position requires maintaining cleanliness in accordance with NHS standards and involves a rotating work schedule. Ideal candidates should possess prior cleaning experience and strong interpersonal skills. Comprehensive training will be provided. This role offers a salary aligned with Band 2 and additional allowances for residents on Orkney, alongside a range of benefits.

Benefits

Attractive pension scheme

Employee assistance programme

Discounts to local and national retailers

Qualifications

• Experience in a healthcare setting is preferred but not mandatory.
• Training in COSHH and Infection Control is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a clean and safe working environment.
• Ensure the facility meets NHS National Cleaning Specification standards.

Skills

Prior cleaning experience

Strong interpersonal skills

Excellent communication skills

Ability to work independently

Ability to work in a team

Job description

About the Organisation:

As Scotland’s smallest health board, NHS Orkney is committed to delivering excellent care to our 22,000 residents. Whether you’re new to the NHS or bringing experience from elsewhere, your skills will make a real difference.

Our modern healthcare facility, The Balfour, brings together inpatient care, emergency services, outpatient clinics, diagnostics, GP practices and the Scottish Ambulance Service. We’re also investing in services across our outer isles, ensuring high-quality care reaches every corner of Orkney.

We are guided by our core values that shape everything we do – Open and honest, Respect and Kindness – from how we care for our patients to how we support each other as colleagues.

About Orkney:

With over 70 islands – 20 of them inhabited – Orkney offers a unique blend of natural beauty, close‑knit community and an opportunity for adventure. From dramatic coastlines and rare wildlife to rich cultural traditions and active lifestyles, it’s a place where compassion thrives and every day brings something new. Regularly named one of the UK’s best places to live, Orkney offers a lifestyle that’s both fulfilling and inspiring.

The Position:

Are you passionate about creating safe and spotless spaces? We have an exciting opportunity for a dedicated individual to join our team at The Balfour, helping to maintain a clean and safe working environment in line with the NHS National Cleaning Specification.

As a key member of our Domestic Services team at The Balfour, you will play a vital role in ensuring our facility meets the highest standards of cleanliness.

The Candidate:

We’re looking for candidates with prior cleaning experience, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team. Excellent communication skills and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality are essential for this role.

While experience in a healthcare setting, as well as COSHH and Infection Control training are advantageous, they are not mandatory – comprehensive training will be provided.

Location, Working Pattern and Contract Duration:

This post will be based at The Balfour.

The successful candidate will work: Part Time 30 hours per week (Monday‑Sunday 4 week rota, working every 2nd weekend 0730‑1530 or 1100‑1900). NHS Scotland is reducing their full time working week from 37 to 36 hours per week from 1 April 2026 but with no change in pay. This reduction will also be applied pro rata for part time staff.

This post is Permanent.

It is a condition of this employment that you must live and remain a resident within the UK for the post in which you will be employed with NHS Orkney.

Benefits and Salary:

Did you know NHS Scotland salaries are higher than those in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland?

The salary for this post is Band 2 and if residing on Orkney, you’ll also receive a Distant Islands Allowance of £1,654 pro rata per annum, adding extra value to your rewarding career with us.

NHS Orkney also offers an attractive pension scheme, wide range of work life balance policies, employee assistance programme and various discounts to both local and national retailers.

Further Information:

If you share our vision and are ready to be part of Team Orkney, we’d love to hear from you. Your rewarding career starts here!

We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the recruitment process, and you will be asked whether you require any during your application. If there are additional requirements you would like to request, please contact [e-mail].

For further guidance on the recruitment process and tips for creating a strong application, please refer to our Candidate Application Pack.

If you would like further information about these posts please contact Michelle Grieve, Domestic and Laundry Team Lead, Balfour Hospital, Kirkwall, Tel [phone] or email [e-mail].

This post is subject to a Disclosure Scotland check.

Interview date: Tuesday 13th of January 2026