FM Assistant (Cleaning) | Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

Essex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust; Harlow; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

A regional health service provider in Harlow is looking for an FM Assistant to maintain cleanliness, assist in food services, manage laundry tasks, and perform portering duties. The role requires attention to detail and the ability to work in a healthcare environment. The position offers competitive remuneration with opportunities for professional development and benefits, including annual leave and NHS discounts.

Benefits

NHS discounts

Annual leave entitlement rising with service

Training facilities

Qualifications

• Experience in cleaning and domestic services is desirable.
• Ability to assist in food preparation and service.
• Familiarity with laundry processes and portering tasks.

Responsibilities

• Maintain cleanliness of assigned areas according to schedule.
• Prepare and serve food for patients as applicable.
• Manage laundry services for patients' clothing and items.
• Carry out portering tasks including logistics of materials and patients.

Skills

Cleaning skills

Food service knowledge

Portering tasks

Attention to detail

Job description

Overview

FM Assistant – Band 2 (£24,465 per annum pro rata). Location: Nuffield House Health Centre, Harlow. Hours: Monday to Friday 17:00–19:30 (2 hours/day, 12.5 hours/week). The role involves in-house FM services in a specified area within the Trust, including in-patient areas and retail outlets. FM services include cleaning, catering, portering, bed making and laundering (some services may be unit specific). This job description may reference only relevant sections for each staff member. You play an important part in maintaining an excellent environment and will work alongside patients as you carry out duties. You will be part of the Facilities Team and be expected to have a flexible approach. You are a valued member of the Estates & Facilities Management Team. Interview date (if shortlisted): 16 September 2025. Right to work in the UK is required. Postholders will be subject to pre-employment checks and applicable sponsorship restrictions. The Estates & Facilities Department delivers high-quality, cost-effective services across Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT).

Annual leave entitlement: 27 days plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years’ service (pro-rata to hours worked). Salary: £25,768 (pro-rata for part-time working) depending on experience and NHS service. EPUT offers benefits and development opportunities including season ticket loans, NHS discounts, training facilities, buying/selling annual leave, opportunities to work bank shifts, and salary sacrifice schemes (e.g., lease cars, Cycle to Work).

Important notice: Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) (Coronavirus) Regulations 2021 require COVID-19 vaccination for those employed to work in a care home or deployed to a CQC-registered care home, subject to exemptions. This is a pre-employment requirement.

Key Responsibilities

Domestic Services including Rapid Response (CAT):

• Clean assigned ward(s)/areas according to the Work Schedule; tasks include vacuuming, sweeping, scrubbing/mopping floors, high and low dusting, wiping and polishing surfaces, mirrors, chairs, bed frames, bins, sani-bins; cleaning toilets, sinks, baths, showers; cleaning kitchens (cookers, ovens, fridges, holding fridges, microwaves); defrosting fridges regularly; restocking consumables; descaling taps; and bin disposal and liner replacement.
• Work with supervisor to review and adjust the Work Schedule to ensure it is manageable and appropriate.
• Inform supervisor of problems affecting cleaning quality (e.g., floor coverings, surfaces).
• Use correct colour-coded cleaning equipment; store and dispose of items properly to prevent cross-infection.
• Use cleaning materials economically; report deterioration or substitution of products; ensure chemicals are those provided by the Trust and used as trained.
• Operate machinery/equipment safely and report faults; keep equipment clean and replace vacuum bags regularly; only use equipment for its intended task; observe safety signs and circuit breakers.
• Store cleaning materials and equipment securely and report any security concerns or unlocked storerooms at shift start.
• Dispose of general, recyclable, and clinical waste correctly; report any mis-segregation or disposal issues.

Food Services:

• Assist with regeneration process of cook-chill meals, take/record temperatures before regeneration, and manage the cycle; prepare soup, gravy and custard for patient meals; responsible for the regeneration process and temperatures, plating for patient service (sites include Thurrock, Rochford and sites in the North of the Trust).
• Ensure oven gloves and cloths are used and laundered regularly.
• Ensure serving and clearing of meals for patients where applicable; clean crockery and cutlery used for meals.

Laundry Service (where applicable to specific sites):

• Wash, dry and finish patient clothing, duvet covers, duvets and curtains appropriately; re-process items not meeting standard and label patients’ belongings; keep dirty and clean items separate to prevent cross-infection; store laundered items in the agreed area; maintain a clean laundry and complete cleaning checklists; keep laundry equipment clean and report faults to the Supervisor.

Portering:

• Carry out routine tasks including delivery of pharmacy boxes, medical records, clean linen, bread, milk, general stores, meal trolleys, and collection of dirty linen and waste; obtain signatures as required; maintain public areas, including weekend and bank holiday coverage; sort, deliver and collect mail; perform ad-hoc tasks such as transporting patients (where applicable), medical gases, specimens, furniture setup, and other duties as required; ensure medical gas supplies are maintained; decant and deliver liquid nitrogen; operate the electro-hydraulic waste compactor with training; attend community sites for ad-hoc work and assist with unloading/loading; keep sites and car parks tidy; assist with vehicle access in emergencies; attend fire calls and support fire brigade as needed; assist with gritting/snow clearance in severe weather; keep waste areas clean.

Other notes:

• This advert closes on 9 September 2025.