Housekeeper

Society of St James; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Flexible working options

Buy additional annual leave

Induction and training

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to work scheme

Discounted laptops and computers

Electric Car Scheme

Blue Light Card

Job summary

Society of St James (SSJ) is seeking a reliable Housekeeper for SSJ Properties in Portsmouth. You will maintain high cleanliness and hygiene across residential properties and offices, upholding health and COSHH standards and ensuring a safe, welcoming environment for residents and staff.

You will work independently or as part of a team, manage tasks efficiently, and travel between local sites. A compassionate approach to individuals with complex needs is essential.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in regular and deep cleaning in residential/commercial environments.
• Good knowledge of cleaning techniques, products and health and safety/COSHH standards (or willingness to train).
• Ability to travel between local sites to transport cleaning supplies; driving licence or alternative capability.

Responsibilities

• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene across SSJ Properties' residential and commercial sites.
• Uphold health and safety and COSHH standards.
• Work flexibly and manage workload effectively, individually or as part of a team.

Skills

Cleaning to high standards

COSHH knowledge

Time management

Manual handling

Driving licence

Basic computer literacy

Compassionate approach

Calm under pressure

Equality & diversity

Tools

Word

Email

Internet

Job description

This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic Charity and Housing Association.The Society of St James (SSJ) has been working in Hampshire for over 50 years, delivering high impact, person-centred, accommodation services to adults and young people experiencing homelessness, problematic substance use and mental health problems. We believe that every person is of worth and we are prepared to take risks to house and support the most at risk and socially excluded members of society.

The Impact You’ll Make

As a Housekeeper with SSJ Properties in Portsmouth, you will play a vital role in providing and maintaining a high standard of cleanliness and hygiene across our residential properties and commercial offices. By maintaining clean, safe, and welcoming living spaces, you will directly support our residents and staff, ensuring that all health, safety, and COSHH standards are upheld across our sites.

Who We're Looking For

We are looking for a reliable, compassionate, and self-motivated individual who takes pride in maintaining high standards of cleanliness. You should be empathetic towards individuals with histories of homelessness, mental health difficulties, and substance misuse. You will be comfortable working independently or as part of a team, capable of managing your workload effectively, and willing to work flexibly to meet the needs of the service.

Essential Skills and Qualities

• Proven experience in high-standard regular and deep cleaning across residential or commercial environments.
• Good knowledge of cleaning techniques, products, and health and safety/COSHH standards (or willingness to undertake training).
• Strong time management and organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks effectively.
• Ability to carry out manual handling and move between different floors of multi-storey properties (with reasonable adjustments provided where appropriate).
• Ability to travel efficiently between local sites to transport cleaning supplies (a valid driving licence/vehicle or equivalent capability, with reasonable adjustments available for non-drivers with disabilities).
• Good communication skills and basic computer literacy (Word, Email, Internet).
• A compassionate, empathetic approach towards individuals with complex needs and challenging behaviour.
• Ability to stay calm, friendly, and professional under pressure while maintaining clear boundaries.
• Understanding of equality and diversity principles in the workplace and service delivery.

What we can offer you

We value and recognise our staff, offering some generous benefits, as well as the satisfaction of helping people at risk:

• A competitive annual leave entitlement of 25 days rising to 30 days, plus public holidays
• Flexible working options
• Buying additional annual leave
• Comprehensive induction and training
• Counselling, financial, personal support and health and wellbeing services via our Employee Assistance Programme
• Company cycle to work scheme
• Discounted laptops and computers with Jamie’s Computers
• Electric Car Scheme
• Blue Light Card

SSJ are an equal opportunity employer and we encourage applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life.

At SSJ, we recognise the benefits of a supported workplace. SSJ is affiliated with Unite the Union. To learn more about their membership benefits or to sign up, you can visit their official website.

Due to the high number of expected applicants, we do reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier.

Should you not hear from us within 14 days of the closing date, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted laptops and computers with Jamie’s Computers
• Employer pension contributions via salary sacrifice
• Flexible working opportunities
• Counselling, financial, personal support, and health and well-being services via our Employee Assistance Programme