Housekeeper

NHS; Yeovil; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Yeovil is seeking a full-time Housekeeping Assistant to maintain a clean and safe environment for patients and staff. This role involves infection prevention, meal service assistance, and complying with health and safety standards. Ideal candidates will have good communication skills and be flexible with their working hours. Training will be provided, and previous cleaning or food service experience is desirable but not essential. This position offers a chance to contribute to patient care and work in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Flexible working options

NHS pension scheme

Generous annual leave allowance

Career development opportunities

Access to Blue Light Card discounts

Qualifications

• Understanding of the English language (spoken and written)
• Previous cleaning or food service experience desirable but not essential.
• Relevant training will be provided.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a clean, safe, and hygienic environment.
• Assist with patient meal service.
• Operate cleaning and catering equipment safely.

Skills

Good communication skills and understanding of English

Ability to work flexibly and follow instructions

Knowledge of waste segregation

Education

GCSE in Maths and English or equivalent

Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering

Job description

Join our dedicated Housekeeping team at Yeovil District Hospital and help us provide a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for patients, visitors, and staff.

As a full-time Housekeeping Assistant, you'll play a vital role in infection prevention and patient care by delivering high-quality cleaning and assisting with meal services.

We're looking for people who are flexible, reliable, and committed to maintaining the highest standards. You'll work across a range of shifts, including evenings and weekends, to support our busy hospital and new facilities.

Main duties of the job

Maintain a clean, safe, and hygienic environment across hospital areas, following agreed schedules and infection control standards.

Use colour-coded cleaning equipment correctly and safely.

Carry out specialist cleaning tasks such as barrier and terminal cleans (training provided).

Assist with patient meal service, including checking food temperatures and ensuring dietary requirements are met.

Serve hot drinks and refresh water jugs for patients, following safety and nutritional guidelines.

Segregate waste correctly and report any issues to your supervisor.

Operate cleaning and catering equipment safely (training provided).

Work flexibly across different areas and shifts, including evenings and weekends.

Comply with all health and safety, equality, and diversity policies.

About us

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Job responsibilities

As a Housekeeping Assistant, you will play a vital role in maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for patients, visitors, and staff. This is essential for reducing hospital-acquired infections and supporting a positive experience for everyone in our care.

Key Responsibilities include:

Cleaning clinical and non-clinical areas in line with infection prevention standards and work schedules.

Using colour-coded equipment correctly and safely.

Carrying out specialist cleaning tasks such as barrier and terminal cleans (training provided).

Assisting with patient meal service, including probing hot meals and recording temperatures.

Serving hot drinks and refreshing water jugs for patients, following dietary requirements.

Segregating waste correctly and reporting any issues.

Operating cleaning and catering equipment safely (training provided).

Working flexibly across different areas and shifts, including evenings and weekends.

Complying with all health and safety, equality, and diversity policies.

Training and Support:

Full induction and ongoing training will be provided, including infection control, food safety, and safe use of specialist cleaning equipment.

Person Specification:

Good communication skills and understanding of English (Essential).

Ability to work flexibly and follow instructions.

Previous cleaning or food service experience desirable but not essential.

Relevant training will be provided.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Understanding of the English language (spoken and written)
• Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering
• GCSE in Maths and English or equivalent
• Previous experience in hospital cleaning or food services
• Knowledge of waste segregation
• Note: Full training will be provided to successful applicants.

Experience

• Ability to work flexibly and follow instructions
• Comfortable working in a busy hospital environment
• Previous experience of cleaning in a hospital setting
• Previous experience of food service in a hospital
• Knowledge of waste segregation

Additional Criteria

• Ability to work on own initiative while following agreed policies and procedures
• Flexible and adaptable to changes in routine or work environment
• Able to take and follow verbal instructions and respond to changing circumstances
• Positive attitude towards teamwork and patient care
• Willingness to undertake further training and development

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.