Housekeeper based at Elmside, Hitchin

MHA; North Hertfordshire; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 22,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days holiday (including bank hols)

Strong pension and life assurance

Free DBS checks and uniforms

Confidential counselling and hardship

Flexible option to buy/sell annual lea

Blue Light Card discounts and Vivup

Induction and ongoing training

Long service awards

Job summary

MHA is seeking a reliable Housekeeper to join Elmside care home in Hitchin. You will maintain a clean, safe and welcoming environment supporting residents’ wellbeing, privacy and dignity.

You will follow cleaning schedules, handle laundry when needed, and use COSHH-compliant materials while respecting safety rules. The role is permanent, part-time (30 hours/week) with a pay of £13.77 per hour.

Qualifications

• Essential housekeeping or cleaning experience.
• Health and safety training is essential.
• Strong communication and listening skills.
• Ability to follow routines and work independently.
• Empathy towards older residents and dignity in care.
• Flexible approach to cover on-call or emergencies.
• Desirable QCF Level 2/3 in Health & Social Care; training provided.

Responsibilities

• Follow daily and weekly cleaning schedules to maintain high standards of cleanliness across the home.
• Clean residents’ rooms, communal areas, bathrooms, kitchens and other designated areas.
• Ensure the home remains comfortable, tidy and odour-free at all times.
• Assist with laundry tasks, including bedding where required.
• Safely use, store and control cleaning materials in line with COSHH and health & safety requirements.
• Monitor cleaning equipment and report faults or arrange repairs as required.
• Dispose of waste safely and appropriately.
• Respect residents’ privacy, dignity and choice at all times.
• Attend training, staff meetings, supervisions and appraisals as required.

Skills

Housekeeping experience

Health and safety training

Good communication

Independent working

Sensitivity to older people

Flexible/on-call

Education

QCF Level 2 or 3 in Health & Social Care

Tools

COSHH training

Job description

Hours: Permanent - Part Time - 30 hours per week

Salary: £13.77 per hour

For this role, we are currently considering candidates who live within approximately 15 miles of the Service. This ensures commutes are manageable and support your wellbeing and work-life balance. If you live outside this area but would still find the commute manageable, please get in touch - we are happy to review individual circumstances.

About the role

We are looking for a reliable and caring Housekeeper to join our team at MHA. This is an important role, helping to maintain a clean, safe and welcoming environment where residents feel comfortable, respected and at home.

As a Housekeeper, you will play a key part in supporting residents’ wellbeing by maintaining high standards of cleanliness throughout the home, while always respecting dignity, privacy and individual needs.

What you will do

• Follow daily and weekly cleaning schedules to maintain high standards of cleanliness across the home.
• Clean residents’ rooms, communal areas, bathrooms, kitchens and other designated areas using appropriate methods and equipment.
• Ensure the home remains comfortable, tidy and odour-free at all times.
• Assist with laundry tasks, including bedding where required.
• Safely use, store and control cleaning materials in line with COSHH and health & safety requirements.
• Monitor cleaning equipment and report faults or arrange repairs as required.
• Dispose of waste safely and appropriately.
• Respect residents’ privacy, dignity and choice at all times.
• Attend training, staff meetings, supervisions and appraisals as required.

About you

We are looking for someone who is dependable, organised and takes pride in their work.

You will bring:

• Previous housekeeping or cleaning experience (essential).
• Training in health and safety (essential).
• Good communication and listening skills.
• The ability to follow cleaning routines and work independently when required.
• Sensitivity to the needs of older people.
• A flexible approach to work, including covering on-call or emergency situations when needed.
• A QCF Level 2 or 3 in Health & Social Care is desirable but not essential, as training will be provided.

You will be joining an organisation with strong values and a commitment to helping people live later life well. At MHA, Housekeepers play a vital role in creating safe, clean and caring homes where residents can thrive.

Rewards and benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, you will enjoy:

• 28 days holiday (including bank holidays) and an option to buy annual leave (pro-rota for part time)
• A strong pension scheme and life assurance
• Free DBS checks and uniforms
• Confidential counselling, chaplaincy support and access to our hardship fund
• Flexible options to buy or sell annual leave, plus family-friendly policies
• Discounts through the Blue Light Card, Health Service Discounts and the Vivup app
• A full induction, ongoing training and development opportunities
• Long service awards to celebrate your contribution

About the Service

Elmside care home in Hitchin

Elmside is a warm and community-focused home where colleagues work together to deliver meaningful, person-centred care. The team atmosphere is friendly and encouraging, helping new colleagues feel supported from their very first day.

With a strong focus on dignity, independence and high-quality support, colleagues play an essential role in creating a calm, uplifting environment for residents. The home reflects MHA’s charitable values, promoting kindness, teamwork and a shared commitment to improving later life.

Elmside is an ideal workplace for job seekers who want to build a purposeful career in a supportive home where colleagues feel valued, trusted and inspired to grow.

For more information about the home, please click here

Where the role requires a Standard or Enhanced DBS check, the successful candidate will be required to join and maintain membership of the DBS Update Service. MHA will pay for the DBS check and will provide an additional payment through payroll equivalent to the standard annual Update Service subscription fee. Further details will be provided during onboarding.

Please note that interviews may take place prior to the closing date and if a suitable candidate is appointed the role may close early.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

MHA are fully committed to the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) as this is embedded in our values: respect, nurture and inspire. In addition, as a committed employer we have been awarded level 2 under the Disability Confident Scheme.