The Role

Overall purpose

The Housekeeper will:

•            Ensuring that a clean and welcoming environment is provided for our clients and customers, staff and visitors, maintaining our reputation

•            Providing a safe environment, ensuring infection control and hygiene policies and procedures are followed

•            Getting to know clients’ requirements and preferences and providing a personalised service

•            Contributing to safeguarding the welfare of clients

Responsibilities and accountabilities

    Undertaking a variety of general cleaning tasks which may be in clients’ rooms and / or communal areas, including but not limited to: bed making, vacuuming, dusting, floor washing, dishwashing, toilet cleaning, emptying bins and recycling

   Cleaning to the expected standards, in line with  policies and procedures, including the infection control policy

   Maintaining up to date knowledge about efficient and safe use of cleaning equipment and appropriate and safe use of chemical cleaning products and COSHH regulations.

   Keeping all cleaning equipment in good working order and carrying out routine maintenance tasks on cleaning equipment. Reporting any faults

  Getting to know individual needs of the clients and ensuring any specific dietary requirements are met (e.g. allergies, texture modification, special and cultural diets)

   Providing an initial response to requests or complaints with professionalism and understanding. Referring to a senior member of staff where appropriate

  Carrying out basic food preparation tasks, maintaining good food hygiene

   Preparing dining areas for meals (hot and cold) and serving meals to clients. Clearing away tables.

   Serving tea to clients which may be in their rooms or in communal areas

  Keeping basic records up to date, including cleaning charts in rooms, providing evidence of cleaning for the benefit of clients’ families and for audit and inspection purposes

  Working as part of a team and providing cover, on occasion, to Kitchen Assistants or Laundry Assistants to ensure smooth running of the service

  Ensuring high standards of personal hygiene and presentation in accordance with the infection control and uniform policies

  Attending staff meetings as and when required

Person Specification

Must haves:

 Ability to use a range of cleaning equipment and to read and carry out basic instructions.

Written English skills as required to complete cleaning records

 A reasonable level of physical fitness as required to carry out the role

 Ability to work alongside existing and new members of the team

 Ability to communicate with clients to provide a welcoming environment

 Prepared to work towards a Food Hygiene Safety Level 2 Certificate.

  Prepared to work towards a Certificate in Infection Control

. Understanding of basic food hygiene

Understanding of basic health and safety requirements

Basic knowledge of cleaning equipment

Good to have:

 Food Safety Level 2 Hygience Certificate.

 Certificate in Infection Control.

  Protection of Vulnerable Adult Training

. Ability to work on own initiative

  Previous cleaning experience

   Awareness of Health and Hygiene practices, COSHH regulations, infection control procedures.