About this role
Job summary
As a Generic Worker, you will play an important role in supporting a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for patients, visitors, and staff. Working as part of the Facilities Team, you will carry out a variety of duties to meet service needs and contribute to high standards across the Trust.
You will work closely with the Facilities Housekeeper, Facilities Team Leader and other Facilities Staff, Matron, Facilities Head of Catering and where applicable some Heads of Departments.
We are seeking individuals who:
Take pride in delivering high standards of cleanliness and customer serviceWork well as part of a teamHave a flexible and positive approach to workAre committed to health, safety, and infection prevention standardsCan support and encourage the development of colleagues and apprenticesThis is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference to the experience, safety, and wellbeing of patients and staff.
Main duties of the job
Reporting to the Facilities Team Leader and working closely with Housekeepers, Matrons, Catering Services, and other departmental teams, you will undertake a planned and methodical cleaning programme to ensure all designated areas are maintained to the highest standards.
Your responsibilities will include cleaning a range of environments, including:
Patient bedrooms, ward areas, day rooms, and loungesToilets, bathrooms, and sanitary facilitiesOffices and meeting roomsOutpatient departmentsKitchen and catering areasExternal patio areas and the immediate vicinity of entrancesYou will also be expected to identify and resolve minor equipment issues where appropriate, adapt to changes in cleaning schedules, and support the completion of environmental audits to help maintain cleanliness standards.
The role requires active participation in training and development activities, including cleaning techniques and mandatory subjects such as Fire Safety, Moving and Handling, COSHH, and Infection Prevention and Control.
In addition, you will support apprentices in their day-to-day duties through a buddy system, helping them understand health and safety requirements, Trust policies, procedures, and best practice standards.
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 lifeNHS pension scheme for long-term financial securityGenerous annual leave allowance to recharge and relaxA strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potentialAdditionally, 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 description Job responsibilities For a full breakdown of the role with a detailed person specification please see the full attached job description.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Range of work procedures and practices, base level of theoretical knowledge plus experience relevant to the post
Desirable
NVQ or equivalent relevant to the role Food Hygiene Level 2 certificate City and Guilds or equivalent (for Catering duties only)
Experience Essential
Experience of either catering / cleaning / portering in a commercial environment
Desirable
Understanding of either cleaning / catering / portering practices Understanding Health & Safety in the workplace including infection control and moving and handling procedures Knowledge of COSHH procedures Knowledge of allergies
Additional Criteria Essential
Ability to undertake physical tasks Ability to undertake Manual handing procedures Ability to work flexibly to meet the needs of the service Able to demonstrate a good standard of English language Prepared to change shift when required could include weekends
Desirable
Knowledge of procedures relevant to healthcare
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.
Employer details Employer name Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Address War Memorial Hospital
Love Lane
Burnham On Sea
Somerset
TA8 1ED
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)