About this role
Job summary
We are looking for a reliable, hardworking and compassionate Bank Housekeeper to join our Estates team at Ashgate Hospice.
You will play an important role in maintaining a clean, safe and welcoming environment for patients, visitors and staff, working across both clinical and non-clinical areas of the hospice. You will carry out a range of cleaning and housekeeping duties using appropriate equipment and techniques, while following infection prevention, health and safety and cleaning procedures.
This is an active role requiring good attention to detail, the ability to organise your own workload and a flexible approach to changing priorities. You will work alongside the Housekeeper Team Leader and wider Estates team and may come into contact with patients and families, so a calm, respectful and compassionate approach is essential.
Previous housekeeping or healthcare experience would be helpful but is not essential, as full training will be provided. If you take pride in your work and want to make a difference in an Outstanding hospice, we would love to hear from you.
Ad hoc and casual hours as required. Shifts hours are Monday - Friday between 7:30 and 18:00, and Saturday - Sunday between 7:30 and 16:30.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will maintain high standards of cleanliness across the hospice, including patient rooms and bays, clinical and non-clinical areas, offices, corridors and toilets.
Duties will include routine and deep cleaning, floor care, waste disposal, replenishing essential supplies and supporting laundry and bedding requirements. The post holder will use cleaning equipment and products safely and appropriately, maintaining equipment in a clean and serviceable condition. They will follow infection prevention and control, COSHH, health and safety and hospice procedures at all times. The role also involves working sensitively around patients, relatives and visitors, reporting faults or concerns to the appropriate colleague and working collaboratively with the Housekeeper Team Leader and wider Estates team to maintain a safe and welcoming environment.
About us
Ashgate Hospice provides free, specialist and compassionate care for adults living with life-limiting or incurable illnesses across North Derbyshire. We support people and those important to them through a range of services, helping people manage symptoms, understand their care and maintain the best possible quality of life.
Each year, we support more than 2,640 people and also provide practical, emotional and bereavement support to those important to them.
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is valued and encouraged to be themselves. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to supporting our staff through training, development and wellbeing initiatives.
Job description Job responsibilities
The post holder will be responsible for maintaining high standards of cleanliness throughout the hospice, including patient rooms and bays, clinical areas, offices, corridors, toilets and other facilities. The role includes routine and deep cleaning, floor care, cleaning furniture and fittings, waste disposal and replenishing essential items such as hand towels, toilet rolls, soap and alcohol gel. The post holder may also support laundry and bedding requirements, including changing curtains and making beds in the overnight stay suite when required.
The post holder will use a range of cleaning equipment and materials safely and appropriately and will be responsible for keeping equipment clean, maintained and stored correctly. They will follow all relevant infection prevention and control, COSHH, health and safety and hospice procedures and report any faults, hazards or concerns to the appropriate member of the Estates team. The role involves working in areas where patients and families may be present. A calm, respectful and sensitive approach is therefore essential, and all information relating to patients and their families must be treated confidentially.
The post holder will work closely with the Housekeeper Team Leader and wider Estates team and will be expected to respond flexibly to changing priorities and service requirements. Full training will be provided, including relevant infection prevention, manual handling, fire safety and housekeeping training.
For further information about the role or to arrange an informal visit, please contact Donna Searson, Housekeeping Team Lead, at 01246 568 801 or email [email protected]
Ashgate Hospice is committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please contact our People Services team on 01246 568 801 or [email protected].
Successful applicants will be required to complete a DBS check as part of the pre-employment process. Applications must be submitted via the Apply Now button; applications sent directly to People Services or the recruiting manager will not be accepted.
We are unable to support applications from candidates who require sponsorship to work in the UK.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Willingness to undertake relevant housekeeping, infection prevention, COSHH, manual handling and other mandatory training.
Desirable
NVQ Level 2 in Cleaning, Infection Prevention and Control or a relevant equivalent qualification.
Experience Essential
Basic knowledge of cleaning methods and practices and the safe use of cleaning products. Good organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to plan and prioritise tasks. Ability to work independently and take responsibility for completing allocated duties. Ability to work effectively as part of a team and communicate positively with colleagues. Friendly, respectful and sensitive approach when working around patients, relatives, visitors and colleagues. Ability to adapt to changing priorities and respond flexibly to service needs. Reliable, punctual and motivated, with good attention to detail. Understanding of the importance of confidentiality, infection prevention, cleanliness and maintaining a safe environment. Commitment to Ashgate Hospice's values and to treating others with compassion, dignity and respect.
Desirable
Previous housekeeping or cleaning experience. Previous experience working in a healthcare, care or similar environment. Basic understanding of COSHH and health and safety requirements. Experience of working in an environment where high standards of cleanliness and infection prevention are particularly important. Experience of working flexibly and adapting to changing priorities.
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 Ashgate Hospicecare
Address Ashgate Hospice
Ashgate Road
Old Brampton
Chesterfield
S42 7JD
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.ashgatehospicecare.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)