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