Domestic Assistant

Job description

Job responsibilities

To undertake cleaning duties in accordance with cleaning schedules and instructions.

Maintain cleaning standards on ward / unit to a high standard in line with National Standards

Support the auditing process of Clean Hospitals

Ensure all domestic equipment is clean and properly stored when not in use and report defects to supervisor for repairs Responsible for ensuring that all products and chemicals are locked away and used in line with COSHH guidelines

Stock control - report any shortfalls of domestic products to supervisor

Responsible for ensuring personal alarms are tested prior to start of shift

To work as members of a team, carrying out facilities tasks as allocated and prioritised. Facilities tasks may include all or a combination of the following:

• General cleaning duties: Floor maintenance - Dry / Wet Mopping / Scrubbing and Buffing / Vacuuming/ Strip & re-seals / Spray Cleaning / High / Low Dusting / Damp & Dry Dusting / Spot Cleaning / Shampoo of carpets
• Wiping down / cleaning of furniture and general fitments to high standard of cleanliness
• Carrying out barrier cleans in line with Infection Control Policies
• Provide efficient removal of domestic waste, including waste collection and waste disposal
• Clearing of litter / debris / and glass from within Trust premises
• Removal of graffiti as required
• Wiping down / dusting of Venetian / roller / vertical blinds
• Cleaning of sanitary ware bathrooms / toilet areas / shower rooms
• Cleaning of Ward / Unit Kitchen appliances
• Salting of dishwashers
• Wall cleaning / paintwork / tiles / doors below 6ft
• Removal of smears from internal glass
• Replenish hand washers, paper towels, toilet tissue, coloured plastic bags and soap as required
• Support the sending and receiving of curtains / shower curtains as required
• Key handler, locking and unlocking of premises / areas as required. Responsible for the return of all keys issued prior to leaving site. Ensure all areas left secure.
• Setting up of beverage trolleys as required
• Setting of tables
• Full clearing of dining room after meal services
• Washing up and the wiping down of spillages on food conveyors as required

To assist colleagues and their line manager, carry out the tasks assigned to the team or individual and to support the minimisation of overtime and sickness costs to the Trust and also minimise the waste of resources, through operating the required reporting, management or information systems.

To comply with all relevant policies and procedures (including, but not limited to, health & safety, security, manual handling). As work may be carried out in a wide variety of locations, adherence to site-specific security procedures is of paramount importance.

To take responsibility for the completion of all duties in a safe and efficient manner, and to maintain regular contact with their line manager.

To stand in for other Domestic Assistants as required.

To liaise with all relevant parties in a friendly and helpful way as is required to ensure the achievement of all duties and responsibilities.

• Internal ContactsContact with staff of all disciplines and at all levels in the course of day-to-day domestic and catering duties.
• External ContactsContact with visitors to the Trust, and with a variety of maintenance and other contractors working on site.
• Service UsersContact with patients. This may be daily within inpatient areas for extended periods of time, or infrequently in outpatient areas. This contact may include communication with service users with severe and enduring mental health problems, who may display behavioural difficulties and import sensitive information.

To work unsupervised and use own initiative in line with service requirements.

To ensure timely and accurate completion of documentation, and to enter and use data on information systems.

Other Duties:

Ward / Unit specific duties as directed

Any other domestic duties designated by Supervisor / Manager / Ward Manager

To provide flexible cover across all areas where necessary within designated hours

Any other duties that may be reasonably expected and that are commensurate with the grade

Education and development

Actively participate in the Trust Performance and Development Review (PDR) process and in the development of a personal development plan (PDP) together with line manager

Undertake mandatory training as required by the Trust and ensure that all required training is kept up to date

Attend relevant education and training days/programmes, as necessary

Participate in regular supervision, engage in reflective practice and be committed to continued development

Develop a clear understanding of the service and role. Provide cover for colleagues in other areas where necessary

Research and audit

Undertake and participate in appropriate audit, quality assurance programmes, service evaluations and research as directed

Person Specification

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) training or willingness to complete as part of internal induction process
• Good standard of general education

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working in a similar role
• Knowledge / understanding of cross infection in a healthcare setting.
• Experience of dealing with people.
• Knowledge / understanding of cross infection in a healthcare setting.

Skills

Essential

• Ability to undertake high quality cleaning/domestic duties.
• Able to function as a member of a team and support the management objectives of the department and Trust.
• Able to deal with requests from service users, managers and staff in a friendly and helpful way.
• Flexible.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Able to work both independently and as part of a team
• Able to carry out manual tasks

Values

Essential

• Continuous Improvement
• Accountability
• Respectfulness
• Enthusiasm
• Support
• High professional standards
• Responsive to service users
• Engaging leadership style
• Strong customer service belief
• Transparency and honesty
• Discreet
• Change oriented

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name

Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Knowsley Resource and recovery

Whiston Hospital, Dragons Lane

Prescot

L35 5DR

Employer's website

https://www.merseycare.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)