Job summary
Working pattern - 5pm to 8pm Monday to Friday
The role of Housekeeper is
an opportunity to join a large team of dedicated staff. The role of a
housekeeper is essential in maintaining a clean and safe environment for
patients, staff and visitors. You would be involved in cleaning all areas of
the hospital including areas which require specialist cleaning such as
theatres, the hospital sterilisation unit and isolation rooms. The role is
varied and staff may be expected to work as part of a team or alone.
The cleaning service
operates 24/7 and uses a variety of different equipment both manual and
mechanical.
All aspects of training
will be covered and you will be joining a supportive and friendly team where
all staff are valued for the contribution they make in maintaining high
standards of cleaning.
Main duties of the job
Main Duties General cleaning duties of all interior areas of the
hospital including clinical, non- clinical and staff and public areas.
*** Please note we do not offer Certificates of Sponsorships for this role ***
If you are offered a position, we will apply for references covering the past three consecutive years of employment and/or training. Applicants should provide a full employment and training history, explaining any gaps or discrepancies. Unexplained periods will be explored during the interview and pre-employment checking process. Please note that any misleading or inaccurate information may result in the withdrawal of a conditional offer.
About us
Our purpose is simple - Putting Patients First. We are looking for exceptional colleagues who can help us achieve this.
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is a large acute and specialised hospital trust that provides a range of local acute services to the residents of Worcestershire and more specialised services to a larger population in Herefordshire and beyond.
The Trust operates hospital-based services from three sites in Kidderminster, Redditch and Worcester
Our workforce is over 7,000 strong, and our caring staff are recognised as providing good and outstanding patient-centred care. You could be one of them.
We are committed to recruiting the best people to work with us to achieve our Vision - working in partnership to provide the best healthcare for our communities, leading and supporting our teams to move 4ward. Our 4ward behaviours, which we ask all staff to demonstrate, underpin our everyday work and remain firmly at the heart of all we do.
Our objectives are simple:
- Best services for local people
- Best experience of care and best outcomes for our patients
- Best use of resources
- Best people
Better never stops, and our Clinical Services Strategy provides a clear future vision for our Trust, our hospitals, our services and our role in the wider health and care system.
We are proud to have achieved Timewise accreditation - this means we are committed to embedding flexible working within our organisation as a flex positive employer.
Job description
Job responsibilities
WORCESTERSHIRE ACUTE HOSPITALS NHS TRUST
JOB DESCRIPTION
Post Title: Housekeeping Assistant
Pay Band: 2
Hours:
Contract: Permanent
Location / Department: Kidderminster treatment centre
Accountable to: Facilities Manager
Reports to: Housekeeping Services Supervisor
Ref:
Key Working Relationships:
Ward and Departmental staff; patients and visitors.
Job Purpose:
To assist in maintaining a clean and hygienic environment for patients, staff and visitors. To carry out
general cleaning duties in all areas of the hospital and to apply specialist-cleaning methods using
appropriate materials and equipment where necessary.
Key Duties:
Clean allocated work area to the agreed standards and frequencies as detailed in work schedules
Carry our specialised cleaning tasks; including isolation rooms, theatres etc. to agreed standards.
To decontaminate rooms as requested using specialist Hydrogen Peroxide Vapour equipment in line
with IPCT guidelines. This will include recording information so that an accurate record of processes is
maintained.
Have the ability to follow instructions and to suggest changes in working practices
Undertake the safe removal of body fluid spillages in public and communal areas in line with IPCT
guidelines
Occasional exposure to distressing circumstances e.g. vulnerable/aggressive patients
Wear the correct PPE at all times and in line with IPCT guidelines
To clean using the correct method, equipment and materials.
Remove waste from work area and place at collection points in line with departmental procedures
To undertake the cleaning of all surfaces including edges, ledges, fixtures and fittings.
To undertake the cleaning of all hard and soft floors using the correct method and equipment.
To clean sanitary areas using the correct method and equipment.
To carry out high and low level cleaning using the correct method and equipment.
To replenish supplies of paper hand towels, toilet rolls, soap, hand sanitizer and hand conditioner.
Carry out specialised cleaning as specified by the housekeeping supervisor.
Ensure that all work is carried out in a safe manner and hazard warning signs are displayed.
Adhere to the departmental colour coding policy.
Comply with the Trust Infection Control policies and procedures.
Use mechanical equipment as required.
Report defective equipment to the housekeeping supervisor.
Clean equipment after use
High cleaning vents and lights
Use all cleaning chemicals in a safe and appropriate manner.
Vision and Values:
The Trust aims to provide local services for local people. It has developed its vision to reflect this
commitment.
To continue to be the major provider of acute/specialist services for the people of Worcestershire (and
wider) with a strong reputation for providing outstanding, high quality, reliable, accessible and integrated
healthcare for local people
Driving this commitment are the Trust-wide signature behaviours:
Do what we say we will do
No Delays, every day
We listen, we learn, we lead
Work together, celebrate together
Standard Clauses:
The purpose of this post should remain constant, but the duties and responsibilities may vary over time
within the overall role and level of the post. The post holder may from time to time be asked to undertake
other reasonable duties. Any such changes will be made in discussion with the post holder in the light of
service needs.
Competence
The post holder is responsible for limiting his / her actions to those which s/he feels competent to
undertake. If the post holder has any doubts as to his or her competence during the course of his / her
duties then s/he should immediately speak to their line manager or supervisor.
Codes of conduct
All employees of the Trust who are required to be registered with a professional body, to enable them to
practise within their profession, are required to comply with their code of conduct and requirements of their
professional registration. Those staff that are not required to be registered with a professional body are
required to comply with the Trusts codes of conduct.
Confidentiality
The post holder must maintain confidentiality, security and integrity of information relating to patients, staff
and other Health Service business.
.Health and Safety
Employees must be aware of the responsibilities placed on them under the Health and Safety at Work Act
(1974) and the Manual Handling Operations Regulations (1992) and all relevant Trust Health and Safety
Policies and Guidance. This ensures that the agreed safety procedures are carried out to maintain a safe
environment for employees, patients and visitors to the Trust.
Infection Control
Employees must accept personal responsibility and accountability for Infection Prevention and Control
practice. Employees should ensure they are familiar with, and comply with, all relevant Infection Control
policies for minimising the risk of avoidable Health Care Associated Infection. All Employees must
undertake annual mandatory updates in Infection Control.
Non Smoking Policy
The Trusts approach to smoking is in line with the governments on-going initiatives for an eventual smokefree environment. It aims to adhere to the Worcestershire Health Community Campaign to help
Worcestershire stop smoking.
A no smoking environment policy exists within all Trust premises including entrances and exits to hospital
buildings and on other Trust property (with the exception of staff resident in staff residences, as these are
the homes of staff). In June 2014 a ban was implanted which meant staff, contractors and volunteers were
no longer permitted to smoke in any of the hospital grounds, including car parks.
Risk Management
It is a standard element of the role and responsibility of all employees of the Trust that they fulfil a proactive
role towards the management of risk in all of their actions. This entails the risk assessment of all situations,
taking appropriate actions, and reporting all incidents, near misses, and hazards promptly. It is a
contractual obligation that all employees must co-operate with any investigations undertaken.
Children and vulnerable adults
You have a responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of the children / young people /
vulnerable adults that you come into contact with or are responsible for in your job role and sphere of
competence.
Disclosure and Barring Service
The Trust aims to promote equality of opportunity for all, with the right mix of talent, skills and potential.
Criminal records will be taken into account for recruitment purposes, only when the conviction is relevant.
As the Trust meets the requirements in respect of exempted questions under the Rehabilitation of
Offenders Act 1974, all applicants who are offered employment will be subject to a criminal record check
from the Disclosure and Barring Service before the appointment is confirmed. This will include details of
cautions, reprimands or final warnings, as well as convictions. Postholders may periodically be asked to
undertake a re-check.
The Trust is legally required to check all staff against the Disclosures and Barring Services Childrens and
Vulnerable Adults barring lists if they engage in what is defined as Regulated Activity or Controlled
Activity: Regulated Activity is defined as working closely with children or vulnerable adults, paid or unpaid,
on a frequent or intensive basis. Controlled activity is work that provides opportunities for contact with
children or vulnerable adults.
Equality and Diversity
The Trust promotes policies and practices that challenge discrimination, promote equality, respect
individual needs, preferences and choices, and protects human rights. The Trust has a clear commitment
to equality for all in employment practices based on an applicants ability, skills and aptitude for the post. A
range of equality & diversity policy initiatives are in place and all successful applicants are expected to
familiarise themselves with these. It is therefore the duty of every employee to comply with the detail and
spirit of these policies and the law at all times. Any issues or concerns you have should be taken up with
your manager or the human resource team as soon as possible.
Dignity
All employees must treat each person as an individual, offering a personalised service respecting peoples
dignity and modesty at all times.
Conflict of Interest
The Trust is responsible for ensuring that the service provided for patients and its care meet the highest
standard. Equally, it is responsible for ensuring that staff do not abuse their official position for personal
gain or to benefit their family or friends. The Trusts Standing Orders require any member of staff to
declare any interest, direct or indirect, with contracts involving the Trust.
Job description
Job responsibilities
WORCESTERSHIRE ACUTE HOSPITALS NHS TRUST
JOB DESCRIPTION
Post Title: Housekeeping Assistant
Pay Band: 2
Hours:
Contract: Permanent
Location / Department: Kidderminster treatment centre
Accountable to: Facilities Manager
Reports to: Housekeeping Services Supervisor
Ref:
Key Working Relationships:
Ward and Departmental staff; patients and visitors.
Job Purpose:
To assist in maintaining a clean and hygienic environment for patients, staff and visitors. To carry out
general cleaning duties in all areas of the hospital and to apply specialist-cleaning methods using
appropriate materials and equipment where necessary.
Key Duties:
Clean allocated work area to the agreed standards and frequencies as detailed in work schedules
Carry our specialised cleaning tasks; including isolation rooms, theatres etc. to agreed standards.
To decontaminate rooms as requested using specialist Hydrogen Peroxide Vapour equipment in line
with IPCT guidelines. This will include recording information so that an accurate record of processes is
maintained.
Have the ability to follow instructions and to suggest changes in working practices
Undertake the safe removal of body fluid spillages in public and communal areas in line with IPCT
guidelines
Occasional exposure to distressing circumstances e.g. vulnerable/aggressive patients
Wear the correct PPE at all times and in line with IPCT guidelines
To clean using the correct method, equipment and materials.
Remove waste from work area and place at collection points in line with departmental procedures
To undertake the cleaning of all surfaces including edges, ledges, fixtures and fittings.
To undertake the cleaning of all hard and soft floors using the correct method and equipment.
To clean sanitary areas using the correct method and equipment.
To carry out high and low level cleaning using the correct method and equipment.
To replenish supplies of paper hand towels, toilet rolls, soap, hand sanitizer and hand conditioner.
Carry out specialised cleaning as specified by the housekeeping supervisor.
Ensure that all work is carried out in a safe manner and hazard warning signs are displayed.
Adhere to the departmental colour coding policy.
Comply with the Trust Infection Control policies and procedures.
Use mechanical equipment as required.
Report defective equipment to the housekeeping supervisor.
Clean equipment after use
High cleaning vents and lights
Use all cleaning chemicals in a safe and appropriate manner.
Vision and Values:
The Trust aims to provide local services for local people. It has developed its vision to reflect this
commitment.
To continue to be the major provider of acute/specialist services for the people of Worcestershire (and
wider) with a strong reputation for providing outstanding, high quality, reliable, accessible and integrated
healthcare for local people
Driving this commitment are the Trust-wide signature behaviours:
Do what we say we will do
No Delays, every day
We listen, we learn, we lead
Work together, celebrate together
Standard Clauses:
The purpose of this post should remain constant, but the duties and responsibilities may vary over time
within the overall role and level of the post. The post holder may from time to time be asked to undertake
other reasonable duties. Any such changes will be made in discussion with the post holder in the light of
service needs.
Competence
The post holder is responsible for limiting his / her actions to those which s/he feels competent to
undertake. If the post holder has any doubts as to his or her competence during the course of his / her
duties then s/he should immediately speak to their line manager or supervisor.
Codes of conduct
All employees of the Trust who are required to be registered with a professional body, to enable them to
practise within their profession, are required to comply with their code of conduct and requirements of their
professional registration. Those staff that are not required to be registered with a professional body are
required to comply with the Trusts codes of conduct.
Confidentiality
The post holder must maintain confidentiality, security and integrity of information relating to patients, staff
and other Health Service business.
.Health and Safety
Employees must be aware of the responsibilities placed on them under the Health and Safety at Work Act
(1974) and the Manual Handling Operations Regulations (1992) and all relevant Trust Health and Safety
Policies and Guidance. This ensures that the agreed safety procedures are carried out to maintain a safe
environment for employees, patients and visitors to the Trust.
Infection Control
Employees must accept personal responsibility and accountability for Infection Prevention and Control
practice. Employees should ensure they are familiar with, and comply with, all relevant Infection Control
policies for minimising the risk of avoidable Health Care Associated Infection. All Employees must
undertake annual mandatory updates in Infection Control.
Non Smoking Policy
The Trusts approach to smoking is in line with the governments on-going initiatives for an eventual smokefree environment. It aims to adhere to the Worcestershire Health Community Campaign to help
Worcestershire stop smoking.
A no smoking environment policy exists within all Trust premises including entrances and exits to hospital
buildings and on other Trust property (with the exception of staff resident in staff residences, as these are
the homes of staff). In June 2014 a ban was implanted which meant staff, contractors and volunteers were
no longer permitted to smoke in any of the hospital grounds, including car parks.
Risk Management
It is a standard element of the role and responsibility of all employees of the Trust that they fulfil a proactive
role towards the management of risk in all of their actions. This entails the risk assessment of all situations,
taking appropriate actions, and reporting all incidents, near misses, and hazards promptly. It is a
contractual obligation that all employees must co-operate with any investigations undertaken.
Children and vulnerable adults
You have a responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of the children / young people /
vulnerable adults that you come into contact with or are responsible for in your job role and sphere of
competence.
Disclosure and Barring Service
The Trust aims to promote equality of opportunity for all, with the right mix of talent, skills and potential.
Criminal records will be taken into account for recruitment purposes, only when the conviction is relevant.
As the Trust meets the requirements in respect of exempted questions under the Rehabilitation of
Offenders Act 1974, all applicants who are offered employment will be subject to a criminal record check
from the Disclosure and Barring Service before the appointment is confirmed. This will include details of
cautions, reprimands or final warnings, as well as convictions. Postholders may periodically be asked to
undertake a re-check.
The Trust is legally required to check all staff against the Disclosures and Barring Services Childrens and
Vulnerable Adults barring lists if they engage in what is defined as Regulated Activity or Controlled
Activity: Regulated Activity is defined as working closely with children or vulnerable adults, paid or unpaid,
on a frequent or intensive basis. Controlled activity is work that provides opportunities for contact with
children or vulnerable adults.
Equality and Diversity
The Trust promotes policies and practices that challenge discrimination, promote equality, respect
individual needs, preferences and choices, and protects human rights. The Trust has a clear commitment
to equality for all in employment practices based on an applicants ability, skills and aptitude for the post. A
range of equality & diversity policy initiatives are in place and all successful applicants are expected to
familiarise themselves with these. It is therefore the duty of every employee to comply with the detail and
spirit of these policies and the law at all times. Any issues or concerns you have should be taken up with
your manager or the human resource team as soon as possible.
Dignity
All employees must treat each person as an individual, offering a personalised service respecting peoples
dignity and modesty at all times.
Conflict of Interest
The Trust is responsible for ensuring that the service provided for patients and its care meet the highest
standard. Equally, it is responsible for ensuring that staff do not abuse their official position for personal
gain or to benefit their family or friends. The Trusts Standing Orders require any member of staff to
declare any interest, direct or indirect, with contracts involving the Trust.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- none needed all training with be given
Desirable
- experience in a similar field is preferred but not essential
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- none needed all training with be given
Desirable
- experience in a similar field is preferred but not essential
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.
