JOB TITLE: Housekeeper

RESPONSIBLE TO: Head of Care

LOCATION: Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice

JOB SUMMARY

Zoë’s Place Baby Hospice provides a 24hour care and respite provision for children up to the age of 5years. Whilst all the children attending have complex health needs or life limiting conditions, we aim to create a caring environment that encourages a variety of children’s fun and activities. The Housekeeper will be flexible and sensitive to the ethos of Zoë’s environment whilst ensuring the highest quality standards for a clean and hygienic environment that conforms to all regulations and care standards.

SERVICE DELIVERY

Ensure that all aspects of the role specification are met and that the service provided is culturally sensitive and appropriate for all sections of the communities we serve.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

To ensure that all areas of the building are cleaned in accordance with the specifications laid down for each room together with specific requests by the nurse in charge.
To operate all machinery in accordance with Health & Safety requirements together with the specification and training for each item of equipment e.g. buffer, polisher, vacuum, carpet cleaner
To mop, dust and damp wipe all surfaces as appropriate and clean internal glass areas.
To clean all toilet areas including washbasins, floors and walls as necessary
To ensure kitchen areas are cleaned in keeping with regulations.
To manage stock control and ordering of necessary equipment and cleaning substances
To report any faults with equipment to the person in charge and ensure the item is removed from service until repaired or replaced.
Maintain the security of the building and property whilst working.
To attend all mandatory and discretionary training as deemed essential to the role.
To comply with and work within the Trust Policies and Procedures.

Clinical Governance

To have a thorough understanding of COSHH regulations.
To comply with colour coded procedures in compliance with Infection Control
To be responsible for the safe removal of clinical waste from clinical areas and to store or dispose of in designated areas and in accordance with regulations and legislation.
To conform to all Health & Safety Guidelines regarding cleaning equipment and cleaning substances, ensuring personal wellbeing and regard to all personnel including children and visitors on the premises.
The post holder will complete cleaning audit documentation and support and assist staff with the Inspection Audit.
To manage, clean, label and dispose of all spillages including body spillages in compliance all regulations: COSHH, Infection Control etc.
To report and record all incidents and accidents immediately to the nurse in charge and ensure that the area is made safe or cordoned off.

General Responsibilities

The post holder will adhere to a strict code of confidentiality at all times
The post holder will at all times behave in a professional manner with due regard, conduct and dress.
A staff development programme is in place and all members of staff will fully participate. As part of this programme this job description will be discussed and amended or modified to reflect any changes in the service or specialist skills and abilities of the post holder.
The duties and role of the post holder may alter over time in order to meet changing circumstances and new challenges.
Undertake any additional duties or projects in consultation with the Head of Care/Deputy Manager.

Infection Control

Employees must accept personal responsibility and accountability for Infection Prevention and Control practice. You should ensure you are familiar with and comply with all relevant Infection Control policies for minimising the risk of avoidable Health Care Associated Infection and undertake annual mandatory updates in Infection Control.

This job description is not an exclusive description of the role and will develop and change to meet the evolving needs of the service.

PERSON SPECIFICATION: HOUSEKEEPER

CRITERIA / ESSENTIAL / DESIRABLE
Experience/
Knowledge/Qualifications /

Knowledge of COSHH and Infection Control Regulations
Experience of undertaking a range of cleaning duties
No formal qualifications
Must be able to demonstrate literacy and numeracy skills
Previous housekeeping experience in a hospice, hospital or residential setting

NVQ Level 2 in Housekeeping

Skills and Attributes/ Aptitude/ Personal Qualities /

Ability to work effectively and supportively as a member of a team and to recognise that everyone has a contribution to make

Ability to work in an organised and methodical manner and to cope with last minute changes or instructions
Ability to act on own initiative, dealing with any unexpected problems that arise
Ability to demonstrate commitment to Equal Opportunities
Pride in housekeeping provision
Willingness to clean any area or item of the hospice as requested by manager
Willingness to take personal responsibility for the standard of work carried out
Willingness to participate in further training and development opportunities offered by Zoe’s Place to further knowledge
To be committed to maintain confidentiality on all hospice matters
Ability to comply with Health and Safety requirements, Fire Precautions and all appropriate Zoe’s Place policies and procedures
To be responsible for your own health and safety and that of everyone who may be affected by your acts or omissions
Willingness to attend staff meetings
Participation in Quality Assurance Systems
A positive attitude and commitment to high standards of housekeeping
Good communication skills