Detailed job description and main responsibilities Maintain standards of cleanliness of floors, furniture, mattresses, curtains and fittings; as well as removal of marks from walls/partitions/doors etc. in accordance with set standards and frequencies. To correctly store and use all cleaning materials to ensure that the work is carried out in a safe manner and to the required standards To perform specialist and deep-cleans i.e. following cases of c-Diff, MRSA and other infections to the required standards to ensure that cases do not spread and that there are no further outbreaks in the area To clean medical equipment i.e. drip and catheter stands and complete decontamination certificates to confirm that this cleaning has been undertaken. To organise own workload on a daily basis, working within scheduling guidelines to ensure that all required tasks are completed each day and completing appropriate sign-off sheets to indicate that the work has been undertaken To communicate with Domestic Supervisors, patients, visitors and ward/departmental staff in order to achieve specified standards of cleanliness To monitor and replenish stock levels of cleaning materials, refuse bags, paper hand towels, toilet tissue, hand soap and sanitisers; ensuring that items do not fall below acceptable levels and reordering as necessary To accurately complete appropriate documentation and logs (i.e. mattress logs), to record detail of cleaning undertaken To operate all cleaning equipment, including electrical equipment, to achieve specified standards of cleanliness To be responsible for managing systems for ward/departmental security; locking doors, operating alarms and securing of keys as appropriate Participate in the orientation and training of new members of staff within Domestic Services through the demonstration of duties and responsibilities; ensuring that these are completed to acceptable standards Handling of the disposal of all types of waste, including recyclables and non-standard waste Report any sign of or sightings of pests within the hospital building and grounds
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria GCSE English or equivalent at a pass or to have undertaken/be willing to work towards an Occupational English Test GCSE Maths or equivalent at a pass or to have undertaken/be willing to work towards an Occupational Maths Test
Desirable criteria To have or be willing to work toward a level 2 qualification in Cleaning Services and obtaining this within the first 12 months of employment
Experience
Essential criteria Previous experience of working as part of a team Previous experience of working with the public
Desirable criteria Previous experience of working in a care or hospital environment
Knowledge
Essential criteria Understanding of health and safety at work Good communication skills with the ability to convey information clearly and accurately Aware of the need for confidentiality at all times A positive approach to customer care with the ability to maintain good relationships and exercise patience and compassion Effectively prioritise and coordinate own workload Ability to work on own initiative with little or no supervision Good interpersonal skills with the ability to use tact and diplomacy
Desirable criteria Knowledge of infection control processes and procedures in a hospital/care setting
It is an exciting time to join the newly formed Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. We run two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Our 7,500 staff provide high quality care for a growing population of around 700,000 across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas.
You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. Travel between hospital sites may be required. We have state-of-the art facilities placing us at the heart of cutting edge health care. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.
All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering their first six months in post.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Documents to download
Domestic Assistant Job Description (PDF, 232.4KB) Personal Specification (PDF, 57.8KB) Domestic Assistant (PDF, 140.6KB) Disclosure & Barring Information and Recruitment of Ex-Offenders (PDF, 78.5KB) Staff Diversity Network (PDF, 140.3KB) Information for Disabled Applicants (PDF, 98.7KB) Bedford Hospital Site map (PDF, 2.6MB) Staff Benefits (PNG, 1.6MB)