Domestic Assistant

Job description

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The Job Description and Person Specification are attached to this job, please review for the full details and responsibilities

• Maintain cleanliness of floors, furniture, mattresses, curtains, fittings, and remove marks from walls, doors, and partitions as per set standards.
• Safely store and use cleaning materials to ensure tasks are completed to required standards.
• Perform specialist and deep cleans following cases of infections like C. difficile and MRSA to prevent further outbreaks.
• Clean medical equipment (e.g., drip stands, catheter stands) and complete decontamination certificates.
• Organise daily workload independently, follow schedules, and complete sign-off sheets to confirm task completion.
• Communicate effectively with Domestic Supervisors, patients, visitors, and ward/department staff to meet cleanliness standards.
• Monitor and replenish stock of cleaning supplies and hygiene products, reordering as needed.
• Accurately complete documentation and logs (e.g., mattress logs) to record cleaning activities.
• Operate all cleaning equipment, including electrical appliances, to achieve cleanliness targets
• Manage ward/departmental security systems, including locking doors, operating alarms, and securing keys.
• Support orientation and training of new Domestic Services staff by demonstrating duties to standard.
• Handle disposal of all waste types, including recyclables and non-standard waste.
• Report any signs or sightings of pests within hospital buildings and ground

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.

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