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- Tasks: Keep the clinic clean and tidy while following NHS standards.
- Company: Join Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust's vital services team.
- Benefits: Gain a 12-month NVQ Level Apprenticeship and enjoy a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patient care while working in a friendly, impactful setting.
- Qualifications: Basic cleaning qualification and some experience in a similar role preferred.
- Other info: This role involves regular contact with vulnerable people; background checks are required.
The Housekeeper ensures that the ward environment is clean and tidy complying with NHS standards, infection control and health and safety directives. As a Facilities Assistant, you are required to undertake a 12-month NVQ Level Apprenticeship in cleaning.
Main Responsibilities
- Work in any area within the Clinic as assessed by the Domestic Supervisor.
- Perform all duties as stated on the standard operating procedure or procedure sheet for area of work assigned.
- Operate mechanical/electrical domestic equipment and report any faults to the Facilities Supervisor. Always check electrical equipment before use.
- Replenish disposable materials, i.e., hand towels, soap etc.
- Collect and remove waste as per waste disposal policy.
- Adhere to all Facilities Services Policies and Codes of Practice.
- Maintain the required standard of cleaning services following the correct procedure and frequencies.
- Undertake a variety of cleaning duties in line with the area/location cleaning schedules.
- Safely and correctly store cleaning chemicals and equipment.
- Carry out specialist cleaning and one-off cleaning duties as required by Supervisors.
- Ensure a pleasant and well-maintained environment for service users, including looking after fixtures and fittings and hard and soft services.
- Observe good personal hygiene practices according to Local and Trust policies.
- Maintain a clean and tidy appearance.
- Wear the correct uniform and other protective clothing/items required for the role.
Person Specification
- Physical Skills
- Kneeling, crouching, twisting, bending, or stretching.
- Lifting weights/equipment with mechanical aids.
- Lifting weights/equipment without mechanical aids.
- Making repetitive movements.
- Pushing/pulling trolleys or similar.
- Basic cleaning qualification - NVQs 1 or 2 or similar in a relevant discipline.
- Understanding of the role and associated work procedures.
- Experience of working in a similar role or discipline.
- Experience of working in the NHS.
- Basic knowledge of cleaning materials.
- Basic manual handling qualification.
- Knowledge of COSHH.
- Experience of manual handling techniques.
- Effective communication skills.
- Ability to listen and respond to information, ask questions for clarification.
- Respond appropriately to queries and complaints.
- Participate in discussions on familiar topics.
- Read and understand short pieces of text.
- Extract numerical information from lists, tables, diagrams, and simple charts.
- Tackle practical problems using simple calculations.
As a Trust employee, you are required to comply with all legislation and guidance relating to safeguarding children and adults with care and support needs, and promoting their health and welfare.
The postholder will have regular contact with vulnerable people, and as such, this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020, and 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.
Application Process
Occasionally, we receive a large number of applications for our roles, and when that happens we sometimes bring the closing date forward, so please apply promptly to avoid disappointment.
Housekeeping Assistant - 26hrs employer: Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust
Contact Detail:
Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Housekeeping Assistant - 26hrs
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with NHS standards and infection control protocols. Understanding these guidelines will not only help you in the interview but also demonstrate your commitment to maintaining a safe and clean environment.
✨Tip Number 2
Gain some hands-on experience in cleaning or facilities management, even if it's voluntary. This practical knowledge can set you apart from other candidates and show that you're proactive about your career.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your communication skills. Being able to effectively communicate with supervisors and colleagues is crucial in this role, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust and their values. Showing that you align with their mission during your discussions can make a positive impression on the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Housekeeping Assistant - 26hrs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Housekeeping Assistant position. Highlight any relevant experience or skills you possess that align with the role.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your cleaning experience, especially in healthcare settings. Include any relevant qualifications, such as NVQs, and emphasise your knowledge of health and safety standards.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for maintaining a clean and safe environment. Mention specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to adhere to cleaning protocols and work effectively in a team.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a housekeeping role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the responsibilities of a Housekeeping Assistant. Familiarise yourself with NHS standards, infection control, and health and safety directives, as these will likely come up during your interview.
✨Show Your Cleaning Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of cleaning materials and procedures. Highlight any previous experience in similar roles, especially within the NHS, and mention any relevant qualifications like NVQs.
✨Demonstrate Good Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Be ready to showcase your ability to listen, respond to queries, and participate in discussions. You might be asked how you would handle complaints or queries from service users.
✨Emphasise Personal Hygiene and Appearance
Since maintaining a clean and tidy appearance is crucial for this position, make sure to dress appropriately for the interview. Discuss your understanding of personal hygiene practices and how they relate to the role.
