Housekeeper required

This job comes under the ‘DIRECT PAYMENTS’ scheme run by Norfolk County Council (NCC), which is a scheme to offer practical help for people with disabilities, supporting them to live with dignity and independence in their own homes. Due to personal care needs, this role is open to FEMALE APPLICANTS ONLY, in accordance with Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010. We are a retired professional couple, who both have various health issues and disabilities.

This is a SELF EMPLOYED position only. You will be required to provide your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) before commencing work showing proof of self employment. The rate for this position is £20 per hour (for applicants aged over 21). The enhanced rate of pay is to cover a VERY high standard of work. 10 hours per week over 2 days. Monday or Tuesday and Friday. Times are 10 am – 3.30 pm (to include lunch break). However, if you prefer to work through your lunch break and leave at 3pm instead that would be acceptable. Workers have the right to one uninterrupted 20 minute rest break during their working day, if they work more than 6 hours a day. This could be a tea or lunch break. The break doesn’t have to be paid - it depends on their employment contract. Domestic workers in a private house aren’t entitled to rest breaks for Health and Safety reasons.

Payment every 4 WEEKS by BACS following an invoice submitted to me. Invoice dates will be provided and you will be paid within 48 hours from receipt of invoice. You will need to supply bank account details on the first day to set up payment scheme. I CANNOT PAY ‘CASH IN HAND’ SO PLEASE DO NOT ASK. You are not required to work bank holidays or weekends. If we cannot make a day you are meant to work, due to health related issues or appointments, an alternative day may be offered to you to work during the week. Please note these will be based on our availability. We would appreciate that you do not use your mobile during working hours to make personal calls, check messages or use social media. Thank you. Permanent position is subject to a probationary period of 6 months.

Supporting us with housekeeping and daily living tasks that we are struggling with, to enable us to live a more independent life. There will be tasks which require heavier lifting including moving furniture to clean, use of a step ladder, hanging curtains, etc. Changing sheets weekly, dusting, sweeping, polishing, washing internal windows, mopping and vacuuming all designated areas to a very high standard. Ensuring surface areas, floors, hand rails, door knobs, and other touch points are sanitised weekly. Leaving areas looking aesthetically pleasing after cleaning, every time. Occasional help with food preparation but NO cooking, cleaning inside of fridge and freezers, and occasionally bringing heavy shopping in from the car. Carrying things up and down the stairs when required. Occasional ironing. Emptying and disposing of bin waste and recycling into wheelie bins, weekly. Taking wheelie bins to designated emptying spot down the drive and return them to the house when emptied, weekly. Performing additional cleaning duties as and when required.

Include a summary, in addition to your work history, to cover the ‘Desirable and Essential skills, competencies and qualities’, that are mentioned below, so that I can gauge your suitability for the position. An Assessment of the skills required for this position, both on your application, in all correspondence and at the interview, will be the main factor in determining your success. If there is no summary included or the skills I am looking for are not covered, in the summary, you will be unsuccessful in your application.

• Already registered as self employed or willing to register.
• Hold Public Liability Insurance.
• DBS check.
• Experience with working with people with health issues and/or disabilities.
• Cleaning experience.

• You MUST be a Non smoker/vapour from a non smoking home as I have emphysema and the smell of cigarette smoke on people’s breath and clothes starts me coughing.
• You will need a full driving licence and your own vehicle as we are very rural and not on a bus route or near public transport.
• Good timekeeping is expected - we would appreciate it if you arrive at least 10 minutes early for a prompt start.
• A VERY high standard of work is required.
• Able to listen and follow instructions.
• Proactive, able to work unsupervised and use initiative in anticipating areas we struggle with.
• Have a flexible approach to working.
• Have a good understanding of Health and Safety and work accordingly.
• Likes animals, as we have 2 Labradors, 2 cats and 1 peacock.
• Respectful of confidentiality.
• UK residents only so NO applications from abroad will be considered.