At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide high-quality cleaning and catering support in a hospital environment.
- Company: Join Serco at Harplands Hospital, a caring and supportive workplace.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, training opportunities, and health perks.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patients' lives while working in a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Good education, customer service experience, and a caring attitude.
The predicted salary is between 25272 - 25272 € per year.
Domestic Assistant at Harplands Hospital, Hilton Road, Stoke on Trent, ST4 6RR. 37.5 hours per week, 2 week rota, including weekends. Long shifts up to 11 hours.
Main Purpose
Responsible for providing a high-quality cleaning, catering and general support service to the ward-based team, ensuring a pleasant, homely environment for the patients.
Main Accountabilities
- Clean and maintain the work area in line with work schedules and in an efficient manner, ensuring a safe environment for all.
- Follow ‘best practice’ procedures associated with cleaning and control of infection.
- Ensure all cleaning equipment is used correctly and then cleaned and stored away after use. Check the equipment before use for any faults.
- Set tables, and correctly serve patients with three main meals per day, in addition to any drinks or snacks required.
- Take the temperature of meals before serving.
- Ensure good communication (listening, talking, reading) with patients, visitors, staff and colleagues in the unit.
- Undertake other duties as required, following appropriate training.
- Co‑operate fully in ensuring compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
- Take reasonable care of your own safety and that of others who may be affected by your acts or omissions, including patients, staff, and visitors.
- Not intentionally, recklessly, or otherwise commit any act that adversely affects measures taken to protect the Health, Safety, Welfare and Sustainability of yourself or other users of the Hospital.
- Follow the Trust's fire safety procedures and direction from the ward-based team.
What You'll Need To Do The Role
- Good standard of general education.
- Good reading and writing ability.
- Numeracy skills.
- Experience in a customer‑focus environment.
- Good common sense.
- Able to work with minimum supervision.
- Understanding of maintaining a clean environment.
- Able to communicate clearly with others.
- Be sensitive and understanding.
- Able to use own initiative.
- Receptive to change.
- Reliable.
- Confident.
- Compassionate.
- Flexible.
- Caring.
- Able to react to situations calmly.
- Able to work well as part of a skilled team.
Desirable But Not Essential
- NVQ Level 1 or 2 in cleaning building interiors.
- Basic Health and Safety certificate.
- Basic Food Hygiene certificate.
- Awareness of cleaning procedures and food hygiene.
- Worked in a hospital environment.
- Good life experience.
What We Offer
- Salary: Competitive salaries with annual reviews.
- Pension: Up to 6% contributory pension scheme.
- Holidays: 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Training and development: Wide range of learning opportunities with over 1,100 internal courses available, funding for qualifications and apprenticeships, mentoring opportunities, and a focus on internal progression.
- Wellbeing: 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, BUPA Anytime HealthLine, wellbeing app, Simplyhealth cash plans to claim back money towards healthcare costs, 30% off at Serco‑managed leisure centres.
- Discounts: Savings across around 1,000 retailers, from food and clothing to days out, entertainment and travel.
- ShareSave scheme: Helps you save regularly with the choice to buy Serco shares at a discount at the end of your savings period.
- Employee networks: Dedicated networks where colleagues can come together to find support, share challenges, discuss ideas, network and be part of a community.
- Charity: Support a charity or organisation with a paid volunteering day each year. Option to donate to your favourite charity tax‑free through the Payroll Giving Scheme.
Domestic-Harplands Hospital employer: Serco
At Serco, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and development. As a Domestic Assistant at Harplands Hospital, you will benefit from competitive salaries, extensive training opportunities, and a range of perks including discounts and a contributory pension scheme, all while contributing to a caring environment for patients in Stoke on Trent.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Domestic-Harplands Hospital
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the hospital environment! If you can, visit Harplands Hospital before your interview. Familiarising yourself with the layout and atmosphere will help you feel more comfortable and confident when discussing how you can contribute to creating a pleasant environment for patients.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your communication skills! During interviews, be sure to highlight your ability to communicate clearly with patients and colleagues. Share examples of how you've effectively interacted in previous roles, especially in customer-focused environments.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to demonstrate your flexibility! The role involves long shifts and working weekends, so be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt to the needs of the team. This shows you're committed and ready to jump in wherever needed.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on our site. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people and helps us keep track of all candidates efficiently.
We think you need these skills to ace Domestic-Harplands Hospital
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see that you genuinely care about providing a clean and welcoming environment for patients.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. If you've worked in a customer-focused environment or have any cleaning experience, shout about it!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your application is easy to read. Remember, we want to understand your qualifications quickly!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Serco
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you understand the responsibilities of a Domestic Assistant at Harplands Hospital. Familiarise yourself with cleaning procedures, infection control, and the importance of creating a pleasant environment for patients. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Domestic Assistant, you'll need to communicate effectively with patients, staff, and visitors. During the interview, be prepared to demonstrate your ability to listen and respond clearly. You might even want to share examples of how you've successfully communicated in previous roles, especially in customer-focused environments.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Team Spirit
The job requires working long shifts and weekends, so it's essential to show that you're flexible and can adapt to changing situations. Talk about your experience working as part of a team and how you contribute positively to group dynamics. Employers love candidates who can work well with others and remain calm under pressure.
✨Prepare Questions to Ask
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful queries about the team culture, training opportunities, or specific challenges faced by the Domestic Assistants. This not only shows your enthusiasm for the position but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
