Cleaning Operative

We are the Housing Network (THN), a purpose-led organisation working in partnership with the YMCA to support our communities. We are in an exciting period of growth and have risen to 200th in the FT1000 Fastest Growing Companies in Europe! Homelessness is a vast and complex issue that does not have a single solution. In understanding that reality, we’ve learned the importance of perspective; appreciating that if we continue to innovate, collaborate, and give our best, we are playing our part in making a vital difference.

We are a team that is absolutely committed to innovate, excel and be dependable in all that we do. Working hard together to achieve our mission of providing Better Accommodation, Better Support, Better Partnerships, and as a result Better Business.

Role Overview – What is it?

Working Hours: Monday - Friday, 09:00 - 17:30

To go beyond the standard expectation of providing a service for residents with great care, to enrich their lives as part of a dedicated and valued supported housing team. You will play a crucial role in ensuring the communal areas of our supported accommodation operate safely and effectively, for the well-being of our residents and staff. By cleaning empty properties and maintaining the overall presentation of the accommodation and outdoor spaces, you will enhance resident satisfaction, with efficient working practices.

The role will involve all aspects of high quality responsive and planned cleaning tasks to a standard defined by the Active Opportunities Pathway service model and also tasks that fall under intensive housing management. As part of the supported housing team, you will have a natural caring approach and professional curiosity with the ability to identify and report safeguarding concerns. To act as an ambassador for The Housing Network, to promote its mission and values - being respectful and kind is at the heart of everything that we do.

Main Duties – What needs to be done?

• Daily use of an iPad along with compliance applications to input and update reporting systems.
• Carry out scheduled work on void properties to bring back up to a high standard and in accordance with the Council’s targets prescribed in the contract.
• Cleaning of rooms/communal areas as directed, ensuring that all rooms/communal areas are maintained to a high quality standard.
• Cleaning void rooms to prepare them for new residents.
• Remove rubbish and dispose of correctly.
• Check kitchen and laundry room appliances are clean and free from hazards and common part areas are free from hazards and are clean as directed regularly.
• Ensure that the communal areas are hygienic and well maintained.
• Report any repairs to the maintenance office team.
• Carry out sharps sweeps.

Relationships – Who will I be working / engaging with?

Effective communication is vital in your role. You will regularly engage with residents, their families, and colleagues as part of your daily activities. Additionally, you will liaise with contractors, coordinate their services and ensure that work is completed to a high quality and standard.

Competencies – Who with and your skill level?

Skills Essential:

• Excellent communication.
• IT skills and ability to confidently use an iPad.
• Professional curiosity.
• Extremely well organised.
• Have a high standard of cleaning.
• Able to work well under pressure.
• Good at multi-tasking.
• Ability to prioritise tasks.
• Able to work alone and part of a team.

Knowledge Essential:

• Understanding of Safeguarding and ability to identify concerns and report them.
• Proven track record of carrying out cleaning in blocks/multi rooms.

Behaviours:

• Wearing uniform and ID with pride and presenting professionally to residents, including the use of all relevant PPE.
• Resilient and able to interact with people who have complex needs and can sometimes present with challenging behaviours.
• Keen to support colleagues and ensure business is working cohesively and to the same objectives.
• Maintain a robust compliance culture.
• Able to work independently and use initiative.
• Adaptability and being prepared to help out if circumstances require.

You will be expected to lead by example and uphold THN’s values at all times: act with integrity and respect, adopt a trauma informed and strength based approach, act with due skill, care and diligence, act with professionalism, work as part of a team, act with compassion to those both within the Company and those who we support in the accommodation.

General and Additional:

The responsibilities contained within this job description are indicative, but not exhaustive. As the role develops, the requirements of the post may change, and as such the post is subject to review in discussion with the post holder. The post holder may be required to undertake other duties from time to time as the organisation may reasonably require which are commensurate with the grade of the post. The post holder shall comply with the organisation’s policies and procedures, ensuring appropriate actions and reporting protocols are always followed. The post holder shall attend regular staff or other related meetings, contributing positively where appropriate and relevant. An Enhanced Disclosure is required for this position.

We believe our values should reflect in our behaviour towards our colleagues, partners and residents while we work to achieve our Strategy 2024-29. These values are to be; Innovative, Dynamic, Dependable, Respectful, and Kind. The Housing Network is committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity amongst the workforce. We aim to be an equal opportunities employer and we are determined to ensure no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race, or is disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justifiable. As an employer we welcome applications from candidates with lived experience, demonstrating our commitment to capturing the value of “expertise by experience” and providing More than a Voice for our residents.

All job offers are subject to a DBS check (level to be advised through the hiring process) and references. The Housing Network is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position. Applicants must already have the legal right to work in the UK to be considered. We do not use AI to make hiring decisions. All screening, shortlisting and selection decisions are made by our recruitment team and hiring managers.

Benefits:

• Eye care Vouchers.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Flu Vaccination.
• Blue Light Card.
• Employee Referral Scheme.
• Paid volunteer days.
• Simply Health Package.