Role Title: Domestic Assistant
Location: St. Anne’s Nursing Home, Lawn Road, Southampton, Hampshire, SO17 2EZ
Contract Type: To be discussed and agreed at interview (e.g., Full-Time/Part-Time, Permanent)
Reporting To: Administrative Lead
About St. Anne’s Nursing Home:
St. Anne’s is a nursing home in Southampton, dedicated to providing compassionate support and enriching the lives of our elderly residents. We believe in fostering a warm, engaging environment where every individual feels valued and connected. Our domestic team plays a vital role in ensuring the home is a safe, comfortable, and pleasant place for our residents to live.
Role Purpose
As a Domestic Assistant, you will be responsible for maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene throughout the home, ensuring a safe, comfortable, and well-presented environment for residents, staff, and visitors. Your role is crucial in upholding infection control standards and contributing to the overall wellbeing of our residents.
Key Responsibilities
Cleaning and Housekeeping
- Carry out daily cleaning duties in residents' rooms, en-suites, and all communal areas (including lounges, dining rooms, corridors, and offices) in accordance with the cleaning schedule.
- Perform deep cleaning tasks as required, following established procedures.
- Ensure all areas are clean, tidy, free from odours, and well-presented.
- Make beds and change linen, ensuring rooms are left neat and welcoming for residents.
- Replenish supplies such as soap, toilet rolls, and paper towels in all relevant areas.
- Use cleaning equipment and materials correctly and safely, adhering to manufacturer instructions and home policies.
Laundry Duties
- Collect, sort, and launder residents' personal clothing and the home's linen, ensuring items are handled with care and respect.
- Operate washing machines and tumble dryers safely and efficiently.
- Iron and fold clean laundry, ensuring it is returned to the correct resident or storage area promptly.
- Adhere strictly to infection prevention and control guidelines when handling soiled linen and clothing.
Health & Safety
- Comply with all Health & Safety regulations, including COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health), by using appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and handling cleaning chemicals safely.
- Report any maintenance defects, equipment failures, or potential hazards to the Housekeeping Manager or person in charge immediately (e.g., faulty fixtures, spills, trip hazards).
- Participate in mandatory training, including fire safety, manual handling, and infection control.
- Ensure cleaning trolleys and cupboards are kept clean, tidy, and securely stored when not in use.
Basic Room Maintenance & Environment
- Perform daily checks in vacant rooms, including running taps and showers to prevent the build-up of bacteria (e.g., Legionella), in line with water safety protocols.
- Ensure residents' rooms are comfortable and pleasant, for example, by arranging curtains and ensuring personal belongings are treated with respect.
Recording, Reporting & Audits
- Accurately complete and sign off on cleaning schedules and checklists as tasks are completed.
- Assist the Housekeeping Manager with stock-taking of cleaning supplies and linen.
- Participate in and support internal and external audits related to cleanliness, hygiene, and infection control.
- Report any observations or concerns regarding a resident's wellbeing or changes in their environment to a member of the care team or the nurse in charge.
Interaction & Communication
- Interact with residents, their families, and visitors in a polite, friendly, and respectful manner while carrying out duties.
- Maintain resident confidentiality and privacy at all times.
- Communicate effectively with colleagues across all departments to ensure a cohesive and supportive team environment.
What we expect from you:
- A positive and compassionate attitude towards older people.
- Strong attention to detail and pride in your work.
- An understanding of infection prevention and control principles.
- The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
- Reliable, trustworthy, and able to act with integrity.
- Good communication skills.
- Previous cleaning or housekeeping experience is desirable, preferably within a care setting, but not essential as full training is provided.
What you can expect from us:
- A supportive and friendly team environment where you are valued.
- Provision of a uniform and all necessary PPE.
- Discounted meals (£1)
- Opportunities for career development.
- Pension scheme.
- Training and mentorship.
Further Requirements
- This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
- We will require two satisfactory references before an offer of employment can be confirmed.
- We may contact all previous employers in healthcare or settings with vulnerable adults
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: £12.85-£13.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Referral programme
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Location:
- Southampton SO17 2EX (required)
Work Location: In person