Laundry Assistant / Receptionist
Job Title
Laundry Assistant / Receptionist
Reports To
Housekeeping Management / Hostel Manager
Job Purpose
The Laundry Assistant / Receptionist role is particularly well-suited to a hostel environment, where team members are expected to be flexible and provide support across multiple departments to ensure an excellent guest experience. This role combines front-of-house reception duties with back-of-house laundry and housekeeping support, ensuring the efficient operation of the hostel while maintaining high standards of cleanliness, customer service, and stock control.
Key Responsibilities
Reception Duties
- Welcome guests and provide a friendly, professional, and efficient check-in and check-out service.
- Process reservations, payments, and cancellations using the hostel property management system.
- Answer telephone calls and respond to guest enquiries in person, by email, and over the phone.
- Provide information regarding hostel facilities, local attractions, and transport services.
- Handle guest requests, complaints, and issues professionally, escalating where necessary.
- Maintain accurate records.
- Ensure the reception area is always clean, tidy, and welcoming.
Laundry Operations
- Collect, sort, wash, dry, fold, and distribute hostel laundry in accordance with company procedures.
- Process bed linen from dormitories and private rooms, including sheets, duvet covers, pillowcases, mattress protectors, and towels.
- Ensure laundry is completed efficiently to support daily room turnover requirements.
- Operate commercial washing machines, dryers, and other laundry equipment safely and effectively.
- Identify damaged or heavily soiled linen and report shortages or replacement requirements.
- Report equipment faults or maintenance issues promptly.
Linen and Stock Control
- Maintain adequate stocks of clean bed linen, towels, pillows, duvets, and housekeeping supplies.
- Organise and replenish linen stores and housekeeping cupboards throughout the property.
- Assist with stock takes and inventory checks.
- Report damaged, missing, or low-stock items to the Housekeeping Management or Hostel Manager.
Housekeeping Support
- Support the Housekeeping Team by delivering clean linen and collecting used laundry from guest rooms and dormitories.
- Assist with room preparation and bed making during busy periods.
- Help maintain housekeeping stores, laundry areas, and service rooms in a clean and organised condition.
- Support other operational departments as required to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the hostel.
Health and Safety
- Follow all health and safety procedures, including manual handling guidelines.
- Use cleaning chemicals and detergents safely and according to manufacturer instructions.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and hygienic working environment.
- Ensure lost property found within laundry items is handled in accordance with hostel procedures.
- Comply with all company policies and procedures.
Person Specification
Essential
- Excellent customer service and communication skills.
- Reliable, punctual, and trustworthy.
- Good attention to detail and organisational skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to perform physical duties including lifting, bending, pushing, and standing for extended periods.
- Basic computer skills and the ability to learn reservation systems.
- Flexible approach to working hours, including weekends and public holidays.
- Positive attitude and willingness to support colleagues across departments.
Desirable
- Previous experience in a hostel, hotel, reception, housekeeping, or laundry environment.
- Experience using booking or property management systems.
- Knowledge of stock control and inventory management.
- Understanding of health and safety and manual handling procedures.
Working Conditions
- Fast-paced environment requiring flexibility and multitasking.
- Combination of front-of-house reception duties and back-of-house laundry operations.
- Physically demanding role involving standing, lifting, bending, and moving laundry cages.
- Weekend, evening, and public holiday working may be required.
Hours
40 hours full-time, including weekends and public holidays as required.
Salary
£12.71 per hour
Equal Opportunities
The hostel is committed to providing equal opportunities and promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Pay: From £12.71 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
