We are looking for an experienced and dedicated Head Housekeeper to lead our housekeeping team at Forbes House Care Home.
As the Head Housekeeper, you will be responsible for managing the day-to-day housekeeping operations within the care home, ensuring that all areas of the facility are clean, well-maintained, and meet the highest hygiene standards. You will lead and motivate a team of domestic assistants while ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, infection control protocols, and providing a comfortable and safe environment for both residents and staff.
Key Responsibilities:
- Team Leadership and Management:
- Supervise, train, and manage the housekeeping team to ensure high standards of cleanliness are maintained throughout the care home.
- Schedule and allocate duties to domestic assistants to ensure efficient coverage of all areas, including residents' rooms, common areas, bathrooms, and staff facilities.
- Conduct regular performance reviews and provide feedback, support, and development opportunities for the housekeeping team.
- Foster a positive, team-oriented work environment and ensure excellent communication among all staff members.
- Cleaning and Hygiene Standards:
- Oversee all cleaning tasks, ensuring they are completed to a high standard and in compliance with infection control and health and safety guidelines.
- Regularly inspect all areas of the care home to ensure cleanliness and hygiene are maintained to the highest standards.
- Ensure that cleaning supplies and equipment are regularly stocked and in good condition.
- Maintain a regular cleaning schedule for all areas of the care home, adjusting as necessary based on occupancy levels and resident needs.
- Health and Safety Compliance:
- Ensure that cleaning procedures and the use of cleaning chemicals comply with health and safety standards and infection control protocols.
- Monitor and report any maintenance issues, risks, or hazards within the care home to the relevant department.
- Promote and uphold policies related to infection prevention and control, including training team members on proper procedures.
- Ensure that all cleaning equipment is safely stored and regularly maintained.
- Laundry and Linen Management:
- Oversee the efficient management of the laundry service, ensuring linens, towels, and residents’ personal items are properly laundered and returned in a timely manner.
- Monitor the stock levels of linen and supplies, ordering replacements when necessary.
- Ensure that the laundry equipment is well-maintained and report any faults for prompt resolution.
- Budget and Resource Management:
- Manage the housekeeping budget, ensuring effective use of resources and controlling costs.
- Order and maintain adequate stock of cleaning supplies, linens, and other housekeeping items.
- Maintain accurate records of inventory and ensure supplies are stored correctly.
- Resident and Staff Interaction:
- Work closely with care staff to ensure residents’ rooms and living spaces are appropriately maintained, providing a safe and welcoming environment for residents.
- Respond to any requests or concerns raised by residents or staff in relation to housekeeping services.
- Ensure privacy and dignity are maintained while working in residents’ rooms and personal spaces.
Key Requirements:
- Proven experience as a Housekeeper or Senior Housekeeper, with a minimum of 2 years’ experience in a supervisory or managerial role within a healthcare or care home setting.
- Strong knowledge of cleaning techniques, infection control, and health and safety regulations.
- Excellent leadership and team management skills with the ability to motivate and inspire others.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Compassionate, empathetic approach to working with elderly or vulnerable individuals.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and respect residents’ privacy.
- A flexible approach to working hours, including the ability to work weekends and holidays when required.
Desirable Skills and Qualifications:
- Experience working within a care home or healthcare setting is highly desirable.
- Health and safety or infection control certification is an advantage.
- NVQ or equivalent in Housekeeping or Facilities Management is desirable.
- PVG (protection of Vulnerable Groups) check or willingness to undergo a check.
Working Hours:
Full-time position, with some flexibility required to meet the needs of the care home.
You will work 4 out of 7 days per week including weekends.
Why Work with Us:
At Forbes House Care Home, we are dedicated to providing exceptional care and a comfortable environment for our residents. As the Head Housekeeper, you will play a key role in ensuring that the environment remains safe, clean, and welcoming. We offer a supportive and inclusive workplace, with opportunities for professional growth and development.
Pay: From £12.71 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Experience:
- Cleaning: 1 year (preferred)
- Supervision of Staff: 1 year (preferred)
Language:
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
