Housekeeping Assistant

University Hospitals Sussex; Brighton; On-site; GBP 10,000 - GBP 40,000; Full time

Job description

Job Overview

Maintain a high standard of hygiene and cleanliness, as defined in the National Standards of Cleanliness, in all areas of responsibility.

Ensure Infection Prevention and Control guidelines are adhered to.

Conduct personal conduct at the highest standard while on the hospital premises, exhibiting courtesy and efficiency to patients, visitors and users of the service at all times.

Fully aware of the Trust’s Values & Behaviours and Patient First initiatives and act accordingly.

Part‑time permanent, and bank roles are available; therefore, please apply to this advert if you are also looking for a bank position.

IF YOU HAVE APPLIED IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS YOU DO NOT NEED TO RE-APPLY.

Main Duties of the Job

• Communicate effectively with a wide range of people, including colleagues, other Trust staff, visitors and contractors.
• Interact well with patients to provide the highest level of service in aid of Trusts commitment to patient first.
• Demonstrate duties and aid in orientation of wards/departments to new starters as part of on‑the‑job buddying.

Detailed Job Description and Main Responsibilities

This role does not meet the minimum criteria for visa sponsorship under the current UK immigration rules. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK, and if using a Graduate visa they must have a minimum of 18 months remaining.

Ensure the cleanliness of the area assigned to you under the direction of your manager.

• Clean corridors, offices, stairs, toilets, bathrooms, patient bed spaces, and other areas on a frequent basis, including dusting, high and low level cleaning, replenishment of disposable items, changing bedside curtains, and deep cleans where applicable.
• Adhere to all ‘Control of Infection & Prevention’ procedures, including use of colour‑coded equipment.
• Comply with National Cleaning Standards and the required cleaning frequencies as per the work schedules provided.
• Remove rubbish from ward/department areas to the designated collection points and dispose of Clinical and Domestic waste in line with Trust and national Waste Policies.
• Perform general floor scrubbing and floor maintenance (using floor machines) according to agreed frequencies and guidelines.
• Ensure correct use of chemicals, handling, storage and safe usage in line with COSHH regulations, safety data sheets and training given.
• Maintain cleaning equipment (including electrical) in good working order, reporting breakdowns, faults with the building fabric or hazardous occurrences to Line Manager.
• Attend all training sessions and complete competency tests as appropriate.
• Ensure work is carried out in strict accordance with manual handling training and risk assessments.
• Manage stock security and keep cleaning cupboards clean and tidy.
• Adhere to Trust standards regarding uniform, conduct and the wearing of Personal Protective Equipment.
• Maintain patient privacy and dignity throughout your work.
• Ensure bathrooms, shower rooms, WCs and wash hand basins are always cleaned according to the agreed Bathroom SOP.
• Respond to any actions that may arise from cleaning audits.
• Co‑operate fully when new methods of work or frequencies of cleaning are introduced.
• Complete national cleaning standards rectification sheets in the appropriate timeframe.

Person Specification – Qualifications and Experience

• A good level of General Education, Numeracy and Literacy.
• Educated to NVQ Level 1 Certificate in Cleaning and Support Services or willing to obtain or equivalent experience.
• Good standard of English is essential for effective communication and understanding.
• Willing to undertake training as required (COSHH, Infection Control, Health and Safety, Manual Handling, Food Safety, Fire Safety and all other mandatory training).
• Cleaning experience within a healthcare environment.
• Experience in the use of cleaning equipment including floor machinery.
• Knowledge of hygiene standards, including infection prevention and control within the workplace.
• Positive attitude and ability to communicate with patients, staff and visitors.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
• Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.

Important Information for Applicants

A Note on AI Use in Applications: We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use. Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may be rejected.

Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.

Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working, please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.

DBS Checks: We undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check.

Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for roles that meet the Visa and Immigration eligibility criteria.

Further Information

For help with the application process for Nursing vacancies, please email [e-mail].

For help with the application process for Non‑Nursing vacancies, please email [e-mail].