Vacancy Information Pack

Positions: Domestic Assistants (part-time)

VACANCY

At St Columba’s Hospice we are committed to the highest standards of care for patients with active, progressive, far-advanced illness. We currently have the following part-time opportunity to join our dedicated, motivated domestic team, who keep the Hospice clean to exceptionally high standards:

Domestic Assistants (part-time)

22.5 hours per week including weekends

£7.72 per hour + unsocial enhancements + pension

The successful candidates must be able to work under pressure, carry out physical tasks and have good communication skills both verbally and written. Must have a smart appearance and a pleasant manner. Duties will incorporate a wide variety of cleaning duties including floor maintenance, cleaning toilets, removal of waste, general cleaning of both clinical, office and other areas, as well as keeping up to date records of cleaning activities and other related duties.

These part-time posts are 22.5 hours per week, working flexible shifts 5 days out of 7, Monday to Sunday, with varied shift patterns, which could be anytime between 07:00 and 15:00. These posts will involve working every second weekend and bank holidays.

Previous experience in cleaning in a healthcare environment would be an advantage but not essential as training will be given. Qualifications at NVQ2 level or equivalent in Cleaning and support services, Health & Safety awareness and knowledge of COSHH, infection control procedures, would be desirable but not essential as training will be given.

In the event of exceptionally high levels of response, we reserve the right to close the post before the date stated in order to prevent the number of applications received being unmanageable. You are advised to submit your completed application as soon as possible to have the best chance of being considered.

To apply and discover more visit our recruitment pages at:

or post your CV with a covering letter to

St Columba’s Hospice, 15 Boswall Road, Edinburgh, EH5 3RW

Closing date: Tuesday 26 May 2015

Scottish Charity No SC003634

JOB DESCRIPTION

  1. JOB IDENTIFICATION

Job Title: Domestic Services Assistant
Responsible to: Domestic Supervisor / Facilities Manager
Department: Hotel Services
Operating Division: St. Columba’s Hospice
Job Reference STC/FAC/006
No of Job Holders 12 (1 full time 11 part time)
Last Update: 03 October 2018
2. JOB PURPOSE
To deliver the highest standards of cleanliness to service users within wards and departments across the Hospice while contributing to the delivery of patient care in line with Quality Improvement recommendations
3. DIMENSIONS
Provide Support to all staff & departments
This post carries no Supervisory or management responsibilities
Ensure economical use of available resources
  1. ORGANISATIONAL POSITION

5. ROLE OF DEPARTMENT
Maintain a clean hospice reducing the risk of cross contamination.
6. KEY RESULT AREAS
Some of the Duties may vary over different Areas
Carry out all cleaning tasks detailed in the domestic services specification
Work with other staff in clinical areas to ensure the highest standards of cleanliness and infection control are maintained
Remove clinical and Domestic waste from wards and departments in accordance with agreed procedures
Sign off work sheets as tasks are carried out
Assist with moving of beds and furniture for cleaning purposes
Notify domestic supervisor of faulty equipment and maintenance requirements
Daily and periodic maintenance of floors using mechanical equipment as appropriate
Damp dusting of ledges, fixtures, fitting, lockers, beds and furniture
High dusting of curtain rails, door tops and walls
Cleaning of glass door panels and partitions
Routine cleaning of toilets, wash hand basins, baths, showers, mirrors and bins
Cleaning of cupboards, worktops, trolleys,
Supplying of clean Linen
Wiping up any spillages (in consultation with Domestic Supervisor)
Curtain maintenance as directed
Replenish of soap, hand towels, toilet paper and paper rolls
Clean and replace all equipment after use
Participate in staff training as required
Insure safe working procedures and hygiene practices are observed in the execution of all tasks
Ensure the correct and economical use of supplies and equipment
Tying and disposal rubbish
May demonstrate work routines to new starts
Other
This job description does not contain an exhaustive list of duties, and the post holder may be required to undertake other duties that are within the post holder's skills and abilities whenever reasonably instructed. The job description will be reviewed from time to time in order to adapt and develop the role according to service needs and Hospice policies
7a. EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY
The Department uses a variety of equipment which includes:
Colour coded mopping systems, Vacuum cleaners, Scrubber polishers. All staff receive training on these machines at induction
7b. SYSTEMS
Each area has a dedicated work schedule detailing the tasks to be performed within each area.
Any uncompleted duties from the schedule must be reported to the Domestic Supervisor before the end of shift.
Cleaning products
8. ASSIGNMENT AND REVIEW OF WORK
The post holder will have support of the Domestic Supervisor on a day-to-day basis and would be allocated to their area of work.
Domestic Supervisor will monitor area of work on a regular basis
Personal development plan and annual performance appraisal
9. DECISIONS AND JUDGEMENTS
It is essential that all work is carried out in line with Domestic Services and Organisational policy
Face to Face supervision is always available to provide guidance or by telephone
The areas of discretion are minimal but the post holder may be required to make a decision
in the absence of a supervisor regarding
Utilisation of products to ensure minimal wastage
Dealing with customer complaint in first instance
Routine cleaning issues
10. MOST CHALLENGING/DIFFICULT PARTS OF THE JOB
The Domestic Services Assistant works as part of a multi disciplinary team within wards departments and is challenged daily with the task of cleaning areas to a standard
Where there is a lot of activity change can occur at a moments notice due to patients needs, adaptability
Flexibility and the ability to work around other specialities that has direct responsibility for direct patient care.
11. COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS
Supervisors Communicates routine information regarding job
Management
Ward Staff
Stewards
Patients
Customers/members of the public
12. PHYSICAL, MENTAL, EMOTIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB
The post is physically demanding therefore a good level of fitness is required.
Manual handling training is provided as mandatory for all staff in order that tasks can be completed safely.
Physical skills: required to be multi –skilled in various tasks and use of cleaning equipment & require to be skilled in the handling of machinery so to avoid injuring themselves or others
Physical effort: The physical requirements can be quite demanding and staff will spend most of their time on their feet, there is a degree of lifting and handling. Moving beds and other bulky items (5-15kg). Some tasks for long periods of time 20 min+ eg vacuuming. Staff are exposed to wide variations in temperature and underfoot condition.
Mental demands: required to concentrate for long periods of time whilst working in patient related areas
Emotional demands: The nature of the service requires staff to work to strict time schedules
Working in ward areas with patients can be stressful. Rare exposure to emotional circumstances.
Working Conditions: Frequently highly unpleasant working conditions, eg direct contact with disposable soluble bags containing soiled foul linen, toilets, showers, sluices etc.
13. KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB
Short induction period and after training the domestic assistant is required to:
Have an awareness of control of infection policy and procedures
Operate mechanical and non mechanical machinery safely and effectively
Have a knowledge of Health and Safety on the job training
Have a knowledge of C.O.S.H.H on the job training
Fire Safety ½ day
14. JOB EVALUATION OUTCOME
Band: 1
Approved On: 5 June 2007
PERSON SPECIFICATION
POST: / Domestic Services Assistant / BAND: / 1
CRITERIA / ESSENTIAL / DESIRABLE
Education and Qualifications / SVQ or equivalent
BICS or equivalent
Knowledge and Experience /
  • Cleaning experience
  • Use of cleaning equipment

Skills and abilities /
  • Ability to understand and carry out duties in line with departmental procedures – Work Schedule, Health & Safety, Colour Coding
  • A level of English language competency and communication skills necessary to perform this role safely and effectively
  • Ability to work independently oras part of a team
  • Ability to maintain level ofgeneral awareness throughoutshift
/ Able to use cleaning equipment – full training will be given
Previous cleaning experience in healthcare or other workplace environment
Personal Qualities /
  • Friendly manner with good, appropriate interaction evident
  • Motivated to achieve results
  • Positive attitude to change
  • Appreciates the values and benefits of team working
  • Organised and adaptable
  • Enthusiastic

Other requirements /
  • Ability to work or weekends
  • Presentation at interview – neat, clean appearance
  • Ability to attend work regularly
  • Good level of general health

SUMMARY OF CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

TITLE:Domestic Assistant

REPORTING TO:Domestic Supervisor

LOCATION:St Columba’s Hospice, Boswall Road, Trinity, Edinburgh, EH5 3RR.

JOB STATUS:Permanent

BAND/SALARY:Band 1£7.72 per hour + unsocial enhancement + pension

HOURS:22.5 hours per week over 5 days Monday to Sunday, Weekend working will be required to fulfil the duties of the role

PENSION:Pension scheme in operation. Contribution rates will vary depending on pensionable pay

NOTICE PERIOD:4 weeks

PAYMENT OF SALARY:The successful candidate’s salary will be paid monthly direct into his/her bank/building society account and he/she will be required to open an account if such facility is not currently in operation

ANNUAL LEAVE PER ANNUM:27 days per annum on commencement

29 days per annum after 5 years service

33 days per annum after 10 years service

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS PER ANNUM:8 days per annum

SMOKING POLICY:There is a ban on smoking in Hospice premises

PRE-EMPLOYMENT CHECKS:All appointments are subject to verification of qualifications, medical assessment, enhanced disclosure and the receipt of satisfactory references. This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and therefore an Enhanced Criminal Records check will be required.

Criminal Records Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for a criminal record disclosure to be made to Disclosure Scotland to check for any previous criminal convictions.

The summary of conditions above is for information purposes only and may be subject to variation. They do not form the basis of a legal employment contract.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR APPLICATION

Thank you for expressing an interest in the post of Domestic Services Assistant. Please find enclosed information relating to this post and application details.

Please note, applications should be made on a St. Columba’s Hospice Application Form (one is provided as part of this information pack).

Please include the following documentation with your application:

  • Your original, signed Hospice Application Form
  • Covering letter stating why you are applying for the post

Once completed your application and all documentation should be submitted to:

Admin Office

St. Columba’s Hospice

15 Boswall Road

Edinburgh

EH5 3RW

Postage

Please ensure that the correct postage is applied to the application envelope (eg ‘large letter’ stamps, if appropriate). Failure to do this may result in your application being returned to you undelivered by Royal Mail.

The closing date for receipt of your application is Tuesday 26 May 2015

Thank you for your interest in this post and we look forward to receiving your application.

CONFIDENTIAL APPLICATION FORM

Position applied for: / Domestic Assistant
Reference: / STC-FAC-006
Please type in black text (or hand write in black ink)
1. PERSONAL
SURNAME / FIRST NAME(S)
TITLE (Dr/Mr/Ms etc)
PERMANENT ADDRESS
POSTCODE
WORK TELEPHONE / EMAIL
HOME TELEPHONE / BLEEP/PAGER
MOBILE TEL.
NATIONAL INSURANCE NO. / DO YOU HAVE A VALID/ FULL UK DRIVING LICENCE? / YES / NO
Are you a British subject or a national of any EU country? / YES / NO
If NO, do you have the right to work in the UK and a current work permit? / YES / NO
If so, please state the expiry date of your right to work in the UK and/or your work permit:
2. EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
PLACE OF STUDY / SUBJECT / QUALIFICATION / RESULT / GRADE / DATE OBTAINED
(mm/yyyy)
3. TRAINING COURSES ATTENDED
(any relevant training, or work related skills (for example languages, shorthand, etc)
TRAINING PROVIDER / COURSE TITLE/ SUBJECT / DURATION / DATE COMPLETED
(mm/yyyy)
4. PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION
(e.g. GMC, NMC, HPC for posts where there is a requirement to be registered with a governing body)
GOVERNING BODY / REGISTRATION TYPE/ STATUS / REGISTRATION/
PIN NUMBER / EXPIRY/
RENEWAL DATE
Are you currently subject to any investigations or fitness to practise proceedings by a licensing or regulatory body in the UK or any other country? / YES / NO
If YES, please provide details with your application
Have you been removed from the register or have conditions been made on your
registration by a fitness to practise committee or the licensing or regulatory body
in the UK or in any other country? / YES / NO
If YES, please provide details with your application
5. MEMBERSHIP OF MEDICAL DEFENCE UNION/ PROFESSIONAL BODY OR ASSOCIATION
MEDICAL DEFENCE UNION / MEMBERSHIP GRADE / MEMBERSHIP NUMBER/ STATUS / DATE OF ENTRY
OTHER PROFEESIONAL BODY/ASSOCIATION / MEMBERSHIP GRADE / MEMBERSHIP NUMBER/ STATUS / DATE OF ENTRY
6. PRESENT OR MOST RECENT EMPLOYMENT
EMPLOYER NAME & ADDRESS
JOB TITLE / START DATE (mm/yyyy) / END DATE
(if applicable) / WEEKLY HOURS / SALARY/
GRADE / NOTICE PERIOD
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES / REASON FOR LEAVING/ SEEKING CHANGE
7. PREVIOUS/OTHER EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
(Please start with most recent. Continue on separate sheet if necessary)
COMPANY/ ORGANISATION / POST HELD AND RESPONSIBILITIES/ DUTIES / DATE FROM / DATE
TO / REASON FOR LEAVING
8. SUPPORTING STATEMENT
Please provide your reasons for applying for this position and additional information that shows how you match the person specification. For example, details of your achievements, relevant skills, knowledge, experience, voluntary activities, positions of responsibility, as well as research, publications, clinical care, clinical audit (if applicable), awards and language skills. If you believe you have the necessary experience and skills – make sure you tell us!
Please continue on a separate sheet if necessary
9. REFERENCES
Please give the details of three referees who have consented to be approached and are qualified to comment on your ability and experience (one should be your current or most recent employer).
1st Referee 2nd Referee 3rd Referee
Name
Position
Organisation
Address
Postcode
Telephone
Email
May this reference be YES
taken up before interview? / NO / YES / NO / YES / NO
10. REHABILITATION OF OFFENDERS ACT 1974 (EXCEPTIONS ORDER 1975)
Because of the nature of the work for which you are applying, this post is exempt from the provisions of Section 4(2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Applicants are, therefore, not entitled to withhold information about convictions which for other purposes are "spent" under the provisions of the Act i.e. all convictions must be declared. In the event of employment, any failure to disclose such convictions could result in dismissal or disciplinary action by the Hospice. Any information given will be completely confidential and will be considered only in relation to an application for a position to which the Order applies.
Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offence, been bound over or cautioned or are currently the subject of proceedings which might lead to a conviction, an order binding you over or a caution, in the UK or any other country? / YES / NO
If YES, please provide details with your application
Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme (Disclosure Scotland)
Are you an existing member of the PVG Scheme? / YES / NO
If YES, please state your full membership number:
11. DECLARATION *Please read carefully before signing this declaration.
I understand that any appointment offered is subject to health clearance, confirmation of qualifications and professional registration, enhanced Disclosure Scotland (criminal records) check, and references, all of which must be deemed satisfactory by the Hospice. I hereby authorise you to carry out checks on all and any of my qualifications and/or registration from any establishment or employer and I give my consent to St. Columba’s Hospice processing the data supplied in this application form for the purpose of recruitment and selection.
I declare that the information I have given in support of my application is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, true and complete. I understand that if it is subsequently discovered that any statement is false or misleading, or that I have withheld relevant information, my application may be disqualified or if I have already been appointed, I may be dismissed without notice. This applies equally to any medical questionnaire/forms I may complete.
SIGNED / DATE
Please return your completed application form with any other attachments by the closing date:
By post: Administration Office, By email:
St. Columba’s Hospice, TEL: 0131 551 1381
15 Boswall Road, FAX: 0131 551 2771
EDINBURGH, EH5 3RW
All information provided will be treated confidentially in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998 and will be used for employment purposes. Information provided may be kept on an electronic or manual recording system.

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