Job Description
     1) Job identification
     Job title:                         Domestic assistant
     Responsible to:              Support services manager
     Department:                   Support services
     Last Update:                  July 2016
     2) Job purpose
     Working as part of the domestic services team, assisting in all aspects of cleaning, house keeping and
     laundry related to the provision of a high quality domestic service for patients, staff, volunteers and
     visitors.
     To meet the needs of service users and fulfill the objectives of the hospice, NHS Scotland national
     cleaning service specification and quality improvement Scotland.
     3) Role dimensions
        To provide domestic service assistance on a rota basis between the hours of 7.00am till 3.00pm, 
         7 days a week. On occasions domestic assistants may be required to work out with these hours 
         to cover functions.
        To provide a high standard of domestic service ensuring all service users experience a pleasant, 
         safe, clean and welcoming environment.
        To carry out cleaning tasks throughout the building, assist with laundry duties; assist with 
         equipment and stock control under the direction of the support services manager.
     4)  Organisational position
                                   Director of
                                   operations
                               Support services manager
                    Laundry manager
                                 Domestic assistant
    5) Role of department
      To provide a comprehensive housekeeping service for the hospice including all patient areas 
       demonstrating consistent quality, efficiency and effectiveness to enhance patient care.
      To play a key role in ensuring the implementation of hospice infection control policies and 
       procedures, complying with statutory and legal requirements.
      To maintain a clean, welcoming and tidy environment for patients, visitors, staff and volunteers.
      To ensure economical and safe use of supplies and equipment.
      To work alongside clinical colleagues in relation to changing procedural issues and infection 
       control requirements.
    6) Key results
     1. To carry out allocated cleaning duties.
     2. To assist in the maintenance of safe systems of work including daily / weekly cleaning schedules. 
     3. To report any equipment defects using agreed procedures. 
     4. To dispose of waste according to the hospice’s waste management policy and infection control 
       procedures.
     5. To ensure economic and correct use of domestic materials in order to minimise waste.
     6. To assist in the maintenance of effective systems and stock control.
     7. To clean body fluid spillages in accordance with hospice infection control policy and procedures.
     8. To carry out allocated housekeeping duties.
     9. To clean patient’s bed frames.
     10. To ensure ward stocks of linen are uplifted and replenished on a daily basis.
     11. To change curtain screens in accordance with procedures. 
     12. To carry out washing/drying/ ironing and folding of hospice laundry ready for distribution to ward 
       areas where appropriate.
     13. To comply with hospice policies/procedures.
     14. To assist in the maintenance of daily security procedures for stock and equipment.
     15. To report any concerns or issues regarding pest control using agreed procedures.
     16. To assist with the movement of materials and equipment.
     17. To participate in environmental audits and internal monitoring. 
     18. To liaise with other staff, volunteers and visitors regarding domestic requests.
     19. To accept / reject delivery of materials and equipment. 
     20. To participate in the hospice performance and development review systems.
     21. To attend mandatory and other training courses as necessary.
     22. To attend team meetings and support other team members.
    7a) Equipment and machinery
      Commercial vacuum cleaners – between 6kg and 10kg 
      Washing machine  
      Wet pick ups (wet suction vacuum cleaner) – between 19kg and 26kg
      Tumble dryer
      Rotary scrubber/polisher – between 40kg and 45kg
      Dishwasher
      Rotary iron
      Mops and buckets
      Brushes and dustpans
    7b) Systems
      Work schedules, including frequencies and descriptions of cleaning tasks
      Health & Safety manual
      Infection control guidelines
      Pass on information book
      COSHH procedures 
      Cleaning specification
      IT systems
    8) Assignment and review of work
        Works within clearly defined procedures & parameters  under direction of the support
         services manager.
        In the absence of the support services manager tasks will be allocated by the laundry
         manager.
        Responsible for following daily schedules in absence of supervisor, ensuring all required
         tasks are completed.
        Responsible to the support services manager for guidance, review of work and formal
         appraisal of performance.
        Meets regularly with other team members / attends staff meetings / attends departmental
         development meetings.
    9) Decisions and judgments
        Expected to follow daily and weekly cleaning schedules reporting any diversions to the
         support services manager.
        To work within department guidelines, protocols and hospice policies and procedures.
        To accept or reject goods on delivery.
        To support other team members particularly new staff through induction.
        To comply with guidelines for economic use of resources.
    10) Most challenging / difficult parts of the job
        Undertake job with frequent close contact with patients with a life limiting illness.
        Ensuring confidentiality is maintained within the service.
        Working rotational shifts.
        Compliance with all relevant guidelines and policies and procedures.
        Providing a consistent level of customer service to varied client groups in varied settings.
    11) Communication and relationships
    Patients
      Frequently communicate with patients while carrying out duties in and around patient areas.
    Relatives / carers
      Respond to cleaning requests.
      Occasionally deals with verbal complaints.
    External agencies
      Accepts / rejects deliveries on behalf of the domestic services department.
      Occasionally deals with suppliers regarding orders and maintenance.
      Liaising with laundry contractor.
      Take telephone messages from suppliers or contractors. 
    Hospice staff and volunteers
      Promotes and maintains good relationships within the department and with all members of the
       hospice staff and volunteer team.
      Regularly attends department meetings.
      Provides a high standard of customer service to staff and volunteers using the domestic services.