INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES
POST OF: Domestic Assistant
BASE:
Ailsa Hospital
REF NO: A/833/14
Thank you for applying for the above post with NHS Ayrshire & Arran. This information sheet
summarises the terms and conditions related to the post.
Please note if you provide us with an email address on your application form any future
correspondence regarding this post will be emailed to you. If you do not wish to receive this
correspondence by email then please contact us as soon as possible.
A job description and person specification for the post are attached.
This post is Fixed Term until 31 July 2016.
The salary for the post is based on the Band 1 salary scale which is currently £15,058 to
£15,414 per annum (pro rata for part time posts).
The hours for the post are 10 hours per week. Saturday and Sunday 07.30am – 1.00pm
GENERAL CONDITIONS:
Conditions of Service - The conditions of service are those laid down and amended from
time to time by the appropriate negotiating bodies e.g. NHS Staff Council/NHS Pay
Negotiating Council.
Annual Leave – The leave year runs from 1 April to 31 March. Annual leave entitlement
for full time staff on appointment is 202.5 hours (27 days), with 217.5 hours (29 days)
upon completion of 5 years NHS service and 247.50 hours (33 days) after 10 years NHS
service. Entitlements for part time will be pro rata.
Public Holidays – Public holiday entitlement for full time staff is 60 hours based on the 8
designated Public Holidays per annum, and on a 5 day week working 7.5 hours per day.
The 60 hours entitlement is due to all whole time staff irrespective of work pattern. For
part time staff, this will be applied on a pro rata basis and also allocated in hours.
KSF - The NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF) and development review is about
encouraging lifelong learning for all staff. It supports an ongoing cycle of annual
development review and personal development planning. This is known as Personal
Development Review or PDR. The KSF and PDR processes are designed to support you
so that you can be fully effective in your job.
Pensions - Employees are automatically opted into the NHS (Scotland) Superannuation
Scheme. Contributions are at the rate of 5%.
Employees may opt out by obtaining and completing the relevant Opt Out form from the
Scottish Public Pensions Agency website.
Disabled Applicants - A disability or health problem does not preclude full consideration for
the job and applications from people with disabilities are welcome. All information will be
treated as confidential. NHS Ayrshire & Arran has been approved, by the Employment
Services Department, as an Equal Opportunities employer with a positive policy towards
employment of disabled people. NHS Ayrshire & Arran guarantees to interview all applicants
with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the post.
You will note on our application form we ask for relevant information with regards to your
disability. This is simply to ensure that we can assist you, if you are called for interview, to
have every opportunity to present your application in full. We may call you to discuss your
needs in more detail if you are selected for interview.
Asylum and Immigration Act 1996 and 2004 (Section 8) - The Asylum and Immigration Act
1996 and 2004 requires employment checks to ensure that all employees are legally
employed in the United Kingdom. Candidates will be asked to provide relevant original
documents prior to an offer of employment being made. Any offer of employment will only be
made when the organisation is satisfied that the candidate is the rightful holder of the
documents and is legally eligible for employment within the United Kingdom.
Relocation Expenses - Relocation expenses may be payable to the successful candidate, in
accordance with the Policy. This is available on request from the Department of O&HR
Development. Candidates who require to relocate to take up post, should discuss this with
the interview panel.
Medical Examination - Any offer of employment is conditional upon a satisfactory medical
report from our Occupational Health Services. You may be offered employment conditional
on confirmation that you are medically fit for employment. A commencement date for
employment will only be agreed following this confirmation.
Policy Relating to Staff with Bloodborne Virus Infection - Candidates for posts which
involve exposure prone procedures will not be allowed to commence employment until they
have been assessed as fit to perform EPPs by Occupational Health. The pre-employment
screening must be completed prior to any job offer being made. Where a candidate is not
able to perform EPPs, Occupational Health will notify the appropriate manager that
thecandidate is ‘fit with restrictions’ and is unable to perform EPPs. The health status of the
individual will not normally be notified to management. Where the restrictions recommended
by Occupational Health are unable to be accommodated due to the clinical duties of any of
the posts within the staff groups specified in the policy, an offer of employment to the post will
not be made.
Candidates who are not offered employment due to being deemed unfit to undertake EPPs as
an essential requirement for a post, may be offered the opportunity to apply for another
advertised vacant post and be considered with other applicants. The pre-employment
screening for EPP posts above do not apply to staff undertaking non-EPP posts who could
have direct contact with blood, bloodstained body fluids or patients’ tissue in the course of
their work activities. These staff will be offered and strongly advised to be immunised against
Hepatitis B in line with the Immunisation Policy including recall for boosters and further
antibody checks.
References - Two satisfactory written references must be obtained prior to any offer of
employment being made. These should include current and previous employers as
requested in the job application form. This is in line with the Recruitment and Selection Policy.
YOUR APPLICATION:
Informal Enquiries - Informal enquiries are welcomed by Nadia Frew, Hotel Services
Manager who can be contacted on 01292 513150.
Closing Date - Your completed application form should be submitted by Tuesday 14 April
2015 via the online application form on the SHOW website. Alternatively your completed
application form can be returned to the address below or can be e-mailed to
julie.craig@aapct.scot.nhs.uk
Department of O&HR Development
63A Lister Street
University Hospital Crosshouse
KILMARNOCK
Ayrshire
KA2 0BE
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
LOCATION - AYRSHIRE
Situated in attractive south-west Scotland on the Firth of Clyde coastline is the glorious
countryside of Ayrshire which you’ll soon discover is a very special corner of Scotland.
Ayrshire roads are quiet, the countryside peaceful but even so its easy to get here by road,
rail, or air.
Local attractions include country parks, museums - there’s Robert Burns and 1000’s of years
of history and heritage to enjoy, sports - sailing, watersports, swimming, riding, golf to mention
but a few.
Starting in the North at the family resort of Largs the coastal route runs south through the
seaports of Ardrossan and Saltcoats to Irvine - Scotland’s only New Town by the sea. From
Irvine you can take in the breathtaking beauty of the Ayrshire countryside - visit Kilmarnock
with its famous Dean Castle and Country Park then inland through the lace making towns of
Galston, Newmilns and Darvel. Further south and you are in Doon Valley - the heart of
Ayrshire’s industrial heritage. Back on the coastal route south of Irvine is Troon, another
popular resort and the start of Ayrshire’s famous Golf Coast. On this stretch of Ayrshire
Coast Ayr is the premier resort and is also the ideal base for exploring the Burns Heritage
Trail and visiting Burn’s birthplace in Alloway.
From Ayr the coastal route to Girvan includes the picturesque harbour village of Dunure and
the National Trust’s major attraction - Culzean Castle. Inland is the ancient capital of Carrick Maybole with its castle and tollbooth. Here in South Ayrshire the nearby Carrick forests and
hills offer superb walking country. The popular seaside town of Girvan would be your last port
of call or you could continue southwards to Ballantrae along a spectacular rugged coastline
notorious in the past as a haven for smugglers.
From North to South the countryside is very varied with something to suit everyone - we like
living and working here - and think you will too!
WITHIN EASY ACCESS TO GLASGOW
Most locations within Ayrshire are also within easy access of Glasgow by rail or road with all
the benefits and attractions found in a major city.
TOBACCO POLICY
Fresh Air Policy - Please note that, in line with the national Tobacco Control Strategy (20132018), NHS Ayrshire and Arran are working towards smoke free grounds by March 2015 (with
the exception of mental health facilities).
ALCOHOL AND DRUG POLICY
NHS Ayrshire & Arran operates an Alcohol and Drug Policy to protect the safety of all patients, visitors
and staff with the aim of promoting well being and reducing harm.
STAFF BENEFITS:
STAFF LOTTERY
The Board has set up a staff lottery and the cost of a chance in each monthly draw is
deducted directly from your wage/salary if you decide to enter the scheme. Half the proceeds
of the lottery are paid out as prizes and the remaining half is used to provide amenities,
facilities and services for both patients and staff.
During the year bumper prizes can be won and in the past these have included large cash
prizes, luxury holidays and cars.
STAFF DISCOUNTS
Information on Discounts given to staff by several local businesses will be available on taking
up employment.
JOB DESCRIPTION
1. JOB IDENTIFICATION
Job Title:
Hotel Services Operative/Domestic Assistant
Responsible to:
Domestic Supervisor
Department:
Clinical Support Services
Directorate:
Information & Clinical Support Services
Operating Division:
Job Reference:
No of Job Holders:
Last Update:
2. JOB PURPOSE
To provide a comprehensive cleaning/housekeeping/patients personal clothing /linen /sewing
service to meet the needs of clients, throughout hospitals clinics &departments. To fulfil the
objectives of the organisation and NHS Scotland’s Q.I.S. Standards.
3. DIMENSIONS
This will vary between sites throughout Ayrshire & Arran Community Health Division.
There are 147 W.T.E. employed within 9 hospitals and 60 clinics/health centres.
The Domestic establishment is W.T.E.
Supervisors – 20
Operatives – 331
=
=
13 W.T.E.
134 W.T.E.
4. ORGANISATIONAL POSITION
HOTEL SERVICES
MANAGER
ASSIST. ADMIN &
GENERAL SERVICES
MANAGER
ASSISTANT HOTEL
SERVICE MANAGER
HEAD CHEF
HOTEL SERVICES
SUPERVISORS
ASSIST. HEAD
COOK
CHEFS
HOTEL SERVICES
OPERATIVES DOMESTIC
HOTEL SERVICES
OPERATIVES –
CATERING
PORTERING/WASTE
MANAGEMENT
C0-ORDINATOR
CHARGE HAND
GARDENER
PORTER /
DRIVERS/
GARDENERS
ADMINISTRATOR
TRAINING &
QUALITY
CO-ORDINATOR
ADMIN &
CLERICAL
5. ROLE OF DEPARTMENT
The role of the directorate is to provide a comprehensive range of support services to allow the
delivery of all of the Community Health Division clinical care services.
Estates and Facilities provide a range of non clinical services in support of the organisation
business objectives, The services include: Property Maintenance, Environmental Management,
Capital Planning, Health & Safety, Estates/Property, Fleet Management and Hotel Services
including Catering, Domestic/ Housekeeping, Portering, Grounds Maintenance and Clinical
Waste Transport.
Hotel Services is an integral part of Estates & Facilities within the Community
Health Division. Delivery of high quality domestic services by implementing patient centred
systems
based on local and National strategies in compliance with clinical and corporate governance and
dictated
by Quality Improvement Scotland.
6. KEY RESULT AREAS
The post holder will provide a domestic and housekeeping service which includes:
Linen/Patients Personal Laundry / Food and Beverage Service to a number of Clinics/ health
Centres/ Hospital and Departments.
Cleaning Services
Maintaining safe systems of work to include daily cleaning and regularly maintaining
electrical/manual equipment to ensure it is in working order and any faults reported
to the person in charge.
Daily disposal of waste according to the Division’s Waste Management Policy and
Infection control procedures.
Ensure economic and correct use of Domestic provisions, cleaning materials in order
to minimise waste taking into account COSHH and Health & Safety Regulations.
Responsible for high standards of personal and food hygiene including the recording
of all daily temperature control checks in line with Food Hygiene regulations.
Responsible for signing in house /external contractor work documents E.G. confirmation
of quarterly window cleaning /repairs to domestic equipment on a regular basis.
Meal/Beverage Service
Daily service of hot and cold meals/beverages to patients following the agreed
Hazard analysis and critical control point procedures.
NOTE – the serving of meals and beverages must always be done under guidance of a
member of nursing staff.
Daily Issue and record dietary supplements to patients in accordance with dietetic and
nursing instructions.
Housekeeping Service
Daily cleaning of bed frames/ mattresses, turn mattress and prepare bed with fresh linen.
Daily ward order, issue, & distribution of linen in accordance with Infection control
procedures and the Division’s Linen Bagging Policy.
Responsible for minor repairs of patient’s personal clothing e.g. missing buttons/hems.
Replenish lockers and stores with clean personal clothing.
Daily care of plants and flowers.
Weekly Issue of patient toiletries.
Linen & Sewing Room Services
Daily distribution of common user linen to include receipt, monitoring and storage.
Completion of relevant paperwork relating to the agreed procedures.
Daily labelling, repairs & alterations of staff uniforms and patients clothing. This will
include identifying articles required for condemnation. The repair and alteration for
window curtains and bed screens, issue of patient personal clothing e.g. underwear where
applicable. Issue of all staff uniforms. Completion of all relevant paperwork for the
agreed procedures
Patients Personal Clothing Laundry
Daily segregation of patients personal clothing which includes washing/drying/ ironing and
folding, to a high quality finish ready for distribution to ward areas.
Generic
To comply with organisational Policies/procedures ie Health & Safety control book ,
COSHH, Moving & Handling, General Risk Assessment, Fire training and Environmental
Policy. Including key holding where appropriate.
Maintain effective communication links and working relationships with supervisory staff
and customers./patients. Adhering to Caldicott guidelines.
NOTE – All tasks will vary in individual sites and requirement of the service
7a. EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY
The post holder will be require to have knowledge, skills and training to operate the
Following equipment:
Commercial Vacuum Cleaners
Washing Machine
Wet Pick Ups
Tumble Dryer
Hydromist Champs (Carpet extractor)
Rotary Scrubber/Polisher
Food Trolleys
Dishwasher
7b. SYSTEMS
The post holder will require having knowledge and skills to operate the following systems:
Work schedules, including cleaning frequencies and descriptions of tasks
Hotel Services Specification
Environmental Policies ISO 14001
ISO 9001/2000 Accreditation
Investors in People/PDP
Health & Safety legislation, COSHH, Generic risk assessment.
Good communication skills
Customer Care
Control of Infection guidelines
Quality Improvement Scotland Cleaning Standards
Caldicott guidelines
8. ASSIGNMENT AND REVIEW OF WORK
The post holder is accountable to the Hotel Services Domestic Supervisor and is expected to
work with minimal supervision. Work is monitored by the Domestic Supervisor on a daily basis
through workplace observations.
The post holder is required to meet the needs of the service by organising/prioritising and
signing off own duties on a daily basis.
Support and advise on the job training of new employees.
Maintaining high standards in line with Quality control checks/ NHSS Cleaning specification
throughout Clinics/Health Centres/ Hospitals and Departments.
9. DECISIONS AND JUDGEMENTS
The postholder must have the ability to use their own initiative to make basic decisions regarding
workload priorities ensuring that required standards are maintained within the Hotel Services
Department incorporating NHSS Cleaning Specification and Control Of Infection guidelines.
10. MOST CHALLENGING/DIFFICULT PARTS OF THE JOB
General cleaning duties to the agreed standard and ensure cleaning frequencies are met
in order to produce a safe clean and pleasant environment and minimise the risk of cross
infection.
Ensure the meal and beverage service is in line with HACCP and the relevant Food Hygiene
regulations.
To ensure correct and safe economic use of cleaning materials in order to minimise waste.
Use their own initiative in relation to the prioritisation of daily duties and ensure customer/patient
satisfaction.
Compliance with the Hotel Services specification and current Health & Safety Control
Book ,including COSHH Regulations , Risk Assessments and Food Hygiene Regulations.
The provision of a high quality patient’s personal clothing service.
Assist in the implementation of all systems of departmental security/control and report
discrepancies to the responsible person in charge.
11. COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS
The post holder will be required to communicate at various levels, this will happen on a daily basis
relating to service requirements. E.g. verbal, telephone.
Effective communication and working relationships have to be developed with :
Management, Supervisors and Hotel services staff within the division
Infection Control Advisors
Ward Managers/staff
Administration/staff
Estates/staff
Heads of Departments
Human Resources Department
Health & Safety Department
Customers/members of public/relatives
Contractors E. G. Pest control /window cleaning.
12. PHYSICAL, MENTAL, EMOTIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB
PHYSICAL EFFORT/SKILLS:
The post is physically demanding therefore a good level of fitness is required. A high degree of
skill and dexterity is required when working with specialist equipment.
The use and manual thorough cleaning of all domestic equipment ie rotary scrubbing machines,
wet pick-ups, carpet shampooers, etc. Manual collection of domestic and clinical waste
bags/linen hampers throughout the day, regular movement of furniture and cleaning equipment.
Manual Handling knowledge is essential in order that tasks can be completed safely.
Delivery of food trolleys throughout the day.
MENTAL EFFORT/SKILLS:
Meeting demands within constrained timescales and service deadlines. There are also frequent
requirements for concentration, regular interruptions and work patterns can be unpredictable.
The use of computerised clothing labelling system.
EMOTIONAL EFFORT/SKILLS:
Ability to deal with vulnerable, violent and aggressive patients & dealing with the loss/departure
of patients on a daily basis. Routine service issues to include rectification of problems and work
issues.
ENVIRONMENTAL
Environment can be stressful due to unplanned interruptions to workload and tight timescales to
meet priorities. Unpleasant odours, dealing with bodily fluids/cleaning sanitary areas / on a daily
basis, use of chemicals /disinfectants, required to work in a hot environment.
13. KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB
The post holder will be require to be numerate, literate and have practical skills.
SVQ Housekeeping Level 1 Certificate
Basic Food Hygiene Certificate
Previous experience of industrial cleaning necessary.
NHS Ayrshire and Arran
Person Specification
Post Title
Post Reference Number
Candidates Name
Domestic Assistant/ Housekeeper
A/833/14
Selection Factors
(Person Specification)
QUALIFICATIONS &
TRAINING
EXPERIENCE
KNOWLEDGE
COMPETENCIES &
SKILLS
Criteria
Essential
None
All necessary Training Provided
Desirable
Similar Domestic Induction Training
Completion of HAI Domestic Work Book
SVQ Level 1 in Cleaning Services
None
Essential
Desirable
Experience of using industrial cleaning equipment or working in a health care or similar
setting
Essential
None
Desirable
Knowledge of NHS Policies & Procedures, including COSHH, Health & Safety, Moving &
Handling.
Awareness of Confidentiality
Basic level of communication to provide and receive routine information
Ability to work with minimal supervision
Ability to comply with Departmental Procedures within a very large department
Ability to work individually and in a team setting
Understanding of Work Schedules
Essential
Desirable
PERSONAL
CHARACTERISTICS
AND OTHER
Essential
Present positive attitude. Courteous/Polite. Clean/Tidy appearance
High level of mobility and stamina
Flexible approach to work routines/areas
13
B10, D6, F6 AND G3 (December2013)
)
Availability to complete induction program/ attend mandatory courses
Desirable
14
B10, D6, F6 AND G3 (December2013)
)