Domestic Attendant

Remuneration

The Salary scale for the post (at 01/08/2025) is:

€34,582 - €36,425 - €37,798 - €38,371 - €38,613 - €39,184 - €39,770 - €40,230 - €40,783

New appointees to any grade start at the minimum point of the scale. Incremental credit will be applied for recognised relevant service in Ireland and abroad (Department of Health Circular 2/2011). Incremental credit is normally granted on appointment, in respect of previous experience in the Civil Service, Local Authorities, Health Service and other Public Service Bodies and Statutory Agencies.

Reporting Relationship

Reports directly to the Household Supervisor or other designated manager. Household staff work closely with and under the guidance of the nurse in charge/head of Department in designated departments/wards in relation to cleaning within the local environment

Purpose of the Post

The provision of high quality, responsive household services across designated hospital areas in keeping with Sligo University Hospital Policies, National infection Control Policies for Acute Hospitals and HIQA Hygiene Standards.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• The person holding this post is required to support the principle that the care of the patient comes first at all times and will approach their work with the flexibility and enthusiasm necessary to make this principle a reality for every patient to the greatest possible degree
• Maintain throughout the Group’s awareness of the primacy of the patient in relation to all hospital activities.

• Performance management systems are part of role and you will be required to participate in the Group’s performance management programme

BAND 4 HOUSEHOLD – DUTIES WITHIN HOUSEHOLD

• Attend for duty as assigned by the household supervisor, and at such hours as he/shedetermines from time to time
• Work as part of a team in providing high quality, efficient cleaning services in allocated departments aligned to hospital cleaning schedules.
• To perform cleaning services in the hospital environment, fixtures, fittings, designated areas to meet the standards recommended in ‘Irish Acute Hospitals Cleaning Manual’ (National Hospitals Office 2006).
• To be responsible for the cleaning of elements within allocated areas of responsibility bathrooms: toilets, ensuites, utility areas, storage areas, public thoroughfares, clinical/treatment rooms, offices, changing rooms, and other associated areas in accordance with the Hospital Cleaning Policy and Irish Acute Hospitals Cleaning Manual.
• Ensure appropriate documentation is maintained in line with national and locally devised policies and regulations.(National Hospital Office 2006

General:

• Be accountable for the provision of your work and perform in a manner that is efficient, effective and of the highest standard.

• Conduct his /herself in a manner that ensures safe care.
• In accordance with Health and Safety at Work policy, it is each staff members responsibility to observe all rules relating to Health and Safety and Conduct at Work and to use any equipment and chemicals provided for cleaning in a safe and responsible manner.
• Report any incident or potential incident which may compromise the health and safety of patient, staff or visitors and take appropriate action.

• In line with public Health (Tobacco) amendment Act 2004-smoking on the hospital campus is prohibited.
• Comply with all Hygiene requirements –including use of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment required to comply with Infection Prevention and Control.

• Attend training courses as required e.g. Hand Hygiene, Health and Safety, Manual Handling, Chemical safety, Fire Prevention etc
•  Ensure all household equipment and supplies are stored correctly and securely.

• The post holder is expected to carry out his/her duties with compassion, respect and consideration for both patients and other staff.
• Maintain the confidentiality of all information made available to him / her during the course of his / her work.
• Support and promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service.

• Ensure that duties are carried out as specified on cleaning schedules including cleaning checklists are signed and relevant household documentation is maintained
• To work as part of the Household Team.
• To ensure proper use of cleaning materials and equipment, reporting any defects for repair or hazards, incidents to the Household supervisor.
• Adhere at all time to the SUH Infection Prevention and Control and Hygiene policies/procedures including ( HIQA, Health and Safety and relevant HSE polices and regulations) To be aware of and comply with policies, directives, guidelines and recommendations from statutory bodies in relation to Infection Prevention and Control, Hygiene policies, Health & Safety, Manual Handling, HACCP, HIQA.
• To be accountable for the provision of your work and perform in a manner that is efficient, effective and of the highest standard
• To be aware of Statutory Occupational Health & Safety Legislation under the Safety, Health & Welfare Act, 1989.
• To adhere to SUH Uniform policy and ensure the uniform prescribed must be worn at all times and other protective clothing, gloves etc, must be utilized as required by Hospital Uniform Policy and as appropriate to area of service.
• To demonstrate a friendly and co-operative attitude towards visitors/relatives/staff
• Ensure efficient and economical use of materials and equipment
• To undertake any other duties appropriate to the post as may be assigned from time to time.

The Housekeeping Department operates 24 hour a day, 7 day a week, working hours will / can include:

·        Night Duty

·        Evening duty

·        Weekend Work

·        Unsocial Hours

·        Shift work

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING GENERAL CONDITIONS:

• Employees must attend fire lectures periodically and must observe fire orders.
• Employees must attend training that is mandatory as stipulated by Hospital management
• All accidents within the Department must be reported immediately.
• Infection Control Policies must be adhered to.
• In line with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005 all staff must comply with all safety regulations and audits.
• In line with the Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Act 2004, smoking within the Hospital Building is not permitted, this includes e-cigarettes.
• Hospital uniform code policy must be adhered to.
• Provide information that meets the need of Senior Management.

Risk Management, Infection Control, Hygiene Services and Health & Safety

·        The management of Risk, Infection Control, Hygiene Services and Health & Safety is the responsibility of everyone and will be achieved within a progressive, honest and open environment.

·        The post holder is responsible for ensuring that they become familiar with the requirements with all relevant Policies and Procedures.

·        The post holder is responsible for ensuring that they comply with hygiene services requirements in your area of responsibility. Hygiene Services incorporates environment and facilities, hand hygiene, catering, cleaning, the management of laundry, waste, sharps and equipment.

·        The post holder must take reasonable care for his or her own actions and the effect that these may have upon the safety of others.

·        The post holder must cooperate with management, attend Health & Safety related training and not undertake any task for which they have not been authorised and adequately trained.

·        The post holder is required to bring to the attention of a responsible person any perceived shortcoming in our safety arrangements or any defects in work equipment.

The above is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

Eligibility Criteria

Qualifications and/ or experience

All candidates must at the closing date for receipt of application forms

·           Possess 2nd level education to Junior Certificate Level, which includes pass in all subjects taken.

AND

·            Possess a competent level of spoken and written English to compile HIQA documents

Health

A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Character

Each candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character

Post Specific Requirements

N/A

Other requirements specific to the post

•        Flexibility regards working hours to meet the demands of the service.

•        Fulfil front line housekeeping service within an acute hospital environment.

Additional eligibility requirements:

Citizenship Requirements

Eligible candidates must be:

(i)               EEA, Swiss, or British citizens

OR

(ii)              Non-European Economic Area citizens with permission to reside and work in the State

Read Appendix 2 of the Additional Campaign Information for further information on accepted Stamps for Non-EEA citizens resident in the State, including those with refugee status.

To qualify candidates must be eligible by the closing date of the campaign.

Skills, competencies and/or knowledge

Demonstrates the following:

Knowledge

·      Demonstrate evidence of knowledge of HIQA and Hygiene (cleaning) Standards and the requirements in this role to adhere to same.

·      Demonstrate knowledge of cleaning to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the role

·      Demonstrate knowledge in the area of healthcare or cleaning duties in a relevant service.

·      Demonstrate an ability to apply knowledge to best practice

·      Demonstrate a commitment to continuing professional development

·      Demonstrate ability to work under pressure

·      Demonstrate a commitment to assuring high standards and strive for a patient centred service

Teamwork

·     Demonstrate ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

·     Demonstrate motivation and an innovative approach to job.

·     Demonstrate ability to present a neat and tidy appearance

·     Demonstrate ability to carry out instructions and appreciate the importance of providing quality care to patients.

Planning and Organising

·     Demonstrate evidence of ability to plan work effectively and efficiently,

·     Demonstrate flexible approach – to working hours, rostering e.g. unsocial hours/shift work, night duty, on call, attitude to work

·     Demonstrate ability to work on own initiative

Patient/Customer Focus

·     Demonstrate a focus on quality

·     Demonstrate evidence of ability to empathise with and treat patients, relatives and colleagues with dignity and respect.

·     Demonstrate motivation to fulfil the role and contribute to improving the service

·     Demonstrate the ability to maintain confidentiality

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

·     Demonstrate effective communication skills including the ability to present information in a clear and concise manner.

·     Demonstrate ability to communicate with colleagues in a professional and respectful manner,

·     Demonstrate ability to communicate with patients in a compassionate, respectful and dignified manner.

·     Possess a competent level of spoken and written English to compile HACCP documents

Demonstrate ability to listen openly, using questions to check understanding/avoid misinterpretation.