Job Description

Are you looking for a new rewarding role? Do you want to work for a charity that provides care to those at the end of their life?
St Leonard's Hospice is recruiting a Housekeeping Assistant to assist in the provision of all aspects of cleaning at the main Hospice site. The Hospice consists of a 16 bed Inpatient Unit, a wellbeing hub, several family rooms and offices, therefore the Housekeeping team play a vital role in ensuring that we maintain a safe and welcoming environment to those using the services.
This is a full-time position working 37.5 hours per week, 5 days over 7. The Housekeeping Team operate a rotational shift pattern from 7am 3pm, Monday to Sunday and shifts are allocated well in advance. Shift enhancements are also applied on weekends and bank holidays.
Main duties of the job
Reporting into the Housekeeping Team Leader, as a Housekeeping Assistant you will:

• Follow the cleaning schedules to make sure that all areas of the main Hospice site are maintained to a high standard
• Ensure all linen and laundry is handled in accordance with Hospice policy
• Ensure the usage of all cleaning equipment and materials is in accordance with manufacturers recommendations and Hospice policy

As a Housekeeping Assistant you will also have opportunities to build strong working relationships with lots of key stakeholders including clinical staff and patients and their loved ones.
Our ideal candidate will:

• Have previous experience of maintaining high standards of cleaning and be able to follow cleaning schedules
• Have a good eye for detail and take pride in their work
• Have good communication skills and be courteous and respectful to others and maintain confidentiality
• Be motivated to work as part of a team but able to work alone at times

This role is physically demanding, especially on occasions when specific areas of the Hospice need cleaning in a short space of time.
What we can offer you in return:

• Day shifts which allow you to have a great work/life balance
• Shift enhancements for unsociable hours
• Generous annual leave entitlement of up to 41 days
• Attractive pension schemes
• Extensive employee discounts on shops, holidays and lifestyle choices and Blue Light Card discounts
• A supportive and friendly working environment

About us
Our mission is to provide excellent care and support to those living with life-limiting illness and to the people they care about, to enrich their lives and to contribute to the ongoing development of end-of-life care. We do this by placing our patients at the centre of everything we do, and through involving patients and their families in all decisions regarding their care.
We can only achieve this with the help of our amazing colleagues, by developing and recognising their contribution, and by sharing our knowledge and skills through education, audit and research.
Details
Date posted
14 August 2025
Pay scheme
Other
Salary
23,875 a year
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
HG1375182MaiHA
Job locations
St Leonard's Hospice
185 Tadcaster Road
York
North Yorkshire
YO24 1GL
Job description
Job responsibilities
To assist in the provision of all aspects of cleaning at the Hospice under the supervision of the Housekeeping Management team to an agreed high standard.
Main duties and responsibilities
1. Work as a member of the Housekeeping team, ensuring that all areas of the hospice are maintained to a high standard and in accordance with housekeeping cleaning schedules.
2. Ensure all linen and laundry is handled in accordance with Hospice policy.
3. Work closely with the clinical team to ensure a high standard of cleanliness is maintained for patients.
4. Report all faults and wear and tear to the Facilities team, ensuring the Housekeeping Team Leader has been notified.
5. Have (or develop) an awareness of laws or policies relating to Health & Safety, COSHH and Infection Control.
6. Ensure the usage of all cleaning equipment and materials is in accordance with manufacturers recommendations and Hospice policy. Job description
Job responsibilities
To assist in the provision of all aspects of cleaning at the Hospice under the supervision of the Housekeeping Management team to an agreed high standard.
Main duties and responsibilities
1. Work as a member of the Housekeeping team, ensuring that all areas of the hospice are maintained to a high standard and in accordance with housekeeping cleaning schedules.
2. Ensure all linen and laundry is handled in accordance with Hospice policy.
3. Work closely with the clinical team to ensure a high standard of cleanliness is maintained for patients.
4. Report all faults and wear and tear to the Facilities team, ensuring the Housekeeping Team Leader has been notified.
5. Have (or develop) an awareness of laws or policies relating to Health & Safety, COSHH and Infection Control.
6. Ensure the usage of all cleaning equipment and materials is in accordance with manufacturers recommendations and Hospice policy.
Person Specification
Personal
Essential

• Team player
• Work on own initiative
• Work confidentially
• Can do attitude
• Helpful and professional
• Professional image
• Work efficiently
• Have sympathy with the philosophy and concept of Hospice care
• There is some manual handling including hoovering mopping washing down walls etc so you should be comfortable and able to do so

Qualifications
Desirable

• Level 2 Certificate in Hospitality & Catering Principles
• Level 2 Certificate in Hospitality Industry Skills

Experience
Essential

• Experience of maintaining high standards of cleaning
• Knowledge of Health & Safety Regulations and COSHH
• Attention to detail
• Work efficiently
• Able to manage own time

Desirable

• Basic record keeping
• Stock control and rotation

Communication
Essential

• Good communicator
• Courteous and respectful of others
• Ability to be sensitive and empathetic
• Ability to communicate at all levels within the Hospice

Person Specification
Personal
Essential

• Team player
• Work on own initiative
• Work confidentially
• Can do attitude
• Helpful and professional
• Professional image
• Work efficiently
• Have sympathy with the philosophy and concept of Hospice care
• There is some manual handling including hoovering mopping washing down walls etc so you should be comfortable and able to do so

Qualifications
Desirable

• Level 2 Certificate in Hospitality & Catering Principles
• Level 2 Certificate in Hospitality Industry Skills

Experience
Essential

• Experience of maintaining high standards of cleaning
• Knowledge of Health & Safety Regulations and COSHH
• Attention to detail
• Work efficiently
• Able to manage own time

Desirable

• Basic record keeping
• Stock control and rotation

Communication
Essential

• Good communicator
• Courteous and respectful of others
• Ability to be sensitive and empathetic
• Ability to communicate at all levels within the Hospice