Domestic Attendant
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 for all posts
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 posts
- Flexibility regards working hours to meet the demands of the service.
- Fulfil front line housekeeping service within an acute hospital environment.
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.
Remuneration
The Salary scale for the post at 01/01/2024 is:
€32,416 - €34,222 - €35,568 - €36,130 - €36,367 - €36,927 -€37,501 - €37,952 - €38,494
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.
Working Week
The standard working week applying to the post is to be confirmed at job offer stage.
HSE Circular 003-2009 “Matching Working Patterns to Service Needs (Extended Working Day / Week Arrangements); Framework for Implementation of Clause 30.4 of Towards 2016” applies. Under the terms of this circular, all new entrants and staff appointed to promotional posts from Dec 16th 2008 will be required to work agreed roster / on call arrangements as advised by their line manager. Contracted hours of work are liable to change between the hours of 8am-8pm over seven days to meet the requirements for extended day services in accordance with the terms of the Framework Agreement (Implementation of Clause 30.4 of Towards 2016).
Annual Leave
The annual leave associated with the post will be confirmed at job offer stage
Superannuation
Membership of the HSE Employee Superannuation Scheme applies to this appointment.
Existing Members who transferred to the HSE on 1st January 2005 pursuant to Section 60 of the Health Act 2004 are entitled to superannuation benefit terms under the HSE Scheme which are no less favourable to those to which they were entitled at 31st December 2004.
Appointees to posts in the Mental Health Services which formerly attracted fast accrual of service should note that the terms of Section 65 of the Mental Treatment Act 1945 do not apply to New Entrant Public Servants as defined by Section 12 of the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004.
Age
The Public Service Superannuation (Age of Retirement) Act, 2018* set 70 years as the compulsory retirement age for public servants.
* Public Servants not affected by this legislation:
Public servants recruited between 1 April 2004 and 31 December 2012 (new entrants) have no compulsory retirement age.
Public servants, joining the public service or re-joining the public service after a 26 week break, after 1 January 2013 are members of the Single Pension Scheme and have a compulsory retirement age of 70.
Probation
Every appointment of a person who is not already a permanent officer of the Health Service Executive or of a Local Authority shall be subject to a probationary period of 12 months as stipulated in the Department of Health Circular No.10/71.
Protection of Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998
As this post is one of those designated under the Protection of Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998, appointment to this post appoints one as a designated officer in accordance with Section 2 of the Act. You will remain a designated officer for the duration of your appointment to your current post or for the duration of your appointment to such other post as is included in the categories specified in the Ministerial Direction. You will receive full information on your responsibilities under the Act on appointment.
Mandated Person Children First Act 2015
As a mandated person under the Children First Act 2015 you will have a legal obligation:
· To report child protection concerns at or above a defined threshold to TUSLA.
· To assist Tusla, if requested, in assessing a concern which has been the subject of a mandated report.
You will remain a mandated person for the duration of your appointment to your current post or for the duration of your appointment to such other post as is included in the categories specified in the Ministerial Direction. You will receive full information on your responsibilities under the Act on appointment.
Infection Prevention and Control
Have a working knowledge of Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc.
Health & Safety
It is the responsibility of line managers to ensure that the management of safety, health and welfare is successfully integrated into all activities undertaken within their area of responsibility, so far as is reasonably practicable. Line managers are named and roles and responsibilities detailed in the relevant Site Specific Safety Statement (SSSS).
Key responsibilities include:
· Developing a SSSS for the department/service[1], as applicable, based on the identification of hazards and the assessment of risks, and reviewing/updating same on a regular basis (at least annually) and in the event of any significant change in the work activity or place of work.
· Ensuring that Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is integrated into day-to-day business, providing Systems Of Work (SOW) that are planned, organised, performed, maintained and revised as appropriate, and ensuring that all safety related records are maintained and available for inspection.
· Consulting and communicating with staff and safety representatives on OSH matters.
· Ensuring training needs assessment (TNA) is undertaken for employees, facilitating their attendance at statutory OSH training, and ensuring records are maintained for each employee.
· Ensuring that all incidents occurring within the relevant department/service are appropriately managed and investigated in accordance with HSE procedures.
· Seeking advice from health and safety professionals through the National Health and Safety Function Helpdesk as appropriate.
· Reviewing the health and safety performance of the ward/department/service and staff through, respectively, local audit and performance achievement meetings for example.
Note: Detailed roles and responsibilities of Line Managers are outlined in local SSSS.
A template SSSS and guidelines are available on the National Health and Safety Function/H&S web-pages
See link on health and safety web-pages to latest Incident Management Policy
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