Job overview

The Department of Psychiatry in Eastbourne, East Sussex are looking for a committed Band 2 Housekeeper to work on the wards as part of a dedicated team of professionals that provide the highest standards of care and support to those with Acute Mental Health needs.

We are building a new hospital in Bexhill to replace our inpatient services at the Department of Psychiatry. This means that, if you are successful in your application, you will be asked to transfer to the new facilities when they open in 2025

Main duties of the job

You will work as part of the ward team by contributing to the provision of a comfortable and suitable environment for the patient group. The role is essential to ensure that the ward is clean and tidy, maintenance issues are addressed, and that food, linen and other provisions are available to ensure the needs of the patient group are met. It is essential that you are a car driver as there are times when you will need to visit the local shops/cash and carry to complete purchases for the ward.

You will establish and maintain good working relationships with Nursing, Medical, and Clerical, Catering, Domestic and Estates staff in order to provide a friendly, clean and comfortable environment for patients, visitors and staff working directly on the ward.

Working for our organisation

The Trust provides mental health and learning disability care for all ages across Sussex and for children and young people in Hampshire.

Living & working in Sussex

• Travel easily between coast and countryside, with a blend of picturesque villages and seaside towns
• Embrace the outstanding natural beauty spots including the iconic Beachy Head and Seven Sisters National Park
• Known as 'The Sunshine Coast', Eastbourne offers a traditional Victorian seafront combined with the more modern Sovereign Harbour Marina

We'd love you to join our Trust, rated 'good' overall and 'outstanding' for caring by the CQC. Our staff agree, recent staff survey results told us that 82% recognise that care for patients is our top priority.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Successful candidates will have strong communication and people skills, a non-judgmental and person-centred approach and above all a real caring attitude and be prepared to make a difference.

In return for your skills and expertise we can offer you continued training and development, variety and a rewarding challenge and the opportunity to work within a friendly and supportive team

Your working hours will be Monday to Friday 07.00 - 15.00, although an earlier start time can be discussed.

Person specification

Knowledge/Experience

Essential criteria

• Experience of working with people with mental health needs in a paid or voluntary capacity
• Experience of working with people with mental health difficulties
• Experience of working as part of a team

Sussex Partnership NHS FT is committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects our communities. Our workforce is currently under-represented from Black and Minority, Ethnic and disabled communities and we would welcome applications from these communities.

We regret that we are unable to advise candidates if they have not been shortlisted. If you have not heard from us within three weeks of the closing date please assume that you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

In the event of an excessive number of applicants the Trust reserves the right to close this vacancy earlier than indicated.

Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust takes its responsibilities for the safeguarding and protection of children and young people and vulnerable adults very seriously and expects this of all its employees and bank workers. The Trust works with adult and children's social care to ensure that the integrated service has systems in place to equip staff and bank workers with the knowledge and skills to recognize abuse, and take action to safeguard and protect vulnerable adults and children and young people. It is expected that all staff and bank workers familiarise themselves with the appropriate structures and policies and with the Sussex child protection and safeguarding procedures and the Sussex multi-agency policy and procedures for safeguarding vulnerable adults and undertake the relevant essential training and further training appropriate to their role.

Successful candidates are normally offered salaries at the bottom of the relevant salary range. However, where previous or equivalent NHS experience in a similar role can be demonstrated and evidenced, this may be taken into consideration when setting the starting salary.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Applicant requirements

The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.