Cleaner (EK)

Job Title

Cleaner / Porter

Job Purpose

To provide a high-quality cleaning, porterage and basic accommodation support service across temporary accommodation, hostels and communal residential areas.

The post holder will be responsible for maintaining clean, safe and hygienic environments for residents, visitors and staff. The role will involve cleaning communal areas and facilities, assisting with vacant room clearances, moving furniture and belongings, reporting maintenance or health and safety issues, and supporting the effective day-to-day operation of accommodation services.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

Cleaning and Hygiene

• Carry out daily and periodic cleaning of hostels, temporary accommodation and communal areas.

• Clean kitchens, bathrooms, toilets, corridors, staircases, offices, communal rooms and other shared facilities.

• Clean furniture, fixtures, fittings, appliances and other equipment within communal areas.

• Follow agreed cleaning schedules and programmes to ensure all areas are maintained to the required standard.

• Use appropriate cleaning equipment, materials and chemicals safely and effectively.

• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, hygiene and presentation throughout the accommodation.

• Report shortages of cleaning materials, equipment or other resources to the appropriate manager.

Porterage and Accommodation Support

• Assist with the movement of furniture, equipment and residents’ belongings using appropriate manual-handling techniques and equipment.

• Assist with the clearing, cleaning and preparation of vacant rooms.

• Help prepare accommodation for new residents within agreed service timescales.

• Complete basic inventories of furniture, equipment and other items when rooms become vacant.

• Assist with the removal, storage or disposal of unwanted items in accordance with Council procedures.

• Support practical tasks associated with the day-to-day operation of hostels and temporary accommodation.

Health, Safety and Risk Management

• Maintain awareness of potential hazards within accommodation and communal areas.

• Report defects, hazards, damage, misuse of equipment and other health and safety concerns promptly.

• Follow COSHH requirements and relevant procedures when handling cleaning chemicals and materials.

• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) where required.

• Follow safe working practices when lifting, carrying and moving furniture and equipment.

• Take reasonable care of personal safety and the safety of residents, visitors and colleagues.

• Report accidents, incidents and safeguarding concerns in accordance with established procedures.

Customer Service and Resident Support

• Provide a polite, respectful and professional service to residents, visitors and colleagues.

• Respond appropriately to residents’ requests and concerns and refer issues to the relevant team where necessary.

• Maintain professional boundaries when working with vulnerable residents and households.

• Be alert to concerns relating to the condition or occupation of accommodation and report these through the appropriate channels.

• Promote a safe, welcoming and respectful environment for all residents.

Teamwork and Communication

• Work effectively as part of the Technical Services, Housing, Facilities or Property Services team.

• Work cooperatively with colleagues and other Council departments.

• Communicate relevant information clearly and promptly to managers and team members.

• Support colleagues with operational tasks when required.

• Work independently when required, organising and prioritising allocated duties to meet service requirements.

Administration and Record Keeping

• Complete cleaning schedules, checklists, inventories and other relevant records accurately.

• Use basic IT systems to record and update information where required.

• Report completed work, outstanding issues and accommodation concerns to the appropriate person.

• Maintain confidentiality and comply with data protection requirements.

General Responsibilities

• Comply with all relevant Council policies, procedures and working practices.

• Comply with Health and Safety at Work requirements and relevant health, safety and environmental legislation.

• Follow equality, diversity and inclusion policies and treat all residents and colleagues fairly and respectfully.

• Support safeguarding arrangements for vulnerable adults and children and report concerns appropriately.

• Participate in training, staff meetings, one-to-ones, appraisals and personal development activities.

• Take responsibility for maintaining and developing relevant knowledge and skills.

• Undertake any other reasonable duties appropriate to the grade and nature of the post.

Person Specification

Essential

• Previous experience of cleaning in a domestic, commercial, residential, hostel or similar environment.

• Ability to carry out cleaning duties to a consistent and appropriate standard.

• Ability to safely lift, move and handle furniture and equipment following appropriate training.

• Basic understanding of health and safety requirements relating to cleaning and manual handling.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Ability to organise and prioritise daily tasks.

• Experience of following established procedures and instructions.

• Good customer service and communication skills.

• Ability to work respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds.

• Good attention to detail and reliability when undertaking routine tasks.

• Willingness to undertake training and develop new skills.

Desirable

• Experience working in temporary accommodation, hostels, supported accommodation or housing services.

• Experience working with vulnerable residents or households experiencing homelessness.

• Knowledge of COSHH and safe handling of cleaning chemicals.

• Experience using cleaning machinery and specialist cleaning equipment.

• Basic IT and record-keeping skills.

• Previous experience in a porterage, facilities, caretaking or property services environment.

Physical Requirements

The role requires regular physical activity, including standing, walking, bending, lifting, carrying and moving furniture, cleaning equipment and other items. The post holder must be able to undertake manual handling activities safely using appropriate training and equipment.

Working Environment

The post holder will work across temporary accommodation, hostels and communal residential environments. The role may involve working around residents, visitors and colleagues and dealing with varying levels of cleanliness, waste, maintenance issues and potentially challenging situations.

Appropriate PPE, training and risk assessments will be provided where required.

Safeguarding and Disclosure

The post holder ma