Housekeeper

Croydon Almshouses is the oldest charity in Croydon, and we are proud of our heritage. For over 550 years, we have been supporting people who are experiencing the impact of poverty.

Since 1447, we have offered almshouses, and for the last 40 years, have also awarded grants to Croydon’s voluntary sector and individuals. At the heart of who we are is our belief and commitment to ‘community’. Our Croydon Almshouses community is made up of our residents, staff, and trustees.

We are also part of our local Waddon community and the wider Croydon community. In some ways, most importantly, we recognise that we all belong to several communities which connect us with our backgrounds, our interests, our challenges. Following a thorough and thought-provoking strategy development process, we are excited about our 2024-2028 Strategy; Do More, Do Better, which aims to take us into our next chapter by expanding our operations to enhance our impact in our communities.

MAIN DUTIES:

Housekeeping

• Conduct general cleaning tasks such as dusting, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming and internal window cleaning as part of the daily routine.
• Perform cleaning duties according to established schedules, ensuring high standards of cleanliness are consistently maintained. 
• Launder cleaning items, including kitchen dishcloths, floor rags and dusters as needed. 
• Clean and prepare guest almshouses promptly after they have been vacated.
• Empty waste bins in office spaces, kitchens and communal areas regularly.
• Perform monthly deep cleans and disinfection tasks, particularly in high-usage areas such as communal staff fridges and kitchens.
• Promptly deep clean almshouses when they become vacant to prepare them for new residents.
• Regularly stock and replenish cleaning supplies including handwash, toilet paper and paper towels, ensuring all areas are well-equipped.
• Monitor and maintain inventory levels for cleaning products, ordering additional supplies by coordinating with the relevant person when necessary.
• Report any maintenance issues, cleaning equipment malfunctions, or safety hazards to your line manager in a timely manner.

Health & Safety

• Assist the Handyperson with conducting weekly health and safety tests and maintenance checks as required.
• Maintain up-to-date COSHH records and material safety data sheets (MSDs), ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
• Adhere to all health and safety guidelines and company policies, ensuring a safe working environment.
• Ensure all cleaning materials are securely stored in the designated COSHH cupboard, maintaining a clean and orderly storage area in the maintenance room.
• Participate in mandatory annual refresher courses, including Legionella Control, Fire Safety Awareness, COSHH, and other relevant training as deemed necessary by your Line Manager.
• Take responsibility for wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for each task and ensure it is always used correctly.

Working with the Wellbeing Team

• Provide occasional support to the Wellbeing Team when needed.
• If interested, assist the Wellbeing Team with preparing the weekly Wednesday lunch for residents, and on occasion, cook the Wednesday lunch on a rota basis.

General

• To model the Charities’ Values in their daily work
• Other duties as reasonably required in line with their responsibilities.

Person Specification

• Proven experience as a cleaner or housekeeper
• An understanding of housekeeping practice
• Ability to update the COSHH register
• Ability to cook – if happy to
• Familiarity with fire awareness, water hygiene practices and general Health and Safety in the workplace

Personal Attributes

We are a small, dedicated staff team who work effectively together and all contribute to making a positive, impactful difference in the lives of our beneficiaries.  To be a valued, supported member of our thriving and focussed staff team the following attributes would be welcomed.

• Demonstrate flexibility in responding to urgent, high-priority tasks when required
• Work independently and efficiently to complete cleaning tasks with minimal supervision
• The ability to respond to changing and varied prioritises
• Common sense, approachability and sense of humour
• Ability to adapt positively to change
• Personable, strongly resident-oriented and friendly
• Ability to work quickly without compromising on quality

Additional Information

• Based in pleasant and friendly offices in South Croydon
• £27,007.50 pro rata (London Living Wage)
• Circa 20 hours per week: flexibility working patterns can be discussed
• 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, pro rata
• Contributory workplace pension scheme
• An excellent benefits package

PLEASE NOTE: A relevant CV and cover letter detailing how you meet the person specification and attributes will be required once you have applied below.