Domestic services
There are a number of opportunities for jobs within domestic services in healthcare settings. These range from domestic assistant to domestic services manager.
Domestic assistants
Domestic assistants, or cleaners, work in wards and other areas of a hospital as part of the cleaning team. They have a lot of contact with patients and their visitors. The work is in shifts, including evenings and weekends.
Domestic services supervisors
Supervisors oversee the work of domestic assistants and make sure that the required high standards are met.
Domestic services managers
Managers are responsible for planning and organising the cleaning services to hospital and other healthcare facilities to make sure standards of environmental cleanliness are met and maintained.
This role may also go together with the management of other support services.
Skills required
To work in domestic services, you should:
- be able to work as part of a team
- be flexible and reliable
- have an understanding of the importance of hygiene standards
- be in general good health
Training programme
Training programmes offered for those wishing to become supervisors include:
- City and Guilds Number 7640 Cleaning Science
- Institute of Leadership and Management Level 3 qualification
- NVQ Level 3 in food hygiene
Those hoping to become managers in domestic services can complete an NVQ Level 4 in Hotel Services.
Entry requirements
No qualifications are usually needed to be a domestic assistant, but you need to be aware of hygiene issues, be discrete, be able to respect patients' rights to privacy and dignity, have a pleasant manner and work meticulously.
Domestic services supervisors usually need City and Guilds certificate 7640 in Cleaning Science or a relevant qualification from the Institute of Leadership and Management. You should also have appropriate training in food hygiene or relevant cleaning experience.
Domestic services managers usually need to have a degree, Higher National Diploma (HND), BTEC or equivalent.
Career pathway
Opportunities for work-based training are available without any formal academic qualifications.
After gaining experience you may look for posts in larger establishments or move into other management positions.
How to apply
Vacancies are advertised in the local press and in job centres. You can contact the local hospitals/ Trusts directly for information on their specific opportunities.