Facilities Assistant/Weekend Housekeeper | Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust

Weekend Housekeeper - Saturdays 16.00-19.00 and Sundays 16.00-19.00

The Weekend Housekeeper is responsible for supporting the smooth running of the ward environment during evening mealtimes and maintaining high standards of cleanliness within the kitchen and associated areas. The role is essential in ensuring patients receive meals and refreshments in a timely and professional manner while complying with all hygiene, safety, and infection prevention standards.

Serve evening meals to patients, ensuring meals are delivered accurately and courteously.

Complete the evening soup round, offering and serving soup to patients as required.

Carry out the evening tea and refreshment round, ensuring patients have access to hot and cold drinks.

Maintain cleanliness and tidiness of the ward kitchen and associated food preparation areas.

Wash and store kitchen equipment, crockery, and utensils in accordance with hygiene procedures.

Complete cleaning schedules and maintain records as required.

Accurately complete all relevant paperwork, including temperature checks, cleaning records, and food service documentation.

Report any maintenance, hygiene, or safety concerns to the appropriate department.

Adhere to all Trust policies relating to infection prevention, food safety, health and safety, and confidentiality.

Work effectively with nursing, catering, and facilities staff to ensure a high-quality service is delivered to patients.

We are the main provider of NHS community services across East and West Sussex, with 6,000 staff serving 1.3 million people. We deliver essential care to adults and children, helping them manage their health, avoid hospital admissions, and reduce hospital stays.

Our Trust vision is to provide excellent care at the heart of the community. We offer opportunities across medical, clinical, support, and corporate services.

Why work for us?

• Positive 2024 NHS Staff Survey results, highlighting compassionate leadership and wellbeing

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Varied environments

community hospitals, patients’ homes, and bases across Sussex

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Flexible working options

part-time, flexi-time, annualised hours, and flexi-retirement

• Excellent training, development, and research opportunities
• Accredited Living Wage Employer, we ensure fair pay for all our staff
• Cost-effective workplace nurseries in Crawley, Hove, and Brighton
• Active EMBRACE, Disability & Wellbeing, LGBTQIA+, and Religion & Belief networks
• Level 3 Disability Confident Leader and Veteran Aware Trust

Our values—Compassionate Care, Working Together, Achieving Ambitions, Delivering Excellence—guide everything we do.

We embrace diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds, particularly from ethnically diverse, disabled, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. We aim to create an inclusive environment and support reasonable adjustments during recruitment.

This post may close early if sufficient applications are received.

Patient Meal Service

• Serve evening meals to patients in accordance with ward procedures.
• Ensure meals are distributed accurately, taking into account dietary requirements and patient preferences where applicable.
• Assist in preparing and serving soup during the evening soup round.
• Carry out the evening tea and beverage round, offering hot and cold drinks to patients.
• Maintain a courteous, professional, and patient-focused approach at all times.

Kitchen and Environmental Cleaning

• Clean and sanitise all kitchen work surfaces, sinks, cupboards, and food preparation areas following meal service.
• Wash, dry, and store crockery, cutlery, and kitchen equipment safely and appropriately.
• Ensure kitchen areas remain clean, tidy, and free from hazards throughout the shift.
• Dispose of waste in accordance with local procedures and infection prevention requirements.
• Replenish stocks of consumables and refreshments as required.

Food Safety and Compliance

• Adhere to food hygiene regulations and infection prevention standards at all times.
• Monitor food storage conditions and report any concerns immediately.
• Complete temperature checks on refrigerators and food items as required.
• Ensure safe handling and storage of food products and beverages.

Documentation and Record Keeping

• Complete daily cleaning schedules accurately and within required timescales.
• Maintain records of temperature monitoring and food safety checks.
• Complete all relevant housekeeping and catering documentation.
• Report any maintenance issues, equipment faults, or environmental concerns through the appropriate reporting process.

Communication and Team Working

• Liaise effectively with nursing staff, catering services, and facilities teams.
• Report any patient concerns relating to meals or refreshments to the nurse in charge.
• Contribute to a positive and professional working environment.
• Attend mandatory training and comply with Trust policies and procedures.

Person Specification

Essential

• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and use initiative.
• Reliable, punctual, and organised.
• Ability to maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene.
• Basic literacy and numeracy skills.
• Ability to complete records and paperwork accurately.

Desirable

• Previous housekeeping, catering, or healthcare experience.
• Knowledge of food hygiene and infection prevention procedures.
• Experience working in a hospital or care environment.

Accountability

The post holder is responsible for maintaining high standards of cleanliness and food service, ensuring patient satisfaction, complying with hygiene and safety requirements, and accurately completing all required documentation during weekend evening shifts.

This advert closes on Sunday 8 Nov 2026