Housekeeper (Female)

Location: Services across Hampshire and Portsmouth
Salary: £12.71 per hour
Hours: 12 hours per week
Reporting to: Service Manager / Deputy Service Manager

About the Role

We are seeking a dedicated and reliable Housekeeper to support the day-to-day operation of our refuge services across Hampshire and Portsmouth. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring that refuge accommodation remains clean, safe and welcoming for women and children who have experienced domestic abuse.

This role involves maintaining high standards of cleanliness throughout refuge properties, preparing rooms for new residents, monitoring health and safety standards, and supporting residents to maintain communal living areas.

Key Responsibilities

Housekeeping and Cleaning

• Maintain a consistently high standard of cleanliness throughout refuge accommodation and office spaces.
• Clean residents’ rooms following move-outs, including changing bed linen, making beds and preparing rooms for new arrivals.
• Clean office areas, including vacuuming, dusting and emptying bins.
• Deep clean bedrooms and communal areas to ensure a welcoming and safe environment for residents and their children.
• Dust cobwebs, clean skirting boards, lampshades and other fixtures within communal areas.
• Undertake deep cleaning tasks such as:
  • Cleaning behind furniture and kitchen appliances
  • Washing curtains and nets
  • Interior window cleaning
  • Carpet shampooing where required
• Develop and maintain a rota or schedule for deep-cleaning activities across refuge properties.

Health and Safety

• Use cleaning products and equipment safely, efficiently and in accordance with COSHH regulations and manufacturer guidelines.
• Ensure cleaning equipment is maintained in good working order and report faults promptly.
• Monitor cleaning stock levels and notify managers when replenishment is required.
• Record and monitor fridge and water temperatures and report any concerns.
• Identify and report maintenance, security or health and safety concerns, including damaged windows, fixtures or equipment.
• Report all identified hazards and maintenance issues to the Service Manager or Senior Support Worker.

Supporting Refuge Operations

• Support and encourage residents to maintain communal areas to a good standard.
• Provide practical assistance with communal cleaning tasks when required.
• Help ensure refuge accommodation remains safe, hygienic and ready for occupancy.
• Maintain professional boundaries and strict confidentiality at all times.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to support the overall operation of the refuge service.

Essential Requirements

• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle with business insurance.
• Previous experience in a cleaning or housekeeping role.
• Understanding of the safe use of cleaning equipment and products.
• Knowledge of safe working practices, particularly within shared accommodation settings.
• Understanding of confidentiality and the importance of maintaining professional boundaries.
• Commitment to empowering and supporting vulnerable individuals.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and anti-oppressive practice.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise tasks effectively.
• Good self-management skills with the ability to use initiative and solve problems independently.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Good physical health appropriate to the manual aspects of the role.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for someone who is dependable, organised and takes pride in maintaining high standards. The successful candidate will understand the importance of creating a clean, safe and welcoming environment for vulnerable women and children and will contribute positively to the overall refuge service.

Please note: This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check.

Genuine Occupational Requirement: This post is open to female applicants only, as being female is deemed to be a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010.