About the Company:
Pastures New Accommodation is a facilities management company specialising in the establishment and operation of accommodation centres. We work with clients in both the private and public sector.
Our public sector work is focused on the provision of accommodation for international protection applicants (IPs) in Ireland. We are committed to providing a safe, secure and dignified space for IPs to help them start to rebuild their lives and integrate into a new society. Our accommodations offer a range of services including language and cultural support, access to education and job training, and mental health and well-being resources.
The Pastures New operational management approach is person-centred. We focus on developing strong relationships with our residents, helping them to realise their individual needs, aspirations and goals. Fundamentally we work with IPs to help them achieve longer-term stability and success in Ireland.
Job objectives:
The Housekeeping General Operative is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and orderliness of accommodation units, public restrooms, shower blocks, recreational areas, dining areas, administration offices and all public areas within the centre. The role involves carrying out cleaning tasks efficiently and to a consistently high standard, as set out in the centre's Standard Operating Procedures. Housekeeping staff work in and around residents' living space every day, so the role calls for reliability, discretion and a respectful approach as much as it calls for good cleaning standards.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Duties below are illustrative, and not exhaustive, and are subject to change in line with priority needs of protection applicants:
Cleaning and Maintenance
- Clean and prepare accommodation units, public toilets and W/C facilities, recreational areas, dining areas, administration offices and all designated public spaces within the centre.
- Carry out scheduled cleaning tasks and record their completion, ensuring all areas are cleaned efficiently and to the required standard.
- Prepare rooms for new arrivals, including bed making, linen changes and a full clean, to the timescales set out by the Management team.
- Manage laundry and linen, including the collection, washing, drying and distribution of bed linen and towels in line with centre procedures.
- Manage waste and recycling from all areas in line with centre procedures.
- Identify and report any maintenance, hygiene or pest control issue in living units or public areas promptly to the Housekeeping Supervisor or management.
Safety and Compliance
- Use, handle and store cleaning chemicals safely in line with COSHH guidelines and the centre's safety data sheets.
- Maintain a full working knowledge of all cleaning equipment, materials and agents, and use them correctly.
- Use safety signage appropriately at all times and in line with Health and Safety requirements, for example wet floor signs, and alert residents and visitors where possible.
- Wear the personal protective equipment provided and report any damaged or missing equipment.
- Keep cleaning stores clean, tidy and secure, and ensure equipment and chemicals are stored correctly and safely at all times, out of reach of children.
- Follow infection prevention and control procedures, including any additional measures put in place during an outbreak or a pest control programme.
- Follow fire safety, emergency and evacuation procedures, and support fire drills and roll calls.
Residents and Safeguarding
- Greet residents and visitors courteously and treat every resident with dignity and respect.
- Respect residents' privacy and personal belongings at all times, and follow the centre's procedure for entering occupied rooms.
- Maintain professional boundaries with residents at all times.
- Recognise and report any child protection or adult safeguarding concern immediately to the Accommodation Manager, General Manager or Designated Liaison Person, in line with Children First and company policy.
- Maintain strict confidentiality regarding residents, their circumstances and anything seen or heard in the course of the work, both during and after employment.
- Work in line with the National Standards for accommodation offered to people in the protection process and any applicable IPAS requirements and contractual obligations.
- Adhere to all policies and procedures including but not limited to child safeguarding, resident welfare, equality, dignity at work and Health and Safety.
Stock Management
- Assist in maintaining stock levels of linen, towels, bedding and cleaning supplies.
- Use cleaning materials and consumables economically and report any waste or misuse.
- Report stock shortages to the Housekeeping Supervisor in good time.
Teamwork and Communication
- Work with the housekeeping team to ensure all tasks are completed efficiently and to the required standard.
- Provide a clear handover at the end of each shift so that outstanding work is picked up without gaps.
- Attend team briefings, meetings and training as required, including training to maintain and improve cleaning standards.
- Support colleagues across catering, maintenance and reception to keep the centre running smoothly for residents.
Maintenance Support
- Resolve minor facility issues where it is safe and appropriate to do so.
- Report issues requiring specialist attention to the Housekeeping Supervisor or General Manager.
- Follow up on maintenance requests so that disruption to residents is kept to a minimum.
Security
- Be aware of and follow all security protocols set by the company and the General Manager.
- Control the use of keys, access cards and master keys in line with centre procedures and never share them.
- Report all security incidents, actions and relevant security matters immediately to the Accommodation Manager and General Manager.
Essential Requirements:
- A reliable, thorough approach to work with genuine attention to detail.
- Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team.
- Physically able to carry out the duties of the role, which involve standing, bending, lifting and being on the move for the full shift.
- A respectful, non-judgemental approach to working with people from a wide range of cultural, religious and national backgrounds.
- Understanding of the need for confidentiality and professional boundaries.
- Sufficient English to follow safety instructions, chemical labelling and cleaning schedules.
- Garda Vetting clearance.
- Availability to work 5 shifts over 7 days, including weekends and public holidays.
Desirable:
- Previous experience in housekeeping, cleaning, hospitality or a similar role.
- Manual handling training.
- COSHH or chemical safety training.
- Previous safeguarding or Children First training.
- Experience working in accommodation services, healthcare, social care or a comparable residential setting.
- Additional languages, particularly those commonly spoken by residents in the protection process.
Desired Characteristics:
- Warmth, patience and respect towards residents.
- Discretion and sound judgement.
- Pride in the standard of the work.
- Reliability and good timekeeping.
- Resilience and a positive outlook.
- A collaborative approach and a willingness to support colleagues across the centre.
Pay: €14.80 per hour
Benefits:
- Bike to work scheme
- Food allowance
- On-site parking
Work authorisation:
Location:
- Cork, County Cork (required)
Work Location: In person
