Introduction

This job would appeal to those who consider themselves good household managers.

Keeping a clean, tidy and healthy environment is very important in residential, day care and other respite and rehabilitation establishments. The senior care officer needs to maintain calm and order for the sake of vulnerable clients, some who may have mental health problems. Domestic assistants help him do this.

The post can be found in all types of authorities except for district councils.

Work Environment

Work is carried out in the hostels and homes run by community care services. It can be physically demanding and there will be a degree of dirt and disorder to deal with. Domestic assistants also cook and serve food. Outreach work may also be required.

This is usually a part time post and 20 hours per week is common. Some larger establishments have full time posts. Staff work to rotas set out by supervisory managers. This will involve evening, weekends and bank holiday shifts.

Daily Activities

Domestic assistants are responsible for:

• cleanliness of the bedrooms, lounges, dining areas, utility rooms, corridors, bathrooms/toilets
• general dining room duties – laying/waiting at/clearing tables, washing up
• kitchen duties – cleaning, basic preparation of food and some cooking under supervision
• the use of domestic type laundry equipment for the care of linen and clothing – washing machines, irons etc.
• bed making, care of linen and clothing including washing and ironing (this often entails sluicing of soiled linen and clothes)
• knowing where the fire extinguishers and escape routes are and what action to take in an emergency
• participating in appropriate training and domestic staff development.

They also help clients to look after themselves and undertake general domestic tasks.

Skills & Interests

Domestic assistants need to be:

• caring and sensitive
• physically fit for lifting and moving duties
• well organised
• flexible
• willing to undertake training
• aware of the need for confidentiality
• responsible and mature.

Entry Requirements

It is essential to have a sound knowledge of Health and Safety and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations and at least one year’s experience of working with people in care.

You should have the current moving and handling training.

Estimated salary range

£10,278 (pro rata for part-time)

Please note that salary information is a guide only and there may be local agreements in place. For further information about salaries for particular positions, please contact your local council directly.

Future prospects & opportunities

Opportunities are few, but with experience and training you can apply for supervisory jobs in domestic care.

Related Occupations

Follow this link to view a list of all related occuptions in Caring For Your Community.
Alternatively, follow this link to view all career profiles placed in the same job area.

Further Information & Services

Social Care Association www.socialcareassociation.co.uk

Social Care careers information www.socialcarecareers.co.uk

Community Service Volunteers www.csv.org.uk/socialhealthcare

Follow this link for social services recruitment contacts within local councils in your area.

You may find further information about this area of work in your local Connexions service/careers office/school careers library – under V.

What should I do next?

Look for current local government Domestic Assistant – residential home vacancies in the following places:

• LGjobs.com - the official recruitment website for local government.
• Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly jobs bulletins produced by local councils themselves, available from libraries, community centres, town halls/main civic buildings and central council personnel departments.
• Local council websites.
• Local newspapers
• National newspapers – The Guardian is particularly well known for its public sector job advertisements on a Wednesday.

Find out about the council and get some work experience if possible by:

• Making the most of work experience placements arranged through your school, college or university.
• Contacting councils close to your home to find out about the work experience opportunities they offer.
• Talking to someone who does the job you are interested in – ring your local council to see if someone can spare some time.
• Making an appointment to see a careers adviser for more specific information about jobs and training.