Housekeeper
(Supported Care Accommodation)
About the Service
Our supported care accommodation provides a safe and nurturing environment for young people aged 18–19 who are leaving care and moving towards independent living. The service is part of a social care work aftercare programme, supporting young people to develop essential life skills, resilience, and confidence as they transition into adulthood.
Role Purpose
The Housekeeper plays a vital role in creating a welcoming, homely, and safe environment. You will be responsible for preparing healthy and nutritious meals, maintaining high standards of cleanliness throughout the accommodation, and supporting young people to learn and develop practical life skills such as cooking, budgeting, cleaning, and food hygiene.
Key Responsibilities
Cooking & Kitchen Duties:
- Plan and prepare balanced, cost-effective meals in line with dietary needs and cultural preferences of young people.
- Maintain high standards of kitchen hygiene, food safety, and allergen management.
- Encourage and involve young people in cooking activities to build independence and confidence.
- Manage food stock, budgeting, and shopping efficiently.
Housekeeping Duties:
- Ensure communal areas, kitchens, and bathrooms are kept clean, tidy, and welcoming.
- Carry out routine cleaning tasks and laundry duties in line with service standards.
- Encourage and support young people to take responsibility for their own rooms and shared living spaces.
Young People Support:
- Work alongside the support team to promote independent living skills (meal preparation, cleaning, shopping, budgeting).
- Build positive, professional relationships with young people, acting as a role model.
- Support young people to understand and maintain personal and communal responsibilities.
Teamwork & Compliance:
- Work collaboratively with care staff, social workers, and other professionals.
- Comply with safeguarding, health & safety, infection control, and confidentiality policies.
- Report maintenance issues or concerns promptly to management.
Person Specification
Essential:
- Experience in catering, housekeeping, or domestic services.
- Ability to cook nutritious meals for groups with varied dietary needs.
- Understanding of food hygiene and kitchen safety standards.
- Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Empathy, patience, and ability to build rapport with young people.
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable young people.
Desirable:
- Relevant qualification in food hygiene, catering, or hospitality.
- Experience working in residential care, supported accommodation, or with young people.
- Knowledge of health and safety, COSHH, and infection control procedures.
What We Offer
- A supportive and rewarding working environment.
- Opportunities for training and professional development.
- The chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people leaving care.
A Day in the Life
Every day is different, but here's what it might look like:
- In the morning, you're making breakfast while chatting with a young person about their college plans for the day.
- Later, you're heading to the shops with another young person, showing them how to budget and compare prices.
- In the afternoon, you're batch-cooking a healthy dinner and a young person joins you to learn how to make one of their favourite meals.
- Before you finish, you help tidy up the kitchen, share a laugh with the group in the lounge, and check in with the team about the day.
It's not just about food or cleaning – it's about being a positive role model, offering encouragement, and helping young people gain confidence in the everyday things that prepare them for independent living.
What We're Looking For
- Someone who loves cooking and can prepare tasty meals for a group.
- A person who takes pride in keeping a home clean and organised.
- Friendly, patient, and approachable – able to build positive relationships with young people.
- Organised and reliable, with an eye for detail.
- Committed to keeping everyone safe by following food hygiene, health and safety, and safeguarding rules.
It's a bonus if you have:
- Experience working with young people, or in care, hospitality, or housekeeping.
- A food hygiene or catering qualification.
Why Join Us?
- You'll be part of a caring, supportive team that makes a real difference every day.
- No two days are the same – it's a lively, rewarding environment.
- Training and development opportunities to help you grow.
- Most importantly: you'll be helping young people gain the skills and confidence to build their future.
