How to become a domestic supervisor
You can become a domestic supervisor by applying for a vacancy on our recruitment website.
What is a domestic supervisor?
Domestic supervisors work in hospitals and health centres. To make sure that quality and hygiene standards are met, domestic cleaning is regularly monitored.
They also manage teams of domestic assistants, organise work rotas, issue cleaning materials, and make sure equipment is in working order and ready for use.
Starting your career as a domestic supervisor
Education and training
To become a domestic supervisor, you'll need a good standard of education. There are no specific entry requirements, but useful subjects include:
- English
- Maths
- Administration and IT
Experience working as a domestic assistant in a hospital or other healthcare setting is essential. It would also be helpful to have supervisor experience, but training will be provided.
Workplacements and volunteering
You may find it helpful to get some healthcare experience by doing a work placement or volunteering. You’ll get training, increase your knowledge, and learn new skills. This could help you when applying to university, college or a new job with NHSScotland.
Get to know the role
As a domestic supervisor, you’ll be part of the domestic services team. You'll supervise domestic assistants, assigning tasks to maintain clean and hygienic hospitals, health centres and offices. You could work in clinical and non-clinical areas, ensuring that agreed service levels for cleaning are met.
Tasks include:
- supervise domestic staff
- allocate tasks and assign staff to various duties
- purchase cleaning materials
- ensure safe handling and storage of hazardous substances
- organise rotas
- manage budgets
- stock control and rotation
- cover cleaning duties when required
You'll need these skills:
- caring
- organisation
- attention to detail
- communicating
- customer service
- relationship-building
- teamwork
- leadership
You'll work with:
- domestic assistants
- domestic managers
- clinical staff
- other support services staff
You could work in:
- hospitals
- healthcentres
- offices
Learning and development
You will be encouraged to develop your career in NHSScotland and will be given training such as:
- specific skills training
- health and wellbeing
- infection prevention and control
- COSHH – Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
- mandatory training programmes
- health and safety
- risk management
During your career, you may be encouraged to study for additional qualifications, including:
- SVQ Cleaning and Support Services at SCQF Level 5
- IOSH Health & Safety awarded by the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health
With appropriate qualifications and experience, you can apply to more senior roles, such as a domestic manager or support services manager.
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