Housekeeping Duties

Goal of the Position

Contribute to a comforting environment with light housekeeping tasks to ensure cleanliness and organization in the hospice.

Time Commitment

Regular: one 2-4 hour shift per week

Key Responsibilities & Suggested Activities

Main Responsibilities:

  • Perform a walk-around of all areas of the hospice to identify the tasks that will need to be done during your shift.
  • To complete all light housekeeping duties in the hospice, such as dusting, cleaning glass doors and windows, cleaning surfaces, vacuuming, mopping, collecting garbage and recycling, and putting away supply deliveries.
  • Follow all health and safety protocols and follow good infection control guidelines at all times.
  • Utilize appropriate cleaning products for the task at hand.
  • Assist with training of new volunteers into the Light Housekeeping role.
  • Attend volunteer meetings, courses, and training as required.
  • Perform other duties as required/assigned.  

Qualifications
  • Passionate about palliative care, Margaret’s Place Philosophy of Care, and our values of service, respect, justice, dignity, responsibility, and inquiry.
  • Strong team worker, professional, empathetic, non-judgmental, culturally sensitive, trustworthy, calm, and adaptable in dynamic settings.
  • Excellent communication and problem-solving skills, and ability to report to the team as needed to support a multidisciplinary approach to resident care.
  • Has knowledge of infection prevention and control practices and chemical safety.

Risk Assessment

Overall medium risk.

  • Supervisor on-site and nearby during most shifts. Housekeeping volunteers may work alone in certain areas of the hospice.
  • Tasks may involve repetitive motion and lifting.
  • Exposure to cleaning chemical, biohazards (garbage and recycling) and slippery surfaces.

Training
  • Completion of Margaret’s Place Volunteer Handbook
  • Equipment training with Health and Safety Committee member
  • WHMIS training
  • Worker Health and Safety Awareness in 4 Steps
  • In-person orientation shift(s) with experienced volunteer in desired role
  • Regular opportunities for education sessions, education resources, workshops, or refresher courses.
  • Access to staff and other volunteers for guidance and debriefing.

Application Process & Screening Requirements
  • Complete an Online Hospice Volunteer Application (https://sjv.on.ca/hospice/) or request a hard copy
  • Attend an interview with the Manager of Volunteers
  • Obtain a Vulnerable Sector Police Check (within past six months)
  • Obtain a Negative Two-Step TB Testing Results (within one year) OR Negative Chest X-ray (if over 65 years old)
  • Provide two Positive References