Housekeeper

Accommodation Service - Housekeeper

• Salary - £13,988 pro-rata (£24,479 FTE)
• Hours - 20 hours (Hours are Mon-Fri, 1 x 4 hours pm)
• Contract type - Permanent
• Location - Jean's House, Southampton
• Closing date - 5 July 2026
• Interview date - week commencing 29 June 2026

Please note, for this role, we will be carrying out interviews throughout the advertising period due to needing to move quickly. This is due to us finding that Housekeeper candidates will accept work elsewhere if the application process is overly long. Therefore, the role may close earlier than the advertised closing date above, so we advise applying as soon as you can.

Today, 12 children and young people in the UK hear the shocking news they have cancer. Young Lives vs Cancer is the UK s leading cancer charity for children and young people. Young Lives vs Cancer fights tirelessly to stop cancer from destroying young lives. We provide social care, grants and free accommodation close to hospitals to help with spiralling costs.

About the role

We provide practical and emotional support to mitigate the impact of a cancer diagnosis and support during their cancer journey via expert needs led interventions. Our Accommodation Service is a key member of the Services and Impact Directorate, you will play a crucial role in providing a high quality and efficient service to children, young people and families diagnosed with cancer.

Our organisation is committed to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults. This role is subject to an Enhanced criminal record check. If successful in application, this role requires an enhanced criminal record check to be completed ahead of starting in the role, together with comprehensive reference checks. A person cannot commence in post without these safeguards. Applicants should be aware these may take time that is out of our organisation s control, which forms part of our rigorous commitment to the protection of children and vulnerable adults.

Families who have been supported by our Homes describe them as a lifeline.
Being so close to the hospital feeling so welcome and comfortable. A place of peace and rest during very difficult times .
If you join us, you will be part of a community that is committed to making a difference to the lives of children and young people with cancer.

What will I be doing?

We are recruiting a Housekeeper for our Accommodation Service based in Southampton. As a key member of the Accommodation Services Team, Housekeepers play a crucial role in helping to ensure the Accommodation site/s is/are clean, safe and a welcoming hub for children and young people with cancer and their families.

We would love to hear from you if you have: -

• Previous experience of domestic or commercial cleaning and hygiene requirements.
• Knowledge of Health & Safety requirements in relation to the use and storage of cleaning materials and reporting faults and damages
• Experienced in knowing when to communicate with your line manager, i.e. when something does not feel right or if something doesn t go to plan.

What will I need?

Diverse perspectives and unique skillsets are at the heart of Young Lives vs Cancer. If you're passionate about making a positive impact and eager to learn, we encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet the criteria and person specification fully. Your potential is what matters most to us, and we re committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment to help you develop.

• A firm grasp of general and enhanced cleaning methods and techniques.
• Proficient use of different types of cleaning equipment.
• Willingness to maintain confidentiality.
• Highly organised with attention to detail.
• Ability to deal promptly and courteously with colleagues and service users.
• Good interpersonal skills, including customer care.
• Sensitive to the needs of service users including when families do not wish to interact.
• Be able to work on your own initiative and as part of a team.
• Capable of meeting the physical demands of the job.
• Positive and professional attitude.
• Willing to be flexible with work duties, arrangements and hours.
• Occasionally working unsociable and additional hours as necessary.

What will I gain?

For people to reach their full potential, they need the right environment. As a member of Team Young Lives, you ll be made to feel supported, valued and appreciated. Here s how we do it:

• Wellbeing days: four days a year to do what works for you from catching up on training to going for a walk
• Generous annual leave allowance
• Great family/caring leave entitlements
• Enhanced pension
• Access to our employee savings scheme

To find out more about our benefits package, have a look on our website.