Service Assistant - Mental Health

Job summary

Rowan Ward in Yeovil is looking to recruit a Facilities Service Assistant (Cleaner/Cook) to join our friendly and supportive team.

Rowan Ward is a 16-bed acute mental health ward providing care to patients with a wide range of needs. We pride ourselves on being a caring, closeknit team that supports one another through the challenges and rewards of working in an acute environment.

As a Facilities Service Assistant, you will play a vital role in maintaining a clean, safe and welcoming ward environment that supports patient recovery. You will work alongside the ward team and Facilities colleagues to ensure high standards of cleanliness, hygiene and food service are consistently delivered.

Full training and ongoing support will be provided, making this an excellent opportunity for someone looking to start or develop a career within healthcare support services.

Working pattern:

Full-time positions available with shifts of 07:00--15:00 or 10:00--18:00.

Main duties of the job

In this varied and rewarding role, no two days are the same. You will:

• Be at the heart of the ward environment, ensuring all areas are clean, safe and welcoming for patients, visitors and staff
• Take pride in maintaining high standards of cleanliness, using a structured cleaning schedule to keep bedrooms, bathrooms, lounges and shared spaces spotless
• Support patient wellbeing through mealtimes, assisting with the preparation, serving and clearing of food and drinks
• Play a key role in infection prevention, helping protect vulnerable patients by following strict hygiene and safety procedures
• Work closely with a supportive team, building strong relationships with ward staff and contributing to a positive team culture
• Keep things running smoothly behind the scenes, from stocking supplies and maintaining equipment to ensuring waste is handled safely
• Make a real difference every day, contributing directly to a calm, therapeutic environment that supports recovery

About us

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Details

• Date posted: 19 August 2026
• Pay scheme: Agenda for change
• Band: Band 2
• Salary: £25,272 to £25,272 a year
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full-time
• Reference number: 184-OL-GR-4826
• Job locations: Rowan Ward, 56 Preston Road, Yeovil, Somerset, BA20 2BX, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

• Undertake cleaning duties across all ward areas, including: Patient bedrooms, bathrooms and toilets, Communal areas such as lounges and day rooms, Offices, clinical spaces and meeting rooms, Kitchens, pantry areas and external entrances
• Follow a planned cleaning schedule to ensure all areas are consistently maintained to a high standard
• Maintain and clean equipment, reporting faults or issues to the Facilities Team Leader
• Carry out environmental cleaning audits and complete monitoring records as required
• Ensure safe use, storage and handling of cleaning chemicals in line with COSHH regulations
• Assist with food and beverage services, including: Preparing simple meals such as sandwiches and salads, Regenerating pre-prepared food, Serving meals and drinks to patients, Cleaning kitchen equipment and maintaining pantry areas
• Follow food hygiene standards and maintain awareness of allergens and dietary requirements
• Handle, segregate and dispose of waste safely, including clinical and general waste
• Support linen services by: Receiving, sorting and distributing clean linen, Handling used linen safely and appropriately
• Ensure stock levels of cleaning materials and supplies are maintained
• Work in line with infection prevention and control, health and safety, and Trust policies
• Maintain patient dignity and confidentiality at all times
• Work flexibly as part of the team, responding to changing priorities and supporting colleagues as needed
• Attend training and complete mandatory qualifications, including infection control, manual handling and fire safety
• Report incidents, hazards or concerns promptly to the Facilities Team Leader or Ward Manager