Environmental Services Worker

Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Environmental Services Worker maintains a clean, safe, sanitary, comfortable and welcoming environment for the children, young adults, employees and visitors of St. Mary's Home. This position performs housekeeping, laundry and floor-care responsibilities and responds to changing operational and resident needs.

Requirements

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Housekeeping and Sanitation

· Clean and disinfect resident rooms, bathrooms, common areas, offices, conference rooms, lounges, break rooms, hallways and other assigned spaces according to established schedules and infection-prevention standards.

· Wet mop floors; vacuum carpets; dust and polish furniture, woodwork, televisions, fixtures and equipment; and clean mirrors, windows, glass doors, walls, baseboards, vents, doorframes and other high or low surfaces.

· Clean bathroom fixtures thoroughly and replenish supplies.

· Empty waste containers and collect and dispose of trash using the required bags, containers and procedures.

· Arrange furniture and equipment safely and maintain utility rooms, storage areas, carts, mop buckets and workspaces in a clean and orderly condition.

· Respond promptly to special cleaning requests and changing priorities communicated by the manager and other departments.

Laundry and Linen Services

· Collect soiled personal clothing, bedding, towels and other washable items from living units using designated carts and containers.

· Sort and process soiled items according to approved sanitation, infection-control and clean-to-soiled separation procedures.

· Operate commercial washers and dryers, select appropriate cycles and ensure clothing, bedding and linens are thoroughly washed and dried.

· Fold, organize, place items on clean carts and deliver resident clothing, bedding and bath linens to the appropriate living units.

· Maintain an efficient workflow so wet or soiled materials do not remain in the laundry area at the end of the assigned shift.

· Monitor laundry equipment and report malfunctions, safety concerns, missing items or workflow problems promptly.

Floor Care and Equipment

· Perform routine floor care, including dust mopping, wet mopping, scrubbing, buffing or burnishing, stripping, waxing, refinishing, carpet shampooing and spot cleaning.

· Safely operate approved mechanical floor cleaners, buffers, vacuums, carpet extractors or shampooers and related environmental-services equipment after required training and competency validation.

· Move furniture, carts and equipment as needed to complete assigned work, using assistance or approved equipment for heavier items.

· Clean equipment after use, maintain orderly storage and report malfunctioning or damaged equipment promptly.

Safety and Infection Prevention

· Use cleaning products, disinfectants, floor-care chemicals and other materials according to labels, Safety Data Sheets, manufacturer instructions and St. Mary's policies.

· Wear required personal protective equipment and follow precautions for exposure to bodily fluids, contaminated laundry, isolation areas and other hazards.

· Maintain separation between clean and soiled materials and prevent cross-contamination throughout housekeeping, laundry and floor-care processes.

Additional Requirements

· Work cooperatively across housekeeping, laundry and floor-care assignments and provide coverage where the department has the greatest need.

· May cross-train in sewing-department procedures and provide occasional assistance when specifically assigned, but will not be routinely assigned to the sewing department.

· Work assigned rotating weekends and holidays as required to maintain departmental coverage.

· Use work time effectively, follow instructions with a positive attitude and complete assigned duties efficiently despite interruptions or changing priorities.

· Perform other related duties consistent with the purpose and essential functions of the position

Qualifications

· High school diploma or GED preferred.

· Previous experience in housekeeping, laundry, floor care, healthcare environmental services, maintenance or a related field preferred.

· Ability to read and follow written and verbal instructions, product labels, schedules and safety information and to communicate appropriately with residents and coworkers.

· Knowledge of common cleaning methods, cleaning products and equipment preferred; ability to complete required training and demonstrate competency before independent equipment use.

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

· Ability to stand, walk and sit for variable and extended periods and frequently bend, reach, stoop, squat, kneel, crouch, push, pull and perform repetitive tasks.

· Ability to lift and carry up to 35 pounds independently and to use assistance or approved equipment for heavier or awkward items.

· Ability to push and maneuver loaded laundry, supply and waste carts and to transfer wet laundry between commercial machines.

· Ability to climb ladders and work safely at elevated locations when completing assigned high-area cleaning.

· Ability to work in areas that may be noisy, hot or humid and around commercial cleaning agents, floor-care products, laundry chemicals, hot equipment and potentially contaminated materials.

· Ability to wear required personal protective equipment and follow all safety precautions.