Enviornmental Service Aide I

Environmental Services Role

This role focuses on activities related to the support services functions, such as dietary and food services, environmental services, general facilities, repair and maintenance, parking, sterilization and transportation to ensure all required support activities are completed in a timely manner and meet the organization's quality standards and expectations. In addition, this role focuses on performing the following Environmental Services duties : Researches the environmental effects of activities to develop methods of controlling or minimizing factors contributing to environmental damage and / or improve the effectiveness of restorative activities. An organizational related support or service (administrative or clerical) role or a role that focuses on support of daily business activities (e.g., technical, clinical, non-clinical) operating in a "hands on" environment. The majority of time is spent in the delivery of support services or activities, typically under supervision. An entry level role that typically requires little to no prior knowledge or experience, work is routine or follows standard procedures, work is closely supervised, and communicates information that requires little explanation or interpretation.

Job Overview

This position is responsible to maintain a clean, orderly, and attractive environment. Under close supervision, this role performs repetitive housekeeping tasks in patient areas, offices, clinics, and other assigned areas. Maintains area according to established level of order, cleaning, and sanitation.

Preferred Qualifications

One (1) year of related experience. High school diploma or equivalent.

Duties and Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of work and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned.

Maintains a cleaning cart in an orderly condition, keeping cart fully stocked with required cleaning supplies. Cleaning solution should never be left unattended.

Responsible for removal of all waste including : regular rubbish, cardboard, recycle paper, and hazardous material.

Uses appropriate chemicals and tools, dusts and damp disinfects floors including corners and baseboards. Posts "Wet Floor" signs when mopping floor.

Empties ashtrays, wastebaskets and other waste receptacles and wipes clean with appropriate chemical. Replaces the plastic liners and brings to appropriate location, all trash collected. When assigned, brings trash to compactor.

Uses appropriate chemicals to clean and disinfect public, private, and patient room bathrooms including sinks, bathtubs, showers, commodes, mirrors, stainless steel, etc. Replenishes bathroom supplies (toilet paper, paper towels, and soap) as necessary.

Replenishes all supplies : soap, toilet paper, paper towels.

Disinfects patient rooms, and cleaning / making of beds that are vacant due to patient discharge, transfer, or expiration.

Thoroughly cleans bed with disinfectant solution and makes bed with fresh linen upon patient discharge.

Transports linen hampers to designated pick-up areas, and replace full linen bags when empty.

Performs project work such as wall washing, cubicle changing, cleaning of waste containers, and window washing.

Damp dusts, polishes and disinfects all furniture, telephones, horizontal surfaces using appropriate chemicals and tools. Vacuums carpets and upholstery.

Performs the following as needed during functions : setting up of furniture, distribution and set-up of audio visual equipment, and general cleaning, before or after function.

Operates heavy duty / electrical cleaning equipment : wet vacuum, extractors, floor machines, buffers, upholstery shampooer, dry vacuum, and auto scrubbers.

Collects needle boxes and disposes of them in appropriate area following departmental procedures.

Reports any equipment problems to supervisor.

Completes daily inspections of assigned areas as directed by Supervisor.

Follows proper procedures concerning Infection Control Practices.

Responsible for all work assigned to the crew for a particular shift.

May perform cleaning and sanitization of Operating Rooms which may include collecting and disposing of hazardous biological waste.

Physical Requirements

Standing, walking, bending, and stretching majority of shift. Ability to push heavy loaded carts and lift between 30-60 lbs. Occasional climbing of ladders. Frequent exposure to dirt, dust, blood, body waste, and contaminated waste. Exposure to climate conditions when depositing trash in compactor. Possibility of cuts and needle punctures. Occasional exposure to hazards which may cause serious injury / illness (T.B., hepatitis, rodent bites). When working in non-patient areas, those hazards are minimal. Requires manual dexterity using fine hand manipulation to operate prescription medications and computer keyboard.

Skills & Abilities

Ability to read simple instructions, write, and speak basic English. Ability to operate simple mechanical devices such as floor rotos, vacuums, compactors, etc. Familiarity with operation of heavy duty, electrical cleaning equipment. Ability to interact with other hospital staff members, visitors, and patients in a friendly, cooperative manner.