Environmental Associate

Reports to the Supervisor. Performs a variety of duties to maintain the Hospital in a clean, sanitary and orderly condition. The primary responsibility of this position is to clean and disinfect all areas of the hospital following the proven methods of cleaning from top to bottom, clockwise or counterclockwise, and from cleanest to dirtiest. Contributes to a positive and healing experience for patients.

MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS

• MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Cleaning Procedures and Projects:

• Cleaning and disinfecting hospital areas using the proven methods of cleaning, which are cleaning from the top to bottom, clockwise or counterclockwise, and cleaning from cleanest to dirtiest.
• Cleaning occupied patient rooms following the 7-step process and unoccupied rooms following the 10-step process.
• Normal cleaning and disinfection of all areas includes high dusting, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, removal of trash and linen, sweeping, mopping or vacuuming floors, making beds when applicable, cleaning windows and glass, and cleaning and disinfecting of restrooms.
• Stocking of supplies, including paper goods, plastic bags, soaps, sanitizers, and various cleaning chemicals and tools.
• Maintaining equipment and work area in a clean and orderly fashion.
• Moving Furniture.
• Hanging drapes, cubicles, and shower curtains by using a ladder when necessary.
• Collecting and removal of dirty linen from patient care areas including linen dispensing machines and removal of dirty linen bags from patient care areas in carts.
• Completing additional tasks as they are assigned throughout the day.

Clean Linen Handling, Stocking and Distribution:

• Stocking or exchanging linen carts to the established par levels.
• Handling all clean linen in a sanitary fashion and keeping all linen covered.
• Identifying linen items that are needed for patient care.
• Maintaining orderliness and cleanliness of linen cart and linen storage areas.
• Stocking and refilling of scrub machines to established par levels.
• Proper usage of color-coded linen bags.
• Responding to linen calls and delivering to the patient care area in a timely fashion.
• Unpacking bulk linen carts and stocking and sorting linen in and organized manner.

Equipment Maintenance and Safety:

• Compliance with Hand Hygiene (washing hands and wearing/changing gloves).
• Wearing of PPE, reading isolation signs and following all isolation procedures.
• Uses Standard Precautions as they may affect self and others in the Hospital.
• Demonstrates correct/safe use and maintenance of all assigned equipment.
• Promptly reports the need for repairs of hospital equipment, furniture, building and fixtures in assigned area.
• Cleans vacuum cleaner and cleaning cart daily.
• All chemicals are to be stored inside the cleaning cart on the bottom shelf.
• No food or drink is to be on the cart or in the closets.
• Cleaning cart is to be put away during lunch and break periods or when leaving assigned areas.
• Understands his/her responsibilities in Code situations (Red, Gray, etc.) and is able to respond appropriately.
• Check and record that eye stations are functioning properly.
• Use proper chemical, mixing properly for each task. Always use properly labeled bottles.
• Proper handling and disinfecting of equipment, phones, iPod and answers all requests in a timely manner.

Maintains Hospital floors, walls, vents, etc. by:

• Properly identifying spill or stain on carpet then using the proper chemical/technique (spin bonnet, spot, or extraction) to eliminate it.
• Burnishing, stripping, shower scrubbing and refinishing, dust mopping and damp mopping the floors. Applying five thin coats of appropriate floor finish when stripping and three thin coats when scrubbing and refinishing.
• Properly cleaning equipment after use, reporting immediately any service needed on machinery, returning chemicals and mats to proper storage area at the end of the shift.
• Spot cleaning and washing walls using a ladder when necessary.
• Vacuuming of carpet and using dusters or vacuums to clean vents.

Facilitates the disposal of waste/soiled linen by:

• Picking up general waste and transporting to compactor.
• Operating the trash compactor.
• Packing infectious/hazardous waste (requires company provided training).
• Cleaning and disinfecting medical waste spills and reporting to Supervisor.
• Packing, manifesting and shipping special waste.
• Collecting, separating and shipping recyclable products.
• Disinfecting and hosing down the trash/chute areas.
• Cleaning trash and linen rooms daily. Cleaning trash carts daily as assigned.
• Emptying chutes at assigned frequency.
• Closing trash overhead doors and inside doors when room is not in use.
• Picking up soiled linen and delivering to designated area.
• Identifying and handling of color-coded soiled linen bags.

Performs other functions to maintain personal competence and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the department by:

• Turning in daily assignment sheet after completion of assignment.
• Demonstrating a high level of professionalism and exhibiting the values of Beacon Health System.
• Completing other job-related duties as assigned.
• Contributing to the overall performance of the department.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Associate complies with the following organizational requirements:

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.
• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
• Complies with established organization and department policies.
• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

• Leverage innovation everywhere.
• Cultivate human talent.
• Embrace performance improvement.
• Build greatness through accountability.
• Use information to improve and advance.
• Communicate clearly and continuously.

Education and Experience

• The knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated below are acquired through the successful completion of a high school diploma or equivalent is preferred. Must be a minimum of 17 years of age. Previous cleaning experience is preferred but not required.

Knowledge & Skills

• Employee should project a positive professional image to patients/visitors and effectively communicate with employees and management the needs of the Environmental Services program.
• Demonstrates the basic math skills necessary to add, subtract, multiply and divide (for example, preparing cleaning solutions using the proper mixtures).
• After training, must be able to demonstrate correct use of chemicals, procedures, supplies and equipment assigned.
• Must be able to read, write, and follow basic oral and written instructions.
• The ability to use technology such as iPods, tablets, mobile phones, computers, etc.

Working Conditions

• Works in a patient care environment requiring physical exertion, frequent changes in job demands, certain undesirable patient care activities and possible exposure to chemical hazards or biohazards.

Physical Demands

• Requires the physical ability and stamina (i.e., the ability to do manual labor, twist and turn, climb a ladder, remain on feet and/or walk for long periods of time, push and pull carts for prolonged periods of time, lift objects weighing at least 50 pounds, etc.) to perform the essential functions of the position.