Housekeeper

The Housekeeper works under the direct supervision of the Director of Environmental Services and is expected to carry out job responsibilities as assigned. The Housekeeper will be responsible for cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing, and servicing assigned areas.   The primary function of the Housekeeper is to perform daily sanitary job duties as specified herein and in accordance with the federal, state, and local regulatory requirements. To maintain the facility in a safe, sanitary and attractive manner. To incorporate infection control, safety, and education on cleaning procedures when performing all job tasks.  

Responsibilities:

• Performs general cleaning and sanitizing tasks and services throughout assigned areas.
• Cleans, dusts, washes, sanitizes, and/or polishes fixtures, furnishings, windows, ledges, mirrors, baseboards, corners, stairwells, screens, and equipment and sweeps and mops floors with special cleaning solutions and disinfectants to prevent the spread of germs/disease. 
• Cleans vents regularly and windows and ledges when assigned.
• Cleans carpets/upholstered furniture including vacuuming, shampooing, and deodorizing. 
• Performs terminal cleaning of patient rooms when discharged or transferred as per hospital/department procedures.
• Cleans and disinfects spills and bodily secretions/fluids using proper personal protective equipment and adhering to hospital and regulatory guidelines.
• Assembles materials and supplies from the supply room and uses cleaning carts to transport them to the work area. Secures cleaning carts/materials at all times and ensures the safety of service recipients.
• Assures that an adequate amount of supplies are on hand at all times.
• Uses housekeeping chemicals/supplies according to manufacturer’s specifications. Checks for proper SDS labels on spray bottles.
• Replenishes supplies of soap, towels, and other dispensable items.
• Collects and disposes of trash in dumpsters, washes wastebaskets and large refuse containers, and relines with appropriate bags. 
• Removes broken furniture and reports such to manager/supervisor in a timely manner. 
• Identify and reports problems or negative conditions observed in assigned area to the Director or Lead Housekeeper in a timely manner.
• Assist Director in evaluating unit needs and will aide in the implementation of procedural changes as necessary. 
• Removes soiled linens.
• Periodically polishes floors with a buffing and polishing machine.

Skills:

• Must know how to use common cleaning implements such as mops, floor waxes, and scouring pads to keep areas clean and well serviced.
• Must know how to care for equipment, how to measure cleaning solutions, and to be alert to hazards.
• Ability to follow oral or written instructions.
• Detail-oriented and thorough.
• Ability to complete work efficiently, effectively, and courteously.
• Ability to remain discreet and respect the privacy of service recipients when on units and will comply with all rules and regulations of individual units and assignments.

Required Qualifications:

• Speak, read, write, understand and communicate in English.
• Physical: prolonged sitting, standing, walking, stretching, stooping, bending, pulling, pushing, and/or lifting/carrying 50 pounds or more.

Preferred Qualifications:

• High School or Equivalency Diploma desirable.
• Experience in a hospital setting preferred.