Housekeeper

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Purchasing/Housekeeping/Laundry Supervisor, the Housekeeper is responsible for maintaining a clean, safe, sanitary, and welcoming environment throughout Cedar County Memorial Hospital. This position performs environmental cleaning and disinfection of patient care areas, surgical services, clinical departments, offices, public spaces, and support areas in accordance with hospital policies, infection prevention standards, and regulatory requirements.

As a member of a small, rural Critical Access Hospital, the Housekeeper demonstrates flexibility by supporting multiple departments, responding to changing patient care needs, and assisting with housekeeping, laundry, and other support functions as assigned. The Housekeeper plays an essential role in preventing the spread of infection while providing excellent customer service to patients, visitors, and staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Promote the mission, vision, values, and patient-centered philosophy of Cedar County Memorial Hospital.
• Maintain a clean, sanitary, and safe environment throughout the hospital using approved cleaning and disinfecting procedures.
• Clean and disinfect patient rooms, emergency department, surgery, outpatient clinics, treatment areas, nursing units, laboratories, offices, public areas, restrooms, waiting rooms, lounges, corridors, and other assigned areas.
• Perform discharge and terminal cleaning of patient rooms and surgical suites following hospital infection prevention standards and departmental checklists.
• Follow Standard Precautions, Transmission-Based Precautions, and all infection prevention protocols to reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections.
• Properly select, mix, and use cleaning chemicals, disinfectants, equipment, and personal protective equipment (PPE) according to manufacturer recommendations and hospital policy.
• Maintain floors through sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, buffing, scrubbing, stripping, waxing, carpet cleaning, and other floor care procedures as assigned.
• Collect, transport, and properly dispose of regular trash, biohazardous waste, and regulated medical waste according to hospital procedures.
• Handle soiled linens safely and assist with laundry operations as assigned.
• Restock housekeeping supplies, paper products, soap, sanitizer, and other supplies throughout the facility.
• Inspect assigned areas for cleanliness, safety hazards, maintenance concerns, or equipment malfunctions and report issues promptly.
• Maintain housekeeping equipment in safe working condition and report repair needs.
• Respond promptly to urgent cleaning requests, spills, isolation rooms, emergency situations, and other priority assignments.
• Assist patients, visitors, and staff by providing courteous directions and responding professionally to requests.
• Work independently while adjusting priorities to meet changing departmental and patient care needs.
• Complete assigned duties accurately and within established timeframes.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA regulations.
• Participate in departmental meetings, in-service education, regulatory training, emergency preparedness activities, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrate teamwork by assisting coworkers and supporting other departments as needed to ensure efficient hospital operations.
• Follow all hospital policies, safety regulations, and regulatory requirements.

Non-Essential Functions

• Perform additional duties as assigned by the supervisor.
• Assist with housekeeping, laundry, supply distribution, and purchasing-related activities as operational needs require.
• Participate in special cleaning projects, community events, and emergency response activities as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of environmental services practices, cleaning methods, and infection prevention principles.
• Knowledge of safe chemical handling and proper use of environmental services equipment.
• Strong organizational, time management, and prioritization skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced rural healthcare environment.
• Ability to communicate professionally with patients, families, visitors, physicians, and coworkers.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of patient, employee, financial, and organizational information.
• Ability to identify safety hazards and respond appropriately.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately.
• Basic computer and documentation skills preferred.

Key Competencies

• Commitment to patient-centered service.
• Dependability and accountability.
• Flexibility and adaptability.
• Strong work ethic and self-motivation.
• Attention to detail.
• Teamwork and collaboration.
• Professional communication.
• Infection prevention awareness.
• Commitment to quality improvement and continuous learning.
• Ability to work efficiently in a small, rural Critical Access Hospital where employees frequently support multiple departments.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent required.
• Previous housekeeping, environmental services, hospitality, or healthcare cleaning experience preferred but not required.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Ability to successfully complete hospital orientation and required annual education.

Professional Expectations

• Maintain a neat, professional appearance and adhere to hospital dress code.
• Report to work as scheduled and maintain dependable attendance.
• Wear required identification badge while on duty.
• Maintain HIPAA compliance and patient confidentiality.
• Follow all OSHA, CMS, CDC, infection prevention, and hospital safety requirements.
• Complete all required annual education, competency assessments, and regulatory training.
• Participate in performance improvement and quality initiatives.
• Demonstrate professionalism, courtesy, respect, and compassion toward patients, visitors, vendors, and coworkers.
• Support the mission and values of Cedar County Memorial Hospital through positive interactions and teamwork.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, twisting, pushing, pulling, and climbing throughout the work shift.
• Frequently lift, carry, push, or pull up to 40 pounds independently and heavier loads with assistance.
• Push housekeeping carts, hospital beds, stretchers, and cleaning equipment throughout the facility.
• Operate floor care equipment and other environmental services equipment safely.
• Use appropriate PPE when handling chemicals, infectious materials, or hazardous waste.
• Work around bloodborne pathogens, infectious materials, cleaning chemicals, bodily fluids, and other healthcare-related hazards while following established safety procedures.
• Work varying shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed to support hospital operations.
• Work in varying temperatures and occasionally outdoors while transporting supplies or waste between hospital buildings.
• Maintain the physical stamina required to perform repetitive cleaning tasks throughout the shift.

Customer Service Standards

• Treat every patient, visitor, coworker, and vendor with dignity, respect, and compassion.
• Provide prompt, courteous, and professional service.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude and willingness to assist others.
• Respond to requests in a timely and efficient manner.
• Support a clean, safe, and welcoming environment that reflects the hospital's commitment to exceptional patient care.

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $27,163 - $34,959