Housekeeper

THE OAKS OF CLEARWATER

JOB DESCRIPTION

DEPARTMENT:   HOUSEKEEPING

REPORTS TO:      HOUSEKEEPING SUPERVISIOR

The following are skills needed to perform the essential functions of the position of Housekeeper. The ability to:

• Recognize and respond to the Housekeeper needs of residents as assigned.
• Perform general facility Housekeeping tasks, such as sweeping, mopping, dusting, vacuuming, washing etc.
• Recognize and respond to contaminants and potentially infectious wastes and handle according to appropriate guidelines.
• Follow facility guidelines relative to emergency procedures especially fire prevention and the use of fire extinguishers.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties and responsibilities of the Housekeeper include performing the day-to-day activities of the Housekeeping Department as assigned in accordance with current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations, to assure that the facility is maintained in a clean, safe and comfortable manner.

ESSESNTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB

The following job functions have been determined to be essential to the position of the Housekeeper. Because of fluctuations in workload demands, as well as tasks often overlapping, frequency ranges and percentages vary by assignment or day of week. However, low frequency and percentage or duration of time spent on a particular task may not indicate lack of importance. The Oaks reserves the right to modify this list of essential and other functions as deemed necessary.

• Discard waste and trash into proper containers and re-line receptacles with plastic liners.
• Polish furniture, metal fixtures and water fountains.
• Clean and sanitize public restrooms
• Turn in and/or report all lost-and found items to supervisor.
• Assists others in lifting heavy equipment, supplies, etc. as directed or requested.
• Report scarcity of housekeeping supplies.
• Clean housekeeping equipment, carts, and rooms
• Perform terminal cleaning procedures.
• Stock carts with proper types and quantities of materials and equipment.
• Assure that work assignment areas are clean and that equipment, tools, supplies etc. are properly stored during work periods, as well as before leaving the area for breaks, meals, and end of the workday.
• Perform specific tasks in accordance with daily schedules.
• Interpret work orders and or schedules.
• Clean assigned area, proceeding in an orderly fashion and doing a complete job.
• Routinely check cleaning list of possible changes in assignment. During cleaning process, monitor location of chemicals to keep safely with close proximity or in locked area.
• Keep work areas free of hazardous conditions, spills, excess carts, baskets, supplies, equipment, etc.
• Properly set up appropriate caution and safety signs before performing assigned tasks.
• Maintain privacy for residents and confidentiality of resident information. Maintain dignity and respect for resident’s personal and property rights. Attend and participate in in-service education classes, on the job training programs, etc. as scheduled or as directed.
• Comply with established infection control and universal precaution practices, and coordinate routine/terminal isolation procedures with nursing services, as well as follow fire safety policies and procedures.
• Report all incidents, accidents, hazardous conditions, or equipment to supervisor immediately.

OTHER

In addition to the essential job junctions described above, the following job functions are important to the propter fulfillment of the duties of the Housekeeper.

• Participate and assist in departmental studies and projects as directed. Assist with completion of appropriate forms and reports.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Report defective, burned out or broken resident call lights, light bulbs, exit lights, overhead lights, florescent lights, etc. to supervisor immediately.
• Perform assigned tasks in accordance with facility policies and procedures, and as instructed by supervisor.
• Notify supervisor of pending absence or tardiness.
• Establish and encourage an atmosphere of optimism, warmth and interest in resident’s activity preferences and needs.
• Follow established smoking regulations and report violations.

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS

Qualification standards for employment as Housekeeper have been carefully evaluated using job performance standards that are consistent with equal employment opportunity for all people applying for or holding this position.

EDUCATION REQUIRED

The Housekeeper will have a minimum education completing the 10^th grade. It is preferred that the Housekeeper will have minimum of a high school diploma or GED equivalency.

TRAINING

The Housekeeper will receive on the job training, as well as participate in ongoing continuing education courses to update knowledge of this job and be in compliance with OSHA and other standards.

EXPERIENCE

The Oaks does not require but does prefer some Housekeeping experience. As noted above, training and experience will be obtained through on the job training.

EQUIPMENT, MATERIALS, MACHINES AND/OR TOOLS USED

The following is a list of the principal equipment, materials, machines, tools, etc. used by the Janitor.

Buckets

Mops

Brooms

Carts

Vacuum

Fire Extinguisher

Chemicals

Masks, gowns, gloves, goggles

Miscellaneous devices used in the nursing home environment (wheelchairs, oxygen tanks, linen carts etc.)

Supplies

PHYSICAL STRENGTH REQUIRED

A Housekeeper must be capable of lifting a minimum of 40 pounds. Housekeeper requires minimal to moderate amount of strength and agility to successfully complete work assignments.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Except where appropriate and conducive to accomplishing the goals and objectives of a particular tasks, the Housekeeper will work in a well lighted area that is ventilated and as physically, innocuous as possible under the conditions that exist at a particular time. Because the essential functions of the job of Housekeeper require exposure to hazardous chemicals, safety risks such as strong odors, dust and lint, and machine vibrations, etc., as well as infectious waste, diseases, odors, and other situations associated with health care, including but not limited to exposure to AIDS, HIV and Hepatitis B viruses, environmental and safety conditions will fluctuate. To be qualified for the position of Housekeeper, a person will have the ability to work in this type of environment without posing a direct threat to self or others.

Universal Precautions Risk Classification Categories:

Tasks may involve exposure to blood or body fluids.

Takes do not routinely involve contact with blood or body fluids but could result in exposure.

ATTIRE

The Housekeeper will meet the dress codes for neatness, cleanliness & grooming. The Housekeeper will wear an appropriate uniform during working hours.

WORK SCHEDULE

The Housekeeper will report to work ready for routine duties and emergencies and may include working non-standard hours.