Laundry Worker

Summary

This position is assigned to the Environmental Management Service (EMS) of the Eastern Oklahoma VA Healthcare System - located at the Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center in Muskogee - OK. The primary purpose of the position is to provide support to EMS by receiving - sorting - and marking soiled linen - assembling and issuing clean laundry.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position - applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. EXPERIENCE: A specific length of training and experience is not required - but you must show evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality of your ability to do the work of this position. Evidence which demonstrates you possess the knowledge - skills - and ability to perform the duties of this position must be supported by detailed descriptions of such on your resume. Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards. SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT: Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element - which usually appears as question 1 in the on-line questionnaire. Those applicants who appear to possess at least the minimal acceptable qualification requirement are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated. The potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements: Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal Supervision Ability to Interpret Instructions - Specifications - etc. (Other Than Blueprint Reading) Dexterity and Safety Knowledge of Materials Operation of Equipment/Machinery Technical Practices (Theoretical - Precise - Artistic) Work Practices (Including Keeping Things Neat - Clean - and in Order) Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience - including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g. - Peace Corps - AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g. - professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies - knowledge - and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience - including volunteer experience. Working Conditions: Incumbent generally works in a well-ventilated - air-conditioned - and well-lighted area. However - incumbent is constantly exposed to potential contamination and unclean surroundings. Many tasks require muscular effort and hand to eye coordination. Prolonged walking and standing are required. Incumbent follows predetermined work procedures but must determine independently when a job is done well. However - he/she is constantly exposed to potential contamination and unclean surroundings and must be able to understand and follow procedures. The work environment demands strong physical capabilities and the ability to focus. Must be able to work independently and under stressful conditions. Incumbent may be exposed to hazardous materials and/or diseases as part of duties. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

Duties

• Independently verify the items in bundles against the accompanying laundry tickets both upon receipt and before return - ensuring accurate processing and record-keeping
• Inspect returned uniforms and determine their usability status - filling out return forms and making judgment calls based on the condition of the items
• Determine and apply the appropriate identification symbols to personal items submitted by customers - ensuring accurate and traceable processing
• Verify the accurate weight of delivered laundry items and compare counts against daily Period Automatic Replacement (PAR) records to ensure inventory accuracy
• Operate stamping/marking machines and press machines as required - loading individual textiles and adjusting settings based on pre-designated temperatures and items
• Weigh - load - and unload laundry carts - ensuring the accurate handling and distribution of laundry items to the appropriate sections and departments Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of laundry dispensers and automated linen machines - keeping the equipment in proper working order
• Follow standard laundry practices and procedures - including sorting - marking - and classifying soiled linen and inspecting clean laundry for wear and tear
• Use proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow infection control protocols when handling soiled and clean linens
• Keep the laundry area clean and organized - performing light cleaning duties and ensuring that all workspaces meet cleanliness and safety standards
• Comprehend and follow both oral and written instructions - such as maintenance manuals - cleaning guidelines - and safety protocols
• Communicate instructions clearly to subordinates - ensuring that all team members understand the required procedures and standards
• Adapt to assignment changes and new work pressures by interpreting and implementing new guidelines or instructions provided by supervisors
• Identify and differentiate between various types of textiles - such as terry cloth - microfiber - thermal blankets - and different types of gowns and scrubs
• Use knowledge of stain types and textile life cycles to determine proper processing methods and the suitability of textiles for continued use
• Maintain an inventory of textiles - counting incoming and outgoing items - and determining inventory accuracy through weight verification
• Use hand-eye coordination to operate laundry machinery and equipment safely and effectively - preventing accidents and ensuring proper handling of textiles
• Push and maneuver heavy laundry carts (up to 700 lbs) safely around the facility - avoiding strain and injury
• Engage in tasks requiring physical effort such as lifting and transporting bundles or boxes of laundry - ensuring adherence to safety protocols to prevent injuries
• Work Schedule: Sunday-Thursday (7:00am - 3:30pm) Position Description Title/PD#: Laundry Worker/PD14539A Physical Requirements: Most tasks require varying degrees of muscular effort and hand to eye coordination to assure safe and efficient use of equipment and supplies
• Work requires frequent bending or stooping - prolonged walking - standing - working in cramped positions - and climbing
• Work requires frequent lifting and moving heavy items weighing 40 to 50 pounds
• Occasionally lifts objects weighing over 50 pounds
• Work requires visual acuity to assure completion of tasks in acceptably clean and aseptic manner
• Work requires the pushing and pulling of wheeled carts that weight up to 650 lbs.