Environmental Service Assoc. 1 - 20hrs

Connecticut Children's; Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Connecticut Children’s is seeking an Environmental Services Associate I to maintain a clean, safe hospital environment and support infection prevention across clinical and non-clinical areas. The role requires flexibility for weekends, holidays, and on-call shifts to meet patient needs and protect staff and families.

Responsibilities include cleaning, waste disposal, equipment care, and collaboration with departments to ensure smooth operations in a pediatric setting.

Qualifications

• 6–12 months of experience in environmental services, hospitality, or service field.
• High School Diploma, GED or equivalent.
• Healthcare setting experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Clean and disinfect patient rooms, family spaces, offices, public areas, corridors, elevators, and stairwells per protocols.
• Perform discharge/terminal cleaning of patient and family areas.
• Collect, transport, and dispose of trash, recyclables, regulated medical waste, and sharps per safety standards.
• Follow infection prevention guidelines, including PPE and cleaning agents.
• Adhere to SDS guidelines for safe handling of chemicals.
• Maintain floors and exterior areas; assist with seasonal tasks.
• Respond to routine and non-routine service requests; deliver supplies and set up spaces.

Skills

Effective communication

Customer service

Follow detailed instructions

Time management

Troubleshooting

Adaptability

Education

High School Diploma, GED or equivalent

Job description

Job Description

The Environmental Services Associate I is responsible for maintaining a clean, safe, and sanitary environment throughout the hospital. This role supports infection prevention efforts and contributes to a positive patient, family, and staff experience by delivering high-quality environmental and support services across clinical and non-clinical areas. The role requires the ability to work in all areas of a healthcare environment, including exposure to sensitive situations and materials, and the availability to work weekends, holidays, and occasional on-call shifts, as needed.

Job Description

The Environmental Services Associate I is responsible for maintaining a clean, safe, and sanitary environment throughout the hospital. This role supports infection prevention efforts and contributes to a positive patient, family, and staff experience by delivering high-quality environmental and support services across clinical and non-clinical areas. The role requires the ability to work in all areas of a healthcare environment, including exposure to sensitive situations and materials, and the availability to work weekends, holidays, and occasional on-call shifts, as needed.

Responsibilities

Environmental Cleaning & Infection Prevention-60%

• Clean and disinfect patient rooms, family spaces, offices, public areas, corridors, elevators, and stairwells in accordance with established protocols.
• Perform discharge/terminal cleaning of patient and family areas, ensuring readiness for new occupants.
• Collect, transport, and properly dispose of trash, recyclables, regulated medical waste, and sharps containers in compliance with safety standards.
• Follow all infection prevention guidelines, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and approved cleaning agents.
• Adhere to Safety Data Sheet (SDS) guidelines for safe handling and use of chemicals.
• Maintain floors through vacuuming, carpet shampooing, and hard floor care (e.g., stripping, waxing, buffing).
• Support cleanliness and safety of exterior areas by removing debris and maintaining entryways.
• Assist with seasonal responsibilities, including snow removal, as needed.

Operational & Support Services-15%

• Respond to routine and non-routine service requests in a timely and professional manner.
• Deliver supplies, equipment, and other items (e.g., food, materials) to designated locations.
• Assist with room and conference space set-ups, including moving furniture and equipment.

Equipment Maintenance & Safety-10%

• Perform basic maintenance on environmental services equipment (e.g., replacing vacuum bags and belts, inspecting cords).
• Identify and report equipment malfunctions, safety hazards, or facility maintenance concerns to appropriate departments.
• Ensure equipment is used and stored safely in accordance with organizational standards.

Customer Service & Team Collaboration-10%

• Demonstrate a courteous, responsive, and service-oriented approach in all interactions with patients, families, visitors, and staff.
• Collaborate effectively with team members and other departments to support hospital operations.
• Contribute to a positive team environment and participate in continuous improvement efforts.
• Demonstrate awareness of the unique needs of pediatric patient populations (neonate through adolescence).
• Interact with patients and families in a respectful, culturally sensitive, and professional manner.
• Complete required training, in-services, and departmental meetings.

Performs Other Duties as Assigned.

Qualifications

Education and/or Experience Required

• Experience: 6 – 12 months of experience in environmental services, hospitality, or service field.

Education and/or Experience Preferred

• Education: High School Diploma, GED or equivalent.
• Experience: Experience in a healthcare setting.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge

• Principles and practices of environmental cleaning and infection prevention in healthcare settings.
• Safe handling and use of cleaning chemicals, including adherence to Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
• Hospital policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements (e.g., OSHA, CDC, Joint Commission).
• Basic operational maintenance of cleaning equipment (vacuums, floor machines, etc.).
• Age-specific considerations and developmental needs of pediatric patients (neonate through adolescent).
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity to patient and family diversity.

Skills

• Effective communication (verbal and written) with patients, families, staff, and supervisors.
• Customer service skills with a focus on courtesy, responsiveness, and teamwork.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and standard operating procedures accurately.
• Time management and organizational skills to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Basic troubleshooting and maintenance of environmental service equipment.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, schedules, and environmental conditions.

Abilities

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to recognize potential safety hazards and take appropriate action.
• Maintain attention to detail and quality while performing repetitive tasks.
• Respond appropriately to emergency or non-routine situations, including patient‑specific needs or environmental emergencies.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism when interacting with patients, families, and staff.

About Us

Connecticut Children’s is the only health system in Connecticut that is 100% dedicated to children. Established on a legacy that spans more than 100 years, Connecticut Children’s offers personalized medical care in more than 30 pediatric specialties across Connecticut and in two other states. Our transformational growth establishes us as a destination for specialized medicine and enables us to reach more children in locations that are closer to home. Our breakthrough research, superior education and training, innovative community partnerships, and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion provide a welcoming and inspiring environment for our patients, families and team members. At Connecticut Children’s, treating children isn’t just our job – it’s our passion. As a leading children’s health system experiencing steady growth, we’re excited to expand our team with exceptional team members who share our vision of transforming children’s health and well‑being as one team.