The Environmental Services Attendant plays a crucial role in maintaining the cleanliness and safety of all of our facilities. Their work ensures that these environments remain sanitary and welcoming for everyone who uses them. Here are some key points highlighting the importance of this position:
- Health and Safety: By maintaining a clean environment, Environmental Services Attendants help prevent the spread of infections and diseases. This is particularly vital in healthcare settings where patients may have compromised immune systems.
- Compliance with Standards: Many facilities are required to adhere to specific cleanliness and sanitation standards set by health and safety regulations. Environmental Services Attendants ensure these standards are met, helping facilities avoid legal issues and penalties.
- Enhancing Aesthetic Appeal: A clean and well-maintained environment is more inviting and comfortable for visitors, employees, and clients. This can positively impact the reputation of the institution or business.
- Supporting Core Operations: By taking charge of cleaning and maintenance tasks, Environmental Services Attendants allow other staff members to focus on their primary responsibilities, thereby improving overall efficiency and productivity.
- Environmental Impact: These attendants often implement eco-friendly cleaning practices, reducing the use of harmful chemicals and minimizing waste. This contributes to the facility’s sustainability efforts and helps protect the environment.
In summary, Environmental Services Attendants are essential for creating safe, healthy, and pleasant environments, ultimately supporting the well-being of all who interact with the facilities they maintain.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES ATTENDANT
This description does not state or imply that the duties, essential functions, and job requirements are the ONLY parameters for this position. Associates are required to follow job related instruction and perform other job-related activities requested by their supervisor.
All requirements are subject to possible modification in order to provide a reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical or mental disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves, the patients, or other associates.
Environmental Services includes several areas within the facility, such as Housekeeping and Laundry. Each section has unique job functions, and the Environmental Service attendants will be assigned responsibilities in each area by the Environmental Services Attendant Coordinator.
- Participate in cleaning tasks within the facility, including general waxing and buffing of all floors.
- Follow cleaning instructions from the supervisor and adhere to the established housekeeping policies and procedures.
- In occupied patient rooms, clean furniture, fixtures, ledges, heating/cooling units, bathrooms, and other areas as needed, at least once a day.
- For unoccupied patient rooms, perform terminal cleaning procedures upon patient discharge or transfer to a different room.
- Clean isolation rooms following Infection Control procedures.
- Carry out daily cleaning of all other facility areas as directed.
- Collect trash, dispose of it in the appropriate container, and reline the container with a fresh plastic liner, continuously monitoring the need for collection.
- Clean walls through washing, dusting, or other methods as instructed by the supervisor.
- Maintain floor cleanliness throughout the facility at least once daily, with stripping, waxing, and buffing performed as instructed. Vacuum carpeted areas daily and shampoo them monthly.
- Clean and disinfect bathrooms throughout the facility as necessary, with a minimum of three cleanings during each day shift.
- Clean windows and mirrors as required.
- Promptly report any hazardous or unsafe conditions or equipment to the Director of Environmental Services.
- Place safety signs in designated areas during cleaning tasks.
- Ensure all workstations and equipment are kept clean and ready for use at all times.
- Replenish supplies in work areas and on cleaning carts daily.
- Respect and protect patient privacy while maintaining confidentiality at all times.
- Housekeeping staff must check all public bathrooms every hour during the day shift.
- Housekeeping is responsible for stripping, waxing, and buffing all floors in both the facility and annex building.
- Follow the monthly schedule set by the Environmental Service Attendant Supervisor.
- Perform additional assigned duties as necessary such as assisting with snow and ice removal, changing light bulbs, and cleaning light fixtures throughout the facility.
- Engage in Quality Assurance activities and share measurable data during monthly clinic staff meetings for the manager to report to the IQM committee.
QUALIFICATIONS:- A 10th grade education is appropriate as the ability to maintain logs, read and understand directions is essential.
- Prior experience in a hospital would be helpful but is not required.
- Must have a pleasant, cheerful attitude and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Must be reliable, punctual, and have a strong work ethic.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:- The ability to bend, stretch, stoop, and stand for prolonged periods is necessary.
- Must be able to tolerate extreme temperatures.
- Handling of Bio-Hazardous and contaminated materials.
- Ability to work from ladders and scaffolding.
- Must be able to exert up to 80 pounds of force occasionally and/or 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
- Must be able to communicate effectively.
- Must be able to read and write legibly in English.
- Hearing within normal range and visual acuity is required.
- Frequent walking, standing, stooping, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, and grasping are necessary body movements in environmental services work.
MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:- Must have the ability to perform concentrated mental activity to organize work and tasks involved.
- Must be able to respond to changes in work volume throughout the shift.
- Must have the ability to interact with co-workers and vendor representatives in a positive and helpful manner.
- Must have the ability to comprehend and perform oral and written instructions and procedures.
- Must be able to use computers to input and retrieve information.
- Must be able to work with frequent interruptions.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS (POTENTIAL FOR):- Exposure to body fluids, human tissues, contagious diseases, sharps, and explosive gases.
- Exposure to cleaning agents and disinfectants.
- Exposure to toxic gas, fumes, and odors.
- Exposure to high stress and constant interruptions.
- Exposure to electrical current.
- Exposure to Bio-Hazardous and contaminated materials.