Housekeeping Aid (Leader)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a Housekeeping Aid (Leader) in Columbia, SC. This role involves overseeing staff in Environmental Management Services, ensuring cleanliness in patient areas, and training personnel in safety and customer service practices.

Applicants should demonstrate experience in management tasks and physical capabilities for manual duties, including lifting and moving heavy objects. The work schedule includes shifts from early morning to late night.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to perform the duties assigned.
• Experience in delegating and coordinating work.
• Knowledge of safety regulations and customer service principles.

Responsibilities

• Assist in delegating duties and coordinating with supervisors.
• Plan and schedule daily tasks based on resources.
• Train staff on proper cleaning methods and equipment use.
• Inspect areas to ensure sanitation and safety compliance.

Job description

Summary

This position provides oversight of assigned areas and employees within Environmental Management Services in order to assist service supervisors.

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 online 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.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs and other organizations. 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. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35‑40 hours 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

• Assisting with the delegation of duties on a daily and a project-by-project basis
• Coordinating work with supervisors of other services within the position’s area of jurisdiction so as not to interrupt patient care or other activities
• Cleaning all patient areas and corridor spaces throughout the medical center, operating rooms, and all other areas as assigned
• Planning and scheduling daily and weekly assignments – taking into consideration the availability of personnel and equipment to meet established priorities
• Determining the equipment and cleaning materials needed for each job
• Training staff to ensure the use of patient‑centered care principles in terms of customer service to patients, family members, and personnel
• Providing on‑the‑job training for co‑workers and new employees
• Keeping subordinates abreast of proper methods, procedures, and uses of equipment and supplies
• Ensuring all safety regulations and procedures are observed and may on occasion be required to conduct training classes on specific safety issues
• Inspecting assigned areas to assure the timely accomplishment of employee assignments – sanitation levels are maintained, equipment properly cared for, and that associated housekeeping objectives are accomplished in an expedient and timely manner
• Performing related duties as required
• Work Schedule: 7:00 am–3:30 pm / 3:00 pm–11:30 pm / 11:00 pm–7:30 am
• Position Description Title/PD#: Housekeeping Aid (Leader)/PD05324A
• Physical Requirements: Incumbent must be physically able to remain engaged in manual work requiring muscular effort the duration of their shift
• The work consists of loading and unloading stacks of linen weighing up to 700 pounds
• The incumbent must be able to continually stand, bend, and stoop and reach while performing regular duties as well as be able to lift and carry objects weighing approximately 50 pounds.