LAUNDRY AIDE

RIVERSIDE MEDICAL CENTER; Kankakee (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider is seeking a dedicated Laundry Aide to manage hospital linen and garments. The successful candidate will be responsible for sorting, washing, and distributing laundry while adhering to strict hygiene standards. Candidates should be physically fit and capable of operating industrial laundry equipment, ensuring timely service in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Ability to lift up to 45 pounds.
• Flexibility to work varying shifts, including evenings and weekends.
• Previous experience in laundry or housekeeping preferred.

Responsibilities

• Sort, wash, dry, and fold laundry items according to hospital standards.
• Operate washing machines and dryers safely.
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene in the laundry area.

Skills

Physical stamina

Attention to detail

Ability to follow instructions

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Industrial laundry equipment

Job description

Description

The Laundry Aide is responsible for performing a range of tasks related to the processing and management of hospital linen and garments. This role involves handling, sorting, washing, drying, folding, and distributing laundry items while adhering to hospital hygiene and infection control standards. The Laundry Aide ensures that all linen and garments are processed efficiently and maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.

Essential Duties:

• Sort and categorize linen and garments based on type, color, and level of soiling, ensuring proper handling and processing.
• Operate and maintain laundry equipment, including washers, dryers, and ironing machines, following manufacturer instructions and safety guidelines.
• Load and unload laundry items into and from machines, ensuring that equipment is used efficiently and that items are processed according to hospital standards.
• Inspect and treat stains or damaged items before washing to ensure optimal cleaning and maintain the quality of hospital linen and garments.
• Fold, pack, and distribute clean linen and garments to designated areas within the hospital and offsite locations, ensuring timely and accurate delivery.
• Follow infection control procedures and safety protocols to maintain a clean and sanitary laundry environment.
• Maintain accurate records of laundry activities, including the volume of items processed, any issues encountered, and equipment maintenance.
• Assist with routine cleaning and maintenance of the laundry area, including wiping down surfaces, cleaning machines, and managing waste.
• Report any equipment malfunctions, safety hazards, or maintenance needs to the Laundry Supervisor/Manager.
• Assist in managing inventory levels of laundry supplies and chemicals, and report any shortages or ordering needs to the Laundry Supervisor/Manager.
• Follow hospital policies and procedures regarding the handling and processing of soiled linen, including adherence to infection control protocols.
• Operate large industrial equipment including dryers, iron/press/folder, and other industrial sized equipment
• Assists seamstress by labelling new linens, irons lab coats and documents work.
• Demonstrates flexibility with assignments within professional scope/duties/licensure.

Requirements

Required Experience:

• Ability to lift up to 45 pounds
• Good physical stamina and ability to perform tasks that involve lifting, bending, and standing for extended periods.
• Flexibility to work varying shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Preferred Experience:

• Previous experience in a laundry or housekeeping role, preferably in a healthcare or large-scale laundry setting, is an advantage.
• Basic knowledge of laundry operations and equipment, including safety and infection control practices.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately and efficiently.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent

Exposure/Sensory Requirements:

Exposure to:

• Chemicals: Refer to MSDS Sheets
• Video Display Terminals: None
• Blood and Body Fluids: None
• TB or Airborne Pathogens: None

Sensory requirements (speech, vision, smell, hearing, touch):

• Speech: Required to communicate with supervisor and coworkers.
• Vision: Ability to see programs on control panels of equipment assigned.
• Smell: Ability to detect foul odors, helpful to note presence of electrical/fire safety.
• Hearing: Ability to hear alarms and mechanical problems from equipment.
• Touch: Ability to feel heat or cold with hands.

Activity/Lifting Requirements:

Percentage of time during the normal workday the employee is required to:

• Sit: 0%
• Twist: 20%
• Stand/ Walk: 80%
• Crawl: 0%
• Kneel: 2%
• Pull/ Lift: 25%
• Drive: 0%
• Squat: 3%
• Climb: 0%
• Bend: 15%
• Reach above shoulders: 5%

The weight required to be lifted each normal workday according to the continuum described below:

• Up to 10 lbs : Frequently
• Up to 20 lbs : Frequently
• Up to 35 lbs : Occasionally
• Up to 50 lbs : Occasionally
• Up to 75 lbs : Not Required
• Up to 100 lbs : Not Required
• Over 100 lbs : Not Required

Describe and explain the lifting and carrying requirements. (Example: the distance material is carried; how high material is lifted, etc.):

Putting away supplies, sometimes overhead.

Maximum consecutive time (minutes) during the normal workday for each activity:

• Sit: 0
• Twist: 70
• Stand: 160
• Crawl: 0
• Walk: 84
• Kneel: 2
• Lift: 71
• Drive: 0
• Squat: 2
• Climb: 0
• Bend: 21
• Reach above shoulders: 0

Repetitive use of hands (Frequency indicated):

• Simple grasp 15
• Pushing & pulling 50-200
• Fine Manipulation: Wringing out cloths.

Repetitive use of foot or feet in operating machine control: None

Environmental Factors & Special Hazards:

• Environmental Factors (Time Spent):
• Inside hours: 8
• Outside hours : 0
• Temperature: Normal Range
• Lighting: Average
• Noise levels: Average
• Humidity: Normal Range
• Atmosphere:

Special Hazards: Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Other - Steam pipes on equipment require careful technique when retrieving hanging linens.

Protective Clothing Required: Gloves