Environmental Assistant

Job Summary

Performs full range of basic and specialty cleaning tasks in area of assignment to maintain a healthy, clean, safe and aesthetically pleasing environment for patients, visitors, and other staff members and in compliance with local, state and federal regulation and requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Education:  None
Minimum Years of Experience:  None
Substitutable Education & Experience:  None
Required Certifications/Licensure:  None
Required Training: Must be able to read, understand, and carry out written guidelines, procedures and other material;
Must be able to interpret and follow labeled direction associated with use of cleaning products and other items;
Must be able to comprehend and carry out verbal and written instructions and requests in a manner to accomplish tasks in an appropriate and timely manner;
Must be able to understand and use computer operations associated with review and approval of personal time, accomplishing annual on-line mandatory training and updating personal information in the hospital computer database.

Essential Functions

• Maintains an optimistic, professional, career oriented demeanor:      
  • Follows the Hospital Service Expectations Policy      
  • Exemplifies excellent customer relations with patients, visitors, physicians and    other staff             
  • Serves as a positive role model for others
• Performs full range cleaning tasks in area of assignment including but not limited to:   
  • High and low dusting, wall washing, fixture cleaning, dust and damp mopping of  floors, vacuuming and spot cleaning carpet etc. in accordance with departmental  procedures.             
  • Selecting, measuring and mixing various cleaning solutions and chemicals and using  automatic dispensing systems for solution preparation as needed for the job to be done. 
  • Assembling materials’ supplies and equipment needed to accomplish assigned tasks.  
  • Returning, cleaning and properly storing all items in the proper storage area when  done.              
  • Servicing dispensers with paper and soap products.      
  • Removing, transporting and disposing of solid waste, sharps, regulated medical waste  and pharmaceutical drug waste in accordance with proper protocol.
• Carries out hospital and departmental support functions including but not limited to:   
  • Exercising safe work habits to protect self and others from job related accidents  and/or injuries.            
  • Proper handling, monitoring and safeguarding of communication devices (pager or  hospital phone) throughout the work shift.        
  • Remaining observant of area conditions and initiating action for submitting work  orders when needs indicate.          
  • Maintaining a positive attendance record by reporting to work on time and as  scheduled on a regular basis.         
  • Clocking and signing on and off duty on a consistent and regular basis according to  department protocol.           
  • Demonstrating knowledge and understanding of personal role in case of disaster, job  and fire safety, equipment care and use of Material Safety Data Sheets.
• Performs cleaning duties in any area of the hospital or associated areas such as Surgery, Patient Units, Emergency Department, Clinical Areas, Administrative Areas and Physician Practices.
• Understands population diversity and demonstrates competence when interacting with non-English speaking individuals and those of other cultures.
• Adjusts to and considers patients and guests from all age groups and those with special needs such as being hearing impaired etc. in the performance of duties.
• Attends in-service education programs and other sessions to improve cleaning knowledge and personal skills.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Performs special job tasks such as but not limited to the following depending on area of assignment:             
  • Patient room care (occupied, discharge/transfer and or unoccupied rechecks) and in  response to the Bed Tracking System.         
  • Responding to STAT bed cleaning needs in an expedient and timely manner.   
  • Responding to end of shift bed cleaning needs to avoid leaving beds for oncoming  shift unnecessarily.            
  • Following proper and safe protocol in accomplishment of hard floor projects  (stripping, scrubbing, refinishing and burnish of hard floors).      
  • Following proper and safe protocol in accomplishment of carpet care projects (bonnet  shampooing and extracting of carpeted surfaces).       
  • Cleaning upholstery.          
  • Participating in the movement and arrangement of furniture to include setting up  classrooms and other areas for special events, training sessions, blood drives and other  activities as needs dictate.           
  • Receiving, processing and distributing microfiber products (mops and cloths),  traditional cleaning items (mops and rags) and other specialty items (sleep study linen,  shower curtains, slings, etc.) as needs arise.        
  • Operation of basic laundry equipment and processing of laundered items.   
  • Maintaining cleanliness and good order of work area including washers and dryers.
• Ensure Hazardous Waste or Hazardous Waste Pharmaceuticals are discarded, stored, and managed with other compatible waste streams in containers that are properly labeled and closed prior to being shipped offsite for proper disposal.  Initial RCRA training is received within 6 months of the hire date and continuing with annual RCRA training.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.