Associate Director of Laundry and Environmental Services

Brief Job Description

Completes a variety of advanced (senior-level) special projects and technical assistance/support for Business Operations – Facility Operations Support (FOS). This position works to ensure high quality, efficient completion of department-wide projects. This position will work with leadership to develop Legislative Appropriation Requests. As directed by the leadership team, research issues, provide analyses, tracks progress, and models solutions. In coordination with other applicable departments, provides policy development, operational support and oversight for Environmental Services and Regional Laundries.

Essential Job Functions

• Attends work in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
• Develops and implements performance measures for Environmental Services and Regional Laundries. Establishes program goals, benchmarks, data sources, and reporting methods, including data visualization. Recommends cost-per-pound and productivity thresholds to the Regional Laundry Committee and SH/SSLC Administrations for approval. Coordinates with Supply Services and facilities to ensure appropriate inventory levels, product rotation, and usage.
• Works to establish timely and accurate service agreements with FOS department heads, State Hospital and State Supported Living Center Central Office staff, legal counsel, and local facilities as appropriate.
• Provides policy development, operational support, technical assistance and oversight for Environmental Services and Regional Laundries. Develops and maintains Operating Instructions with the support of a statewide cross-functional workgroup. Reviews and evaluates information on service delivery methods, production outputs, and activities to identify gaps in resources and recommended improvements. Contributes to linen handling policies to HHSC and HSCS Administration for emergency situations such as pandemics and severe weather. Proposes proper cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection policies to SH and SSLC Administrations, based on Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations.
• Supports standardized linen contract, chemical contracts and complex automated laundry equipment. Completes all linen quality testing prior to contract award. Completes chemical testing prior to facility implementation. Maintains 10-year equipment and vehicle replacement plans for Regional Laundries. Submits Legislative Appropriation recommendations for equipment replacements. Oversees Capital Authority purchases for the Regional Laundries. Research available techniques, equipment, and products to be current with laundry and environmental industry standards to include processes for cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection for the SH and SSLC facilities. In cooperation with facilities, assists with training of new managers. Consult on new hospital design and implementation of laundry and EVS processes.
• Improves communication across teams in HSCS facilities, HSCS State and Central offices, SH and SSLC Administrations and personnel in HHSC procurement. Makes work assignments, tracks deadlines, and coordinates with invested stakeholders. Coordinates and facilitates meetings on a routine cadence with Regional Laundry and Environmental Services managers. Participates and contributes with SH and SSLC sponsored workgroups. Act as a functional point of contact with all vendors.
• Provides support to HSCS leadership and completes other assignments and projects as needed. Researches topics, performs analyses and makes recommendations as directed.
• Participates and serves in a supporting role for disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. This may require alternate shift patterns or locations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of HHS agency programs, policies and procedures including purchasing and laws pertaining to laundry and environmental services.
• Knowledge of best practices including infection control principles as it relates to laundry and environmental services.
• Ability to complete complex analyses, establish benchmarks, track performance, and ensure data integrity.
• Ability to complete high profile projects. This includes comprehensive coordination of projects including, but not limited to: making work assignments, tracking deadlines, reviewing submissions, and obtaining executive feedback/direction as needed.
• Ability to communicate with a variety of staff, managers and executives. This includes basic oral and written communication skills as well as the ability to establish effective working relationships.
• Ability to effectively use Excel, Word, Outlook, and SharePoint to support operational and policy needs.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications

• Texas Driver’s License with acceptable driving record.
• Certified Texas Contract Manager or obtained within 18 months.

Initial Screening Criteria

• Graduation from a standard senior high school or equivalent is required.
• Five years work experience in environmental service operations in a healthcare facility with 24/7 operations is required.
• Experience in development and implementing policy and procedures is required.