Environmentalist I

Status: Full time, benefits eligible. Hours per week: 40.

Schedule

11:30 PM – 7:30 AM, 40 hours weekly.

Pay

Pay range: $18.85 – $28.30 per hour.

Responsibilities

• Clean and disinfect assigned areas (patient rooms, offices, rest rooms, elevators, stairwells, off-site facilities, etc.) by washing walls, doors, ceilings, windows, furniture, tile, fixtures, appliances, floors, and equipment using department-approved procedures and schedules.
• Operate various cleaning equipment following department procedures.
• Use chemicals and solutions in accordance with department policy.
• Maintain work areas in an orderly, clean, and safe condition.
• Demonstrate commitment to customer satisfaction:
  • Use AIDET (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, Thank You) with internal and external customers.
  • Resolve interpersonal conflicts constructively.
  • Maintain a positive, supportive attitude in emergency and non-emergency situations.
  • Display patience and tact when interacting with hospital personnel.
  • Present the department positively to all contacts.
  • Maintain a courteous and pleasant attitude toward patients, families, and others.
  • Keep patient and departmental information confidential.
  • Follow the appropriate chain of command for complaints, grievances, or problems.
• Follow procedures for patient discharges:
  • Thoroughly wash and sanitize beds; make beds with clean linen.
  • Clean and sanitize entire rooms and washrooms using established procedures.
  • Use appropriate germicides for disinfection.
• Select and transport cleaning materials and supplies to work areas.
• Maintain assigned areas:
  • Replenish supplies (paper towels, toilet tissue, soap, etc.).
  • Collect and sanitize waste; routinely sanitize garbage cans.
  • Observe and follow Standard (Universal) Precautions and Infection Control Policies.
  • Clean or sanitize after emergency spills as requested.
  • Place full, tied bags of soiled linen in linen chutes.
  • Ensure a safe, clean, and attractive environment for patients, visitors, and associates.
  • Wash hands thoroughly throughout the day; adhere to hospital handwashing policy.
• Prepare detergents, germicidal solutions, and other cleaning/disinfecting solutions according to established formulas.
• Maintain floors:
  • Sweep, dust mop, and wet mop floor areas.
  • Spot clean carpets using appropriate solutions.
  • Shampoo furniture, carpets, and rugs using appropriate equipment and supplies.
  • Identify types of soiling/spotting and use proper solutions as outlined in departmental policies.
• Handle chemicals and solutions following departmental policies; ensure all chemicals are in properly labeled containers.
• Adhere to safety regulations as outlined in departmental policies.
• Move equipment and furniture for cleaning, rearrangement, or relocation; arrange furniture and equipment according to floor plans.
• Set up furniture for meetings, workshops, and community events as specified.
• Clean equipment and report any needing repair to supervisor.
• Report safety hazards appropriately.
• Return unused supplies to storage, clean carts and equipment, and ensure all items are replaced orderly.
• Collect and/or distribute soiled and clean linens as required.
• Collect trash and waste from all hospital areas:
  • Collect hazardous and medical waste according to Infection Control Committee procedures.
  • Sanitize garbage/waste disposal containers.
  • Separate regular and recyclable trash according to procedure.
• Demonstrate commitment to professional growth and competence:
  • Attend all mandatory departmental and hospital meetings and in-services.
  • Complete annual required CBTs (Computer-Based Trainings).
  • Follow written department goals and objectives; review annually with managers.
  • Seek education and learning experiences in areas of identified growth needs; review progress during annual evaluation.
• Maintain responsibility for attendance and punctuality:
  • Adhere to attendance requirements outlined in the Hospital Policy and Procedure Manual.
  • Plan and submit written requests for time off in advance for approval.
  • Request PTO time in accordance with departmental policy.
  • Provide adequate notice for absences; call two hours before the start of shift if unable to attend.

Requirements

• High School Diploma/GED or equivalent work experience.
• Basic computer skills preferred.
• Ability to operate small electrical equipment (e.g., vacuum cleaners).
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, including reading and comprehending chemical labels and safety materials.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Job responsibilities involve walking, standing, bending, climbing, and lifting throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance; for lifts over 35 pounds, use lifting equipment or assistance from another associate.
• Unique lifting/movement situations assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Benefits

• Competitive base compensation with annual performance-based increases.
• Premium pay for shift work, on-call duties, and other eligible roles.
• Incentive pay for select positions.
• Paid Time Off programs.
• Health and welfare benefits: medical, dental, vision, life, and short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.
• Family benefits: adoption assistance and paid parental leave.
• Retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs.
• Educational Assistance Program.

About the Organization

Advocate Health is the third-largest nonprofit, integrated health system in the United States, created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. Providing care under the names Advocate Health Care in Illinois, Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia, and Alabama, and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, consumer experience, and value-based care.

Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health serves nearly 6 million patients and is engaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies, with Wake Forest University School of Medicine serving as the academic core. It is nationally recognized for expertise in cardiology, neurosciences, oncology, pediatrics, rehabilitation, organ transplants, burn treatments, and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Advocate Health employs 155,000 teammates across 69 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations, offering one of the nation’s largest graduate medical education programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs. Committed to equitable care, Advocate Health provides over $6 billion in annual community benefits.

Performs front-line environmental infection prevention services, including cleaning, disinfection, and waste removal in patient, clinical, and administrative areas to provide safe and well-maintained spaces.