Housekeeper

About the Role

The Housekeeper performs day-to-day activities of the Housekeeping Department in accordance with current federal, state, and local standards, and the facility’s policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Interpret work schedules and assignments.
• Clean and/or vacuum front entry, lobby areas, and public restrooms upon checking in, including:
  • Nurses station
  • Office areas
  • Hall handrails
  • Door closures
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Supply and exhaust vents
  • Anywhere prone to dust collection
• Clean assigned zone thoroughly, including:
  • Doors and door frames
  • Walls
  • Ceilings
  • Patient room furniture
  • Windows and sills
  • Overbed lights
  • Bed frames and rails
  • Exhaust vents
  • Any item prone to dust collection
• Clean dining tables, chairs, ice machines, coffee pots, and other equipment immediately after patient meals.
• Monitor location of chemicals during the cleaning process.
• Complete monthly bed cleaning duty as posted on the monthly time schedule.
• Fill dispensers (toilet paper, paper towels, soap, etc.).
• Keep work areas free of hazardous conditions, spills, excess carts, baskets, supplies, and equipment.
• Discard waste and trash into proper containers and re-line receptacles with plastic liners.
• Set up appropriate “Caution” and safety signs before performing housekeeping tasks.
• Ensure work assignment areas are clean and equipment, tools, and supplies are properly stored.
• Assist in lifting heavy equipment and supplies as directed or requested.
• Report low inventory of housekeeping supplies.
• Clean housekeeping equipment and carts.
• Perform terminal cleaning procedures and other related duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Recheck all areas before the end of the shift to ensure proper order, cleanliness of maid carts, and completion of trash removal.
• Maintain dignity and respect for patients’ personal and property rights.
• Attend and participate in in-service education classes and on-the-job training programs.
• Report all incidents, accidents, hazardous conditions, or equipment to supervisor immediately.
• Comply with established infection control and universal precaution practices, coordinate isolation procedures with nursing services, and follow fire safety policies.
• Maintain privacy and confidentiality of patient conditions and other related information.
• Turn in and/or report all lost and found items to supervisor.
• Encourage an atmosphere of optimism, warmth, and interest in patients’ personal and healthcare needs.
• Handle multiple priorities effectively.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Reliable transportation.
• Ability to use HRIS and/or scheduling systems and computers.
• Successful completion of required training.

Skills

• Analytical Thinking: Gather and analyze data to reach appropriate conclusions; solve problems in a timely manner.
• Customer and Personal Service: Possess good interpersonal skills while dealing with emotional or difficult situations; respond promptly to customer’s needs.
• Knowledge of Personal Services: Understand principles and processes for providing personal services, including needs assessment and meeting quality standards.
• Accountability: Accept responsibility for own decisions, actions, and results; maintain dependable behavior in times of crisis or complexity.
• Attendance: Consistently at work and on time; ensure work responsibilities are covered.
• Communication: Speak and write clearly and persuasively; listen and seek clarification.
• Ethical Behavior: Uphold organizational values and abide by state and federal regulations; maintain confidentiality of HIPAA information; treat others with respect.
• Initiative: Seek increased responsibility; set self-improvement goals related to the organization’s objectives.
• Job and Industry Knowledge: Demonstrate knowledge of the position and industry; seek additional information.
• Productivity and Quality of Work: Maintain a high level of performance while demonstrating commitment to accuracy and thoroughness.
• Teamwork: Work collaboratively with others; contribute ideas and skills to the team; put success of team above own interests.

Working Conditions

• Good hearing ability.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Exposure to hazardous materials.
• Subject to standing, walking, sitting, bending, reaching, kneeling, pushing, and pulling.
• Work is typically performed in a standard skilled nursing facility with well-lit, temperature-controlled environments.
• Above-average conversational noise is frequent.
• Position may require flexible hours, unscheduled overtime, or occasional weekend work.
• Travel may be required.