Housekeeper

About the role

The primary purpose of your job position is to perform the day-to-day activities of the Housekeeping Department in accordance with current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines and regulations governing our facility, and as may be directed by the Administrator, and/or the Director of Housekeeping, to assure that our facility is maintained in a clean, safe, and comfortable manner.

Responsibilities

• Ensure that work/cleaning schedules are followed as closely as practical.
• Report all accidents/incidents to your supervisor no matter how minor they may be.
• Cook up daily housekeeping services with nursing services when performing routine cleaning assignments in resident living and/or recreational areas.
• Attend departmental and staff meetings as directed or called.
• File complaints/grievances with your supervisor.
• Participate and assist in department studies and projects as directed.
• Attend and participate in in-service educational classes, on-the-job training programs, etc., as scheduled or as directed.
• Attend and participate in annual OSHA and CDC in-service training programs for hazard communication, TB management, and bloodborne pathogens standard.
• Follow established fire safety policies and procedures.
• Follow established safety precautions when performing tasks and when using equipment and supplies.
• Wear and/or use safety equipment and supplies (e.g., back brace, mechanical lifts, etc.) when lifting or moving heavy objects.
• Ensure that assigned work areas are maintained in a clean, safe, comfortable, and attractive manner.
• Keep work/assignment areas free of hazardous objects such as protruding mop/broom handles, unnecessary equipment, supplies, etc.
• Follow proper techniques when mixing chemicals, disinfectants, and solutions used for cleaning.
• Refer to manufacturer's instructions when necessary.
• Follow established policies governing the use of labels and MSDSs.
• Report all hazardous conditions or equipment to your supervisor.
• Maintain the confidentiality of resident information.
• Knock before entering a resident's room.
• Honor the residents' personal and property rights.
• Inform resident when it is necessary to move his/her personal possessions during cleaning procedures.
• Turn in all found articles to your supervisor.
• Works in all areas of the facility.
• Moves intermittently during working hours.
• Is subject to frequent interruptions and may need to reschedule cleaning activities.
• Is involved with residents, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, etc., under all conditions and circumstances.
• Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, personnel, and visitors.
• Communicates with housekeeping personnel and other department personnel.
• Works beyond normal working hours and on weekends and holidays when necessary, as well as in other positions as needed.
• Is subject to call-back during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster, etc.).
• May be required to work on shifts other than the one for which hired.
• Attends and participates in continuing educational programs.
• Is subject to injury from falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the work day, as well as reactions from dust, disinfectants, tobacco smoke, and other air contaminants.
• Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including TB and the AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses.
• May be subject to the handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals.

Requirements

• Must possess, as a minimum, a 8th grade education.
• Must be at least 18 years of age or possess an executed work permit.
• Must be able to understand the English language.
• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions, to follow instructions, and to accept constructive criticism.
• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the general public.
• Must maintain the care and use of supplies, equipment, etc., and maintain the appearance of housekeeping areas, must perform regular inspections of resident rooms/units for sanitation, order, safety and proper performance of assigned duties.
• Must be willing to work harmoniously with other personnel as well as be willing to handle residents based on whatever maturity level at which they are currently functioning.
• Must possess the ability to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing housekeeping practices.
• Must be able to follow written and oral instructions concerning the mixing of cleaning compounds, liquids, disinfecting solutions, etc.
• Must be able to relate information concerning a resident's condition.
• Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.

Physical and sensory requirements

• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the work day.
• Must be able to speak and write the English language in an understandable manner.
• Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
• Must possess sight/hearing senses or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately so that the requirements of this position can be fully met.
• Must function independently and have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with the residents, personnel.
• Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this facility which include a medical and physical examination.
• Must be able to relate to and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and, at times, hostile people within the facility.
• Must be able to push, pull, move, and/or lift a minimum of twenty-five pounds.
• May be necessary to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations.