Housekeeping & Laundry Supervisor

About the role

The primary purpose of this position is to supervise the day-to-day activities of the Housekeeping and Laundry Department in accordance with current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines and regulations governing our facility. The role ensures that our facility is maintained in a clean, safe, and comfortable manner and reports to the Director of Maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Supervise housekeeping and laundry staff, ensuring work/cleaning schedules are followed in accordance with established policies and infection control procedures.
• Report all accidents/incidents to the supervisor, regardless of severity, on the shift in which they occur.
• Coordinate daily housekeeping services with nursing services when performing routine cleaning in resident living and recreational areas.
• Participate in monthly QAPI meetings and any associated audits or projects.
• Attend departmental and staff meetings as directed.
• File complaints/grievances with the supervisor.
• Serve on various facility committees (e.g., Infection Control, Safety, QA) and provide written or oral reports as required.
• Evaluate and implement recommendations from established committees.
• Follow established fire safety policies and procedures.
• Follow safety precautions when performing tasks and using equipment and supplies; wear/use safety equipment (e.g., back brace, mechanical lifts) when lifting or moving heavy objects.
• Ensure assigned work areas are maintained in a clean, safe, comfortable, and attractive manner.
• Follow proper techniques when mixing chemicals, disinfectants, and cleaning solutions; refer to manufacturer’s instructions when necessary.
• Report all hazardous conditions or equipment to the supervisor.
• Ensure infection control and universal precautions are maintained when performing housekeeping procedures.
• Report missing or improperly labeled containers of hazardous chemicals to supervision.
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment when handling infectious materials, hazardous wastes, or chemicals.
• Follow established hand washing procedures and dispose of refuse daily in accordance with sanitation procedures.
• Coordinate routine/terminal isolation procedures with nursing service.
• Maintain adequate supply of housekeeping/laundry supplies in utility/janitorial closets and report supply needs to supervisor.
• Report burned-out light bulbs, exit lights, overhead lights, fluorescent lights, and room call lights to the supervisor as soon as practical.
• Clean work/supply carts, equipment, and ensure equipment is cleaned and properly stored at the end of the shift.
• Perform day-to-day housekeeping functions as assigned, including:
  • Empty and sanitize ash trays daily.
  • Clean/polish furnishings, fixtures, ledges, room heating/cooling units in resident rooms and recreational areas daily as instructed.
  • Clean, wash, sanitize, and/or polish bathroom fixtures; remove water marks from fixtures.
  • Clean windows/mirrors in resident rooms, recreational areas, bathrooms, and entrance/exit ways.
  • Clean floors (sweeping, dusting, damp/wet mopping, stripping, waxing, buffing, disinfecting) with appropriate caution/safety signs.
  • Vacuum carpets.
  • Clean walls and ceilings by washing, wiping, dusting, spot cleaning, disinfecting, and deodorizing.
  • Clean hallways, stairways, and elevators.
  • Discard waste/trash into proper containers and reline trash receptacles with plastic liners.
  • Clean vacant rooms as assigned.
  • Perform isolation cleaning procedures in accordance with infection control procedures.
  • Discard infectious wastes into appropriate containers.
• Maintain confidentiality of resident information; knock before entering a resident’s room; honor residents’ personal and property rights.
• Inform residents when moving personal possessions during cleaning; report all resident concerns to the charge nurse immediately, including allegations of abuse, mistreatment/neglect, or misappropriation of property.
• Turn in all found articles to the supervisor.

Qualifications

• Must possess, as a minimum, a 12th grade education.
• No prior experience required; on-the-job training provided.
• Must be able to understand the English language.
• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions, follow instructions, and accept constructive criticism.
• Must be able to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies, and the general public.
• Must maintain care and use of supplies and equipment; perform regular inspections of resident rooms/units for sanitation, order, safety, and proper performance of duties.
• Must be willing to work harmoniously with other personnel and handle residents at all maturity levels.
• Must possess the ability to seek out new methods and principles and 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 others in the workplace.

Physical and Sensory Requirements

• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.
• 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 enabling these senses to function adequately.
• Must function independently with flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with residents and personnel.
• Must meet general health requirements, including a medical and physical examination.
• Must be able to relate to and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and at times hostile individuals.
• Must be able to push, pull, move, and/or lift a minimum of twenty-five pounds.
• May be required to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations.