Laundry Aide

About the role

The primary purpose of this position is to perform the day-to-day activities of the Laundry Department in accordance with current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and regulations to assure that the facility is maintained in a clean, safe, and comfortable manner.

Responsibilities

• Perform day-to-day laundry functions as assigned, including cleaning, washing, sanitizing, drying, sorting, folding, hanging, and delivering resident clothing.
• Ensure work/cleaning schedules are followed as closely as practical.
• Report all accidents, incidents, hazardous conditions, or equipment issues to your supervisor immediately.
• Coordinate daily laundry services with nursing services when performing routine cleaning assignments in resident living and/or recreational areas.
• Remove dirt, dust, grease, or film from surfaces using proper cleaning and disinfecting solutions.
• Discard waste/trash into proper containers and reline trash receptacles with plastic liners.
• Perform isolation cleaning procedures in accordance with established infection control procedures.
• Maintain assigned work areas in a clean, safe, and attractive manner, ensuring equipment, tools, and supplies are properly stored.
• Keep work/assignment areas free of hazardous objects (e.g., protruding mop/broom handles, unnecessary equipment).
• Follow proper techniques for mixing chemicals, disinfectants, and solutions, referring to manufacturer instructions when necessary.
• Follow established policies for labels, MSDSs, infection control, and universal precautions.
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling infectious materials, hazardous wastes, or chemicals.
• Dispose of refuse and infectious wastes in accordance with established sanitation procedures.
• Attend departmental and staff meetings, in-service training, and OSHA/CDC programs as directed.
• Maintain an adequate supply of laundry materials and inform the supervisor of supply needs.
• Assist in lifting heavy equipment or supplies as needed.
• Clean work/supply carts and equipment as necessary.
• Follow fire safety policies and procedures.
• Turn in all found articles to your supervisor.
• Respect resident rights, including confidentiality, knocking before entering rooms, and informing residents before moving personal possessions.

Requirements

• Minimum 8th-grade education.
• Must be at least 18 years of age or possess an executed work permit.
• Ability to understand and communicate in English.
• Ability to make independent decisions, follow instructions, and accept constructive criticism.
• Ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, and government agencies.
• Willingness to work harmoniously with others and handle residents at varying maturity levels.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions for mixing cleaning compounds and disinfectants.
• 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 English clearly and understandably.
• Must be able to cope with mental and emotional stress associated with the position.
• Must possess adequate sight and hearing (with or without prosthetics) to perform job requirements.
• Must be able to push, pull, move, and/or lift a minimum of 25 pounds.
• Must be able to assist in evacuating residents during emergencies if necessary.
• Must meet general health requirements, including a medical and physical examination.

Working Conditions

• Works in all areas of the facility, including resident rooms and laundry areas.
• Subject to frequent interruptions and may need to reschedule tasks.
• Interacts with residents, personnel, visitors, and government agencies under various conditions.
• May work beyond normal hours, weekends, holidays, or on shifts other than the one hired for.
• Subject to call-back during emergencies (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster).
• Exposure to infectious waste, diseases (including TB, AIDS, and Hepatitis B), hazardous chemicals, and odors.
• Risk of injury from falls, burns, or reactions to dust, disinfectants, and air contaminants.

Skills

• On-the-job training provided; no prior experience required.
• Ability to seek out and incorporate new methods and principles into existing practices.
• Must be able to relate information concerning a resident’s condition when necessary.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt. Reports to Housekeeping and Laundry Supervisor.