Housekeeper

Primary Purpose Of This Position

The primary purpose of this position is to perform the day-to-day activities of housekeeping as directed by the Housekeeping Supervisor to assure that the facility is maintained in a clean, safe and comfortable manner.

Duties And Responsibilities

Perform specific tasks in accordance with daily work assignments; document as required by facility policies.

Coordinate daily housekeeping services with nursing services when performing routine cleaning assignments in resident living and/or recreational areas.

Coordinate skill check-off verification and housekeeping-related competencies as required/directed.

Attend department and staff meetings as directed or called; arrive timely, prepared to actively participate.

Contribute to the annual facility assessment as directed; identify tools, training and resources which would increase efficiency and/or overall job effectiveness; submit workflow recommendations to supervisor.

Carry linens, towels, toilet items and cleaning supplies using proper sanitary and safety techniques (i.e., securing chemicals, covering linen(s), etc.).

Housekeeping Functions

Clean and disinfect equipment and supplies using germicides or sterilization procedures as directed.

Monitor environment for potential hazards in the course of performing routine housekeeping tasks.

Prioritize housekeeping requests involving safety issues and/or time sensitive projects including pre-arrival room checks for new admissions, spilled beverages, etc.

Clean vacant rooms as assigned; document cleaning and sanitization services per facility policies.

Ensure proper disposal of infectious waste(s) into appropriate containers as required by state/federal regulations and the facility infection prevention plan.

Discard waste/trash into proper containers and reline trash receptacle with plastic liner; service routinely and when necessary to keep containers from overflowing.

Ensure that work/assignment areas are clean and that equipment, tools, supplies, etc., are properly stored at all times as well as before leaving such areas for breaks, meal times and end of the work day.

Perform cleaning procedures in accordance with established infection prevention and control procedures.

Clean carpets by vacuuming, shampooing, deodorizing and disinfecting; report trip hazards.

Clean floors by sweeping, dusting, damp/wet mopping, stripping, waxing, buffing, disinfecting, etc.

Clean rooms, hallways, lobbies, lounges, restrooms, corridors, elevators, stairways, locker rooms and other work areas to ensure compliance with state/federal regulations and facility policies.

Clean walls and ceilings by washing, wiping, dusting, spot cleaning, disinfecting, deodorizing, etc.

Clean windows/mirrors in resident rooms, recreational areas, bathrooms and entrance/exit ways.

Clean, wash, sanitize and/or polish bathroom fixtures; ensure that water marks are removed from fixtures.

Empty wastebaskets, empty and clean ashtrays and transport other trash and waste to disposal areas.

Perform day-to-day housekeeping functions as assigned.

Perform specific tasks in accordance with daily work assignments.

Remove dirt, dust, grease, film, etc., from surfaces using proper cleaning/disinfecting solutions.

Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and supplies when handling infectious materials and/or hazardous wastes or chemicals; direct questions to supervisor or Infection Preventionist.

Working Conditions

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.

Communicates with housekeeping personnel and other department personnel.

Is subject to call back during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster, etc.).

Attends and participates in continuing education programs.

Education

Must possess a High School Education or equivalent.

Experience

None required. On-the-job training provided.

Specific Requirements

Must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language.

Must possess the ability to make independent decisions, follow instructions and 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 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.

Physical and Sensory Requirements (with or without the aid of mechanical devices)

Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.

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 residents and personnel.

Must be able to push, pull, move and/or lift a minimum of 25 pounds to a minimum height of 5 feet and be able to push, pull, move and/or carry such weight a minimum distance of 50 feet.

May be necessary to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations.