The Comprehensive Guide to Hospital Housekeeping Job Descriptions
Environmental Services is another term for the hospital housekeeping department. The workers in this department play a crucial role in ensuring that hospitals remain clean and free from contaminants.
If you’re interested in entering the field of hospital housekeeping, are supporting a doctor’s surgery, health care facility or clinic with their housekeeping, or are just curious about how the industry works, we’ve gathered a list of the common roles and responsibilities within the department.
Environmental Services Technician
Environmental Service Technicians are highly-trained professionals that handle the day-to-day housekeeping in healthcare centres. Their work is critical for preventing the spread of disease within these facilities.
Responsibilities and Duties:
- Responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of assigned areas, including patient rooms, restrooms, non-patient areas, and public spaces.
- Perform tasks including dusting, mopping, sweeping, vacuuming, wiping surfaces, and waste disposal.
- Follow infection control guidelines and utilise approved cleaning solutions for proper disinfection.
- Clean and polish fixtures, furnishings, floors, and equipment to ensure they meet health and safety standards.
- Assist in the setup and take down of equipment and furniture for special events or functions.
- Adhere to protocols for handling biohazardous waste and spillages.
- Respond to emergency clean-up situations promptly.
- Use and maintain equipment properly, including power washers, buffers, and carpet cleaning equipment.
Skills & Qualifications:
- Prior experience in a healthcare environment or cleaning role is preferred.
- Understanding of infection control and safety protocols.
- Knowledge of proper handling of hazardous materials and cleaning chemicals.
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to follow strict procedures.
- Excellent time management skills with the ability to prioritise tasks.
- Physical stamina and ability to lift, push, and pull heavy objects.
- Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Additional Information:
Many roles in hospital housekeeping may expose workers to hazardous materials and require the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Therefore, those looking to apply for a role should be comfortable working in such an environment.
Janitor
Janitors handle basic housekeeping and occasionally maintenance tasks in the hospital. They help maintain cleanliness and sanitation levels to ensure a safe, sanitary, and comfortable environment for patients, visitors, and staff.
Responsibilities:
- Perform general cleaning tasks such as sweeping, mopping, dusting, and vacuuming in various hospital areas including patient rooms, offices, restrooms, and public areas.
- Follow established protocols for using chemical cleaners and power equipment to prevent damage to floors and fixtures.
- Disinfect high-touch surfaces and objects regularly to maintain strict infection control standards.
- Restock supplies in bathrooms and janitorial closets as needed.
- Perform routine maintenance tasks, such as replacing light bulbs.
- Respond promptly to requests for special cleaning or emergency cleanups, if qualified to do so.
- Report any necessary repairs or potential hazards to the management.
Skills & Qualifications:
- Previous janitorial or custodial experience, preferably in a healthcare setting.
- Knowledge of cleaning techniques and safety procedures.
- Ability to handle heavy equipment and machinery used in cleaning.
- Ability to work independently and adhere to a schedule.
- Physical stamina and the ability to lift, push, and pull heavy objects.
- Excellent attention to detail and high standards of cleanliness.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Laundry Assistant
Laundry Assistants play a critical role in maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene standards of the hospital by providing efficient laundry services. Clean linens help prevent the spread of infection and ensure patient comfort and safety.
Responsibilities:
- Sort and classify all linen according to type and soil level, ensuring careful handling of fragile items.
- Load, operate, and unload laundry machines, such as washers and dryers, following the manufacturer's and the hospital's guidelines.
- Use appropriate detergents and sanitisers to ensure thorough cleaning of hospital linen.
- Perform routine maintenance of laundry equipment and machines, reporting any malfunction to the management.
- Fold, sort, and distribute clean laundry items to various hospital departments as required.
- Adhere to infection control and safety procedures for handling soiled linens or potentially biohazardous materials.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organised work area.
- Keep an accurate record of all laundry activities, including amounts processed, supplies used, and any issues encountered.
Skills & Qualifications:
- Previous experience as a Laundry Assistant or similar role, preferably in a healthcare setting.
- Familiarity with industrial laundry equipment and proper handling of chemicals and detergents is preferable, but training should be provided.
- Understanding of infection control and safety regulations.
- Ability to stand for extended periods and lift heavy loads.
- Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
Floor Technician
Floor Technicians ensure that all the floors in a hospital are kept sanitised and polished. They play a crucial part in ensuring a facility’s cleanliness, safety, and upkeep.
Responsibilities:
- Operate and maintain floor care equipment such as auto scrubbers, high-speed burnishers, and buffers.
- Perform daily floor care tasks including sweeping, mopping, polishing, and refinishing.
- Strip, seal, finish, and polish floors as per the cleaning schedule or whenever necessary.
- Apply appropriate cleaning processes to different types of floor surfaces.
- Identify and report potential safety hazards related to flooring and promptly respond to any spillages or other emergencies.
- Adhere to all standard procedures and safety guidelines during floor cleaning and maintenance.
- Assist in moving furniture and equipment when necessary.
- Clean and store equipment after use.
Skills & Qualifications:
- Proficiency in operating floor care equipment and using cleaning chemicals safely is preferable, but training should be provided.
- Strong knowledge of different floor types and appropriate cleaning techniques.
- Physical stamina and ability to lift heavy equipment and furniture.
- Detail-oriented with a commitment to high standards of cleanliness and safety.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and evenings.
Housekeeping Supervisor
Housekeeping Supervisors oversee teams of housekeeping staff in healthcare facilities. They ensure cleanliness standards are maintained, play a crucial role in infection control, and contribute to a safe and comfortable environment for patients, visitors, and staff.
Responsibilities:
- Oversee and coordinate daily operations of the housekeeping department.
- Ensure all areas of the facility, including patient rooms, offices, and public areas, meet cleanliness and hygiene standards.
- Train housekeeping staff on cleaning procedures, safety protocols, and usage of cleaning products and equipment.
- Conduct regular inspections of the facility to evaluate its cleanliness and maintenance.
- Monitor inventory of cleaning supplies and equipment, and reorder as necessary.
- Hire, train, and manage housekeeping staff, ensuring adherence to high standards and regulations.
- Schedule housekeeping staff shifts and duties.
- Address and resolve any issues or complaints related to housekeeping services.
- Collaborate with other departments to maintain a clean and safe environment throughout the hospital.
Skills and Qualifications:
- Familiarity with cleaning products and equipment, including knowledge of safety procedures and guidelines.
- Strong leadership and team management skills.
- Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Basic computer skills for scheduling and communication.
- Physical stamina and the ability to lift moderate weights.
Environmental Services Manager
Environmental Services Managers oversee and manage all day-to-day cleaning and housekeeping operations within a healthcare facility. They possess leadership skills, a commitment to maintaining high cleanliness standards, and a deep understanding of infection control procedures.
Responsibilities:
- Oversee daily operations of the environmental services department, including waste disposal, housekeeping and laundry.
- Develop and implement policies and procedures for the environmental services department in line with health and safety regulations.
- Coordinate with various departments to ensure efficient and effective cleaning services throughout the facility.
- Conduct regular inspections of the facility to ensure cleanliness and hygiene standards are maintained.
- Recruit, supervise, and train environmental services staff.
- Manage inventory of cleaning supplies and equipment, and place orders when necessary.
- Prepare and manage the department budget.
- Address any environmental or maintenance issues promptly and professionally.
- Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal health and safety regulations.
Skills & Qualifications:
- Previous managerial experience in a hospital environmental services department.
- Knowledge of infection control procedures and safety regulations.
- Strong leadership and team management skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Proficient in using computer systems for inventory management and reporting.
- Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to cleanliness and safety.
- Ability to multitask and manage time efficiently.
Environmental Services Director
An Environmental Services Director is the strategic head of the environmental services department. This pivotal role ensures the hospital maintains a clean, safe, and efficient environment for patients, staff, and visitors.
Responsibilities:
- Oversee the operations and personnel of the environmental services department, including housekeeping and laundry.
- Develop, implement, and evaluate policies and procedures in line with best practices and compliance with regulatory standards.
- Coordinate with other department heads to ensure integrated and efficient services.
- Direct and manage the hiring, training, and performance evaluations of staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Conduct regular inspections and audits to ensure cleanliness, safety, and compliance with infection control standards.
- Develop and manage the departmental budget, including cost control and waste reduction strategies.
- Oversee the procurement of cleaning supplies and equipment.
- Ensure the hospital adheres to local, state, and federal environmental regulations.
- Respond to and resolve complex environmental service-related issues and complaints.
Skills & Qualifications:
- High level of education, such as a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, in Business Administration, Health Administration, or a related field - or equivalent experience.
- Several years of experience in environmental services in a healthcare setting, with a track record in a managerial role.
- Knowledge of healthcare regulatory standards, especially regarding infection control and safety.
- Strong leadership and team management skills with an ability to motivate and inspire others.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organisational and strategic planning skills.
- Proficiency in using computer systems for inventory management, reporting, and planning.
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