ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES - HOUSEKEEPING

Humboldt County Memorial Hospital•Humboldt, IA

16h•Onsite

About The Position

The Environmental Services Technician cleans and disinfects assigned hospital areas to maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for patients, visitors, and staff. Under general direction, the role performs routine cleaning of patient rooms, nursing units, offices, clinical areas, waiting areas, lobbies, lounges, restrooms, and corridors; cleans furniture and equipment; vacuums carpets; empties trash; and replenishes supplies. The technician also launders hospital linen, collects dirty laundry from patient areas, and distributes clean linen and gowns to the appropriate units. Work includes detailed or terminal cleaning of operating rooms according to checklists or instructions from OR personnel, and use of appropriate chemicals and supplies according to procedure. The position is full-time, scheduled for 40 hours per week: five 8-hour days, generally 8:00 AM–4:30 PM, with flexible hours. Weekend rotations occur every 6–8 weeks, and holidays are rotated. The employee may be assigned day, evening, or night shifts. The role requires adherence to infection-control and safety practices, patient confidentiality, organizational policies, quality standards, and professional conduct. The technician is expected to complete work promptly, maintain equipment, assist visitors when requested, and participate in required education, training, meetings, and quality-improvement activities. The work takes place in a physically demanding, high-stress hospital environment. It involves exposure to blood and body fluids, communicable diseases, chemicals, radiation, and repetitive motion. Physical tasks include pushing and pulling heavy objects, lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds, and reaching, bending, stooping, and handling objects.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Ability to communicate effectively in English.
Knowledge of environmental services.
Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
Ability to determine an appropriate course of action in more complex situations.
Ability to work independently, exercise creativity, pay attention to detail, and maintain a positive attitude.
Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and prioritize work schedules.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of medical, financial, and legal information.
Ability to complete assignments accurately and on time.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and/or in writing.
Ability to handle difficult situations involving patients, physicians, or others professionally.
Ability to read and understand equipment operation manuals and carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions.
Ability to perform the stated physical demands, including lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

Clean assigned hospital areas, including patient rooms, nursing units, offices, clinical areas, waiting areas, lobbies, lounges, restrooms, and corridors.
Perform terminal and detailed operating-room cleaning according to checklists or instructions from OR personnel.
Launder linen as needed; collect dirty laundry from patient areas and distribute clean linen and hospital gowns to the appropriate units.
Clean furniture and equipment, vacuum carpets, and clean and maintain carpeted and tiled floors using assigned equipment.
Empty trash and replenish supplies.
Select and use appropriate chemicals and supplies according to procedure.
Use and maintain equipment properly and follow infection-control practices, including hand washing, Standard Precautions, and isolation precautions.
Complete assignments in a timely manner and maintain departmental quality standards.
Assist visitors with directions when requested and introduce oneself to patients, families, and visitors.
Report safety hazards and observe safety and age-specific safety precautions.
Cooperate with other personnel to achieve departmental and organizational objectives and maintain good employee relations.
Participate in educational programs, trainings, in-service meetings, workshops, staff meetings, and performance and quality-improvement activities.
Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with agency policies, regulatory requirements, and professional standards.
Perform other duties as assigned.