Housekeeping Aid (Leader)

Veterans Health Administration•Bronx, NY

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is located within Environmental Management Services (EMS) at a Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Generally aligned under the Housekeeping Supervisor, the position supports EMS goals and objectives related to the environment of care, textile distribution, and training. It serves as a working leader for housekeeping operations, leading three or more employees while also performing the full range of housekeeping duties. The role has no formal disciplinary authority over staff. The leader conveys instructions from the Supervisor, checks that assigned work is completed, coordinates projects with nurses and other area supervisors, sets task pace, demonstrates methods, and directs employees in the proper use of cleaning supplies and equipment. The role trains employees in procedures, techniques, workload expectations, and safety; reports employee progress to the Supervisor; and recommends remedial training or other action as appropriate. Housekeeping work includes cleaning a variety of medical-center areas, such as outpatient surgery and clinics, central sterile and clean rooms, patient areas, laboratories, pharmacies, offices, isolation rooms, corridors, stairwells, and restrooms. Duties include dust and damp mopping; emptying general and medical waste receptacles; washing walls and cleaning fixtures and surfaces; replenishing restroom supplies; making beds and turning mattresses; and scrubbing, stripping, refinishing, and polishing floors with hand-operated and industrial equipment. The employee may also lead textile distribution and inventory, uniform management, and the Patient Assistance Program; move furniture; and set up conference rooms. Other duties may be assigned. The work schedule is 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Sunday through Thursday. Work takes place in areas including operating, treatment, examination, and imaging rooms, wards, and public, recreational, and administrative spaces, and may be performed indoors or outdoors. Physical demands include occasional bending, stooping, crouching, and kneeling; lifting up to 50 pounds; and spending approximately 40 percent of the time standing, 40 percent walking, and 20 percent sitting.

Requirements

Provide evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality to demonstrate the ability to perform the work; no specific length of training or experience is required.
Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties, supported by detailed descriptions on the resume.
Meet the position's screen-out requirement and be assessed on dexterity and safety; interpreting instructions and specifications; leading or supervising; using and maintaining tools and equipment; and work practices.
Be a U.S. citizen, except that non-citizens may be appointed when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
Be suitable for Federal employment, as determined by a background investigation.
Undergo pre-appointment urinalysis if tentatively selected for a testing-designated position; refusal results in denial of employment.
Meet Selective Service registration requirements if a male born after December 31, 1959.
Complete the online onboarding process and provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements.
Serve a one-year probationary period.
Receive the annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons; employees with an exemption must wear a face mask.

Responsibilities

Lead three or more Housekeeping Aids and other assigned employees while performing the full range of housekeeping tasks.
Communicate the Supervisor's instructions to employees and validate completion of assigned work.
Coordinate projects with nurses and other area supervisors to ensure timely and successful completion.
Set the pace of tasks, demonstrate methods and techniques, and direct employees in the proper use of cleaning supplies and equipment.
Train employees in proper procedures, techniques, expected outcomes, workload, and safety practices.
Report employee progress to the Supervisor and make recommendations regarding work progress, policy or procedure infractions, and remedial training needs.
Perform housekeeping duties throughout the Medical Center, including cleaning surfaces and designated clinical, patient, office, and public areas.
Dust mop and damp mop; empty general and medical waste receptacles; wash walls; clean fixtures and surfaces; replenish restroom supplies; make beds; and turn mattresses.
Scrub, strip, refinish, and polish floors using hand-operated and industrial equipment.
As required, lead textile distribution and inventory management, uniform management, and the Patient Assistance Program.
Move furniture and set up conference rooms for meetings, training, or other events as required.
Perform other duties as assigned.