Housekeeping

JOB SUMMARY

This is a brief synopsis of overall job duties.

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

JOB CLASSIFICATION

Housekeeper

SUPERVISION

Supervised by: Housekeeping/Laundry/Central Supply Supervisor

Supervises: None

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 16 years of age.
• Must be able to read and write English and follow oral and written directions.
• Background clearance mandatory (TB, Drug Screening, Physical).
• Must have strong communication and organizational skills.
• Must have high effective teamwork skills and want to make a difference.
• Must be a positive team player and maintain a positive attitude.
• Must be flexible in working hours and days (weekends and holidays) and be willing to work extra hours as needed.

Education- Certificates, Licenses or Registrations:

• At minimum a grade-School education.

Experience:

• 1 year of experience in housekeeping is recommended, but not required.

Personal Skills and Traits Desired:

• Good verbal and written communications skills.
• Evidence of effective problem resolution skills.
• Ability to maintain composure in stressful situations.
• Ability to make decisions and accept responsibility for the consequences.
• Ability to be organized and efficient.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability and willingness to act as a role model in conduct and appearance.
• Create and maintain positive resident and family relationships.

• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally in a team environment.
• Working knowledge of methods and procedures for sanitation principles.
• Must have a high threshold for working around and with chemicals.

Housekeeper Duties and Responsibilities include the following: (Other duties may be assigned.)

• Ensures a safe, comfortable, sanitary environment for residents, staff and visitors in accordance with Federal, State and local regulations
• Follows cleaning schedule (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.,) as outlined for housekeeping department.
• Perform day-to-day housekeeping functions as assigned.
• Perform specific tasks in accordance with daily work assignments.
• Cleans movable and stationary furnishings and fixtures daily: Dusts, spot cleans or washes, disinfects when necessary, polishes where required. This includes the cleaning of ledges, shelves, vents, fixtures, windows, mirrors, walls, ceilings, and recreational areas etc. Empties and cleans ashtrays. Empties, cleans and relines wastebaskets. Straightens or rearranges furniture as directed. Inspects furnishings for wear and defects and reports to Director of Housekeeping.
• Cleans floors: Dry mops, wet mops, sweeps, waxes, buffs, shampoos, disinfects where and when necessary. Performs emergency housekeeping where accidents occur.
• Cleans bathroom (resident, private): Cleans and disinfects all fixtures, floors, and walls as directed. Washes windows and mirrors. Replenishes bathroom supplies.
• Cleans walls, windows, doors, and ceilings: Spot cleans between washings, washes, disinfects when necessary. Walls and ceilings and ceiling fixtures are cleaned as scheduled.
• Cleans entrances and exits: Cleans as directed above for floors and walls.
• Discard waste/trash into proper containers and disinfect then reline trash receptacle with plastic liner daily.
• Deep clean vacant rooms.
• 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 isolation cleaning procedures in accordance with established infection control procedures.
• Discard infectious wastes into appropriate containers.
• Ensure that work areas are free of hazardous objects such as protruding mop/broom handles, unnecessary equipment, supplies, etc.
• Follow proper techniques when mixing chemicals, disinfectants, and solutions used for cleaning. Refer to manufacturers instructions when necessary.
• Follow established policies governing the use of labels and MSDSs. Report all hazardous conditions or equipment to your supervisor (such as missing or improperly labeled containers of hazardous chemicals).
• Ensure that established infection control and universal precautions practices are maintained when performing housekeeping duties.
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment and supplies when handling infectious materials and/or hazardous wastes or chemicals.
• Follow established hand washing procedures.
• Coordinate routine/terminal isolation procedures with nursing staff.
• Ensure that an adequate supply of housekeeping supplies is available to perform daily tasks. Report any supply need to the supervisor.
• Report any burned out light bulbs, exit lights, overhead lights, florescent lights, room call lights, etc., to your supervisor as soon as practical.
• Assist others in lifting heavy equipment, supplies, etc., as directed or requested.
• Clean work/supply carts, equipment, etc., as necessary or directed.
• Relieves laundry aide as scheduled or on a PRN basis.
• Other duties as requested.

Key Competencies

• Attention to detail
• Communication skills-verbal and written
• Decision-making
• Customer services orientation
• Teamwork

Physical and Sensory Requirements

• Strenuous physical activity involved (walking, standing, lifting).
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds; stretch arms above head; bend to clean under furniture.
• On feet most of workday.
• Pushes, pulls, lifts, cleaning equipment and supplies.
• May stand on chair or small stepladder to reach high places.
• Exposed irregularly to infection when entering resident rooms.
• Subject to reactions from heavy dust, housekeeping and disinfecting solutions.
• Subject to falls from ladders and slipping on wet floors.
• Exposed to odors.
• Subject to frequent interruptions.
• Must be able to speak and write the English language in an understandable manner
• Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
• Must function independently and have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with the residents, personnel and support agencies.
• Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this facility which include a medical and physical examination.
• Exposures to infectious diseases are possible. Employees who are immunosuppressed should be aware of the potential hazards.
• Must be able to relate to and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and at times, hostile people within the facility.
• May be necessary to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations.
• Must maintain appropriate personal hygiene and apparel for Housekeeping environment.
• May be exposed to hot/cold temperatures in the facility areas.

Contribute to facility efforts to maintain and/or improve quality of care through participation in the following:

• Attend and participate in all mandatory in-services.
• Attend and participate in all learning circles.

This job description is intended to convey the general scope of the major duties and responsibilities inherent in this position. Other tasks not listed here may be assigned by the Housekeeping/Laundry/Central Supply Supervisor and/or the Administrator. Periodic revision may be necessary to reflect changes in expectations placed on long term care by the KDADs. This job description will be reviewed and/or revised by the Housekeeping/Laundry/Central Supply Supervisor annually and as needed.