Environmental Services Technician (Housekeeping Aid)
What you'd do
This position is located within the Environmental Management Services Division at the Fort Wayne, Indiana VA Medical Center, part of the Northern Indiana Healthcare System (NIHCS). The incumbent reports directly to the Housekeeping Supervisor or designated representative and is responsible for performing both janitorial and custodial services at the facility.
Major duties
At the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Environmental Services Technicians (also known as Housekeeping Aids) play a critical role in supporting our Veterans and their families. As part of our team, you'll help ensure the highest standards of cleanliness and safety, making a direct impact on the patient care experience. In this role, you'll work alongside a dedicated group-85% of our housekeeping staff are Veterans themselves. You'll perform a variety of cleaning tasks, from light tidying to heavier duties, helping to maintain a welcoming environment for all who walk through our doors. Duties include but are not limited to: Clean and sanitize patient rooms, wards, restrooms, offices, corridors, storerooms, and other areas throughout the facility. Keep supplies stocked, including paper towels, soap, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer. Sweep, mop, and scrub floors; vacuum carpets and furniture; clean windows, ceilings, and light fixtures; move furniture and climb small ladders as needed. Handle spills quickly, take out the trash, change liners, install light bulbs, and keep floors polished. Keep patient care refrigerators and ice machines clean and orderly. Make beds, clean mattresses and bed frames, and tidy patient rooms and observation spaces. Transport trash, medical waste, and recycling to collection points. Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, elevator buttons, handrails, and switches. Restock and organize cleaning carts and storage areas. Assist with setting up rooms for special events or meetings by moving and arranging furniture. Report maintenance issues or safety hazards to appropriate staff. Maintain outdoor areas by sweeping entrances, picking up litter, and ensuring walkways are clear. Respond to requests for additional cleaning or support from staff and patients. Follow all infection control policies and procedures, including proper handling and disposal of waste. Assist with linen distribution and collection throughout the facility. Provide excellent customer service to patients, visitors, and staff. You'll receive assignments and carry them out with minimal supervision, showing your reliability and initiative every day. If you're looking for a meaningful career in a supportive, Veteran-friendly environment, we encourage you to apply! Marion and Fort Wayne Campus-Various tours of duties and shifts to include weekends and holidays mornings, evenings, and overnight shifts, depending on the needs of the service. (For Example: 6:30 am - 3:00 pm; 3:00 pm - 11:30 pm; OR 11:00 pm - 7:30 am). ** Please note this is 24/7 operation and placement will be made to meet the requirement of the service. Work Schedule: 3:00pm - 11:30pm. Position Description Title/PD#: Environmental Services Technician (Housekeeping Aid)/PD91139-A Physical Requirements: The position demands continuous walking, standing, stooping, kneeling, pulling, and pushing. The work requires the occasional use of heavy powered cleaning equipment (e.g., wall washers, industrial type buffers) weighing over 50 pounds. The duties necessitate considerable dexterity, hand, foot, and eye coordination, and concentration as well as visual acuity to see dirt, dust and debris. "VA Healthcare System Serving Ohio, Indiana and Michigan (VISN 10) advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being."
What you need to qualify
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. EXPERIENCE: A specific length of training and experience is not required, but you must show evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality of your ability to do the work of this position. Evidence which demonstrates you possess the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of this position must be supported by **DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF SUCH ON YOUR RESUME**. Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards. SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT: Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element, which usually appears as question 1 in the on-line questionnaire. Those applicants who appear to possess at least the minimal acceptable qualification requirement are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated. The potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements: Dexterity and Safety Interpret Instructions, Specifications (other than blueprint reading) Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Without more than normal supervision Work Practices Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.
Before you apply
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