Housekeeper II

The Housekeeper II is responsible for performing a wide range of specialized and routine cleaning duties to maintain a clean, safe, and hygienic environment within the hospital. This role involves cleaning patient rooms, operating rooms, laboratories, and other critical areas requiring a higher standard of cleanliness and infection control. The Housekeeper II is expected to have a strong understanding of hospital cleaning protocols, handle more complex housekeeping tasks, and assist in training and mentoring less experienced staff.

Essential Duties

• Perform thorough cleaning and disinfection of patient rooms, including isolation rooms, operating rooms, emergency rooms, intensive care units, and other critical areas following established cleaning protocols and infection control guidelines.
• Operate and maintain various cleaning equipment, such as automatic scrubbers, floor buffers, carpet extractors, and steam cleaners.
• Perform advanced cleaning procedures, including terminal cleaning, deep cleaning of patient care areas, and specialized floor care tasks such as stripping, waxing, and buffing.
• Clean and sanitize high-touch surfaces, including bed rails, light switches, door handles, and medical equipment, to prevent the spread of infection.
• Follow proper procedures for handling and disposing of biohazardous waste, sharps, and other regulated medical waste materials.
• Respond to emergency cleaning situations, such as spills or patient discharges, promptly and effectively to ensure patient safety.
• Replenish supplies, such as soap, paper towels, toilet tissue, and hand sanitizers in patient care areas, restrooms, and common areas.
• Conduct inspections of cleaned areas to ensure they meet hospital standards and report any maintenance needs or safety hazards to the supervisor.
• Assist in training and mentoring Housekeeper I staff and new employees on cleaning procedures, equipment use, and safety protocols.
• Maintain accurate records of cleaning tasks, supply usage, and equipment maintenance in compliance with department policies.
• Participate in continuing education and training sessions to stay current with best practices, safety regulations, and infection control standards.
• Demonstrates flexibility with assignments within professional scope/duties/licensure.

Required Experience:

• Physical ability to perform tasks that involve standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Flexibility to work varying shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain confidentiality.

Preferred Experience:

• Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in floor care or environmental services, preferably in a healthcare setting.
• Knowledge of floor care techniques, equipment, and cleaning agents.
• Familiarity with safety and infection control procedures and standards.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high standards of cleanliness.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Preferred Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent

Exposure/Sensory Requirements:

Exposure to:

• Chemicals: Refer to SDS Sheets
• Video Display Terminals: None
• Blood and Body Fluids: Occasional exposure to blood and body fluids during cleaning procedures.
• TB or Airborne Pathogens: Occasional exposure to TB or airborne pathogens during cleaning procedures.

Sensory requirements (speech, vision, smell, hearing, touch):

• Speech: Required to communicate with supervisor and patients.
• Vision: Ability to see soiled carpet, digital pager messages, assignments, etc..
• Smell: Ability to detect foul odors, helpful to note presence of electrical/fire safety.
• Hearing: Ability to hear alarms, voice pager messages.
• Touch: Ability to feel heat or cold with hands.

Activity/Lifting Requirements:

Percentage of time during the normal workday the employee is required to:

• Sit: 0%
• Twist: 6%
• Stand: 33%
• Crawl: 1%
• Walk: 33%
• Kneel: 5%
• Lift: 6%
• Drive: 0%
• Squat: 10%
• Climb: 2%
• Bend: 5%
• Reach above shoulders: 5%

The weight required to be lifted each normal workday according to the continuum described below:

• Up to 10 lbs: Continuously
• Up to 20 lbs: Frequently
• Up to 35 lbs: Occasionally
• Up to 60 lbs: Occasionally
• Up to 75 lbs: Not Required
• Up to 100 lbs: Not Required
• Over 100 lbs: Not Required

Describe and explain the lifting and carrying requirements. (Example: the distance material is carried; how high material is lifted, etc.): Putting away supplies, sometimes overhead. Mops and brooms - carried 10', knee high; vacuums - carried 1', ankle high; chairs (35#) carried 10', waist high.

Maximum consecutive time (minutes) during the normal workday for each activity:

• Sit: 0
• Twist: 18
• Stand: 130
• Crawl: 0
• Walk: 155
• Kneel: 15
• Lift: 22
• Drive: 0
• Squat: 20
• Climb: 9
• Bend: 30
• Reach above shoulders: 10

Repetitive use of hands (Frequency indicated):

• Simple grasp up to 15 lbs. 
• Normal weight: 50-200#
• Pushing & pulling Normal weight: 50-200#
• Fine Manipulation: Wringing out cloths.

Repetitive use of foot or feet in operating machine control: 50 lbs of pressure - vacuum, locking carts

Environmental Factors & Special Hazards:

Environmental Factors (Time Spent):

• Inside hours: 8
• Outside hours : 0
• Temperature: Normal Range
• Lighting: Average
• Noise levels: Average
• Humidity: Normal Range
• Atmosphere:
• Special Hazards: Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical - Vacuums, floor equipment, cleaning supplies/other chemicals
• Protective Clothing Required: Goggles and gloves