Environmental Services Worker (Housekeeper) WEEKENDS ONLY

RISK MANAGEMENT

Environmental Services Worker (Housekeeper)

Department: Environmental Services
Location: Berwick, Nova Scotia
Union: Unionized
Responsible to: Director of Facilities

Position Summary

The Environmental Services Worker supports the delivery of high-quality environmental services throughout Grand View Manor by maintaining a clean, safe, and comfortable environment for residents, tenants, visitors, and team members. The Environmental Services Worker contributes to resident quality of life by ensuring resident rooms, common areas, washrooms, equipment, and furnishings are cleaned and maintained according to established standards. The position plays an important role in infection prevention and control, workplace safety, resident satisfaction, and maintaining a welcoming environment that respects the dignity, privacy, and comfort of all residents.

Key Accountabilities

Resident Room Cleaning

• Clean resident rooms according to established schedules and procedures.
• Clean beds, bed rails, mattresses, furniture, mirrors, windows, window ledges, light fixtures, walls, pictures, chairs, and baseboards.
• Shampoo fabric chairs and clean upholstered furniture as required.
• Respect resident privacy, dignity, personal belongings, and individual preferences while performing duties.
• Report concerns related to resident room cleanliness, safety, or maintenance needs.

Bathroom Cleaning and Sanitation

• Complete thorough cleaning and sanitization of resident bathrooms.
• Clean tubs, sinks, toilets, mirrors, walls, floors, vents, fixtures, and related surfaces.
• Replenish paper products, soap, and other supplies as required.
• Follow infection prevention and control standards when cleaning and disinfecting resident care areas.

Floor Care and Facility Maintenance

• Sweep, mop, scrub, strip, wax, buff, and polish floors using approved equipment and procedures.
• Operate Taskis, vacuums, carpet extractors, and other cleaning equipment safely and effectively.
• Maintain cleanliness of corridors, common areas, entrances, exits, nursing stations, and assigned work areas.
• Check exit doors when used and report any concerns.

Cleaning and Sanitation

• Collect garbage and recycling throughout the shift and ensure timely disposal.
• Participate in departmental cleaning schedules and sanitation programs.
• Clean and maintain hopper rooms, housekeeping carts, storage areas, and utility rooms.
• Ensure all cleaning equipment and supplies are properly cleaned, stored, and maintained.
• Follow infection prevention, environmental cleaning, and workplace safety standards.

Equipment and Supply Management

• Maintain a clean, organized, and properly stocked housekeeping cart.
• Monitor inventory levels and report supply shortages to the appropriate supervisor.
• Report damaged equipment, maintenance concerns, or unsafe conditions promptly.
• Demonstrate proper care and handling of all cleaning equipment and supplies.

Teamwork and Communication

• Read and review Environmental Services communication logs, communication boards, and assigned notices at the beginning of each shift.
• Communicate effectively with Nursing and other departments regarding room access, cleaning schedules, and resident needs.
• Work collaboratively with Environmental Services team members and other departments.
• Follow oral and written instructions accurately and efficiently.
• Demonstrate flexibility in performing assigned duties and learning new tasks.
• Participate in orientation, training, and educational opportunities as required.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education Required:

• Grade 10 education or equivalent.

Experience Preferred:

• Previous housekeeping, environmental services, hospitality, healthcare, long-term care, or commercial cleaning experience.
• Experience operating commercial cleaning equipment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to read, write, and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to complete routine cleaning and sanitation duties independently.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to organize work effectively and manage competing priorities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of WHMIS, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and safe chemical handling practices.
• Knowledge of infection prevention and control practices is considered an asset.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding residents and organizational information.
• Commitment to resident-centered service and quality outcomes.
• Willingness to learn new skills, procedures, and equipment operation.

Working Conditions

Physical Demands

• Frequent standing and walking throughout the shift.
• Frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling of cleaning equipment, supplies, garbage, and linen.
• Frequent bending, twisting, reaching, kneeling, squatting, and repetitive movements.
• Ability to move furniture and equipment as required.
• Ability to safely operate cleaning equipment and tools.

Mental Demands

• Ability to maintain attention to detail while working independently.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and complete work within established timelines.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and operational needs.
• Ability to follow detailed cleaning schedules and procedures.

Environmental Conditions

• Exposure to cleaning and disinfecting chemicals.
• Exposure to bodily fluids and infectious materials in accordance with infection prevention protocols.
• Exposure to varying temperatures, odors, noise, and cleaning equipment.
• Work performed throughout resident care areas, common spaces, administrative areas, and service departments.

Interpersonal Relationships

The Environmental Services Worker maintains positive and professional working relationships with:

• Residents and families
• Environmental Services team members
• Nursing and clinical staff
• Food Services staff
• Maintenance staff
• Leadership team members
• Volunteers, visitors, contractors, and community partners

Teamwork, communication, and mutual respect are essential to providing exceptional resident care and service.

Core Competencies

• Resident-Centered Service
• Infection Prevention and Control
• Environmental Cleaning and Sanitation
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Accountability
• Communication
• Attention to Detail
• Adaptability
• Professionalism
• Time Management
• Workplace Safety
• Continuous Learning