Environmental Associate II in Elkhart, Indiana at Beacon Health System

Reports to the Manager. Maintains floors using proper chemicals and process to remove stains. Removes all infectious waste containers and empties linen and trash chutes following safety procedures and standard precautions.

• MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Carpet Care and Hard Floor Care:

• Properly identify spill or stain on carpet then use the proper chemical/ technique (spin bonnet, spot, or extraction) to eliminate the spot on the carpet.
• Turn in daily assignment sheet after completion of assignments.
• Apply 5 thin coats of appropriate floor finish when stripping and 3 thin coats when scrubbing and refinishing.
• Place fans strategically to ensure faster dry time of carpet and pick up after floor is dry.
• Place mats in all patient room door ways to prevent falls before performing extraction.
• Estimate the amount of finish needed in the bucket so finish isn't wasted.
• Return all equipment that has been cleaned, chemicals and rugs to proper storage area at end of shift.
• Inform supervisor of any fans left for next shift to remove.
• Clean all kick plates as rooms are stripped or scrubbed.
• Remove all old stripper and finish from kick plates.
• Work with housekeeper responsible for area to coordinate cleaning and return of furniture.

Trash/Linen/ Infectious waste/recycle paper removal:

• Empty linen and trash chutes at least three times per shift or more if needed to prevent plugging chute.
• Pick-up all trash from all designated areas and dispose of in compactor.
• All infectious waste containers are to be removed daily and taken to truck and stacked four high.
• Chemo and pharmacy bio need to be placed next to the doors on the right side.
• White hazardous buckets will go into 55 gallon barrel on skid in trash room.
• Clean all carts as needed per shift.
• Collect recycle paper as scheduled.
• Clean trash and linen rooms daily and fill all dispensers.
• Collect cardboard and place in baler. Remove bale when full.
• Infectious waste truck to be emptied of clean containers when it arrives.
• Clean around compactor and sign log book that hangs by scale.
• Lock BIO truck and sign log after each entry to truck. Log book is in ED closet.

Set-Ups:

• Arrange tables and chairs in their appropriate room according to the set-up form.
• Check the set-up form daily, located on bulletin board, to assure all set-ups are completed in a timely manner.
• Room must be cleaned, trash removed and vacuumed prior to meeting times.
• Check for availability of video, audio and easels and report findings to supervisor.

Training/Safety Procedures:

• Understands his/her responsibilities in code situation (red, gray, etc.) and is able to respond accordingly.
• Uses standard precautions as they may affect self and others in the hospital.
• Attends 8 out of 12 scheduled staff meetings staff meetings making up any mandatory training.
• Orients new staff to work area, upon request demonstrating a positive and caring attitude.
• Carries a pager and answers any and all requests in a timely manner.
• Employee adheres to 20 minute breaks and 30 minute lunch times and utilizes the designated break areas.
• Do not take breaks in public waiting areas.

Contribute to the overall effectiveness of the department:

• Completes other job-related duties and projects as assigned.

Associate complies with the following organizational requirements:

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.
• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
• Complies with established organization and department policies.
• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

Commitment to Beacon's six-point Operating System, referred to as The Beacon Way:

• Leverage innovation everywhere.
• Cultivate human talent.
• Embrace performance improvement.
• Build greatness through accountability.
• Use information to improve and advance.
• Communicate clearly and continuously.

Education and Experience

• The knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated below are acquired through the successful completion of a high school diploma or equivalent is preferred. Must be a minimum of 17 years of age. A minimum of one year of related experience is preferred.

Knowledge & Skills

• Employee should project a positive professional image to patients/visitors and effectively communicate with employees and management regarding the needs of the Environmental Services program.
• Requires knowledge of proper chemicals to use depending upon nature of problem and surface material.
• Requires knowledge of materials commonly used in cleaning, and their basic uses.
• Requires knowledge and ability to operate equipment and tools used in major floor conditioning.
• Ability to read, write, and follow basic verbal and written instructions.

Working Conditions

• Works in a hospital and patient care environment.

Physical Demands

• Some heavy lifting (mattresses, laundry bags, and trash) which could weigh 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Some pushing of carts or equipment is also involved.
• Physical exertion routinely required for day-to-day completing of assigned duties.