Environmental Service Assoc. 1 - 40hrs
Employer name not established · Hartford, Connecticut, United States · onsite
The Environmental Services Associate I is responsible for maintaining a clean, safe, and sanitary environment throughout the hospital. This role supports infection prevention efforts and contributes to a positive patient, family, and staff experience by delivering high-quality environmental and support services across clinical and non-clinical areas. The role requires the ability to work in all areas of a healthcare environment, including exposure to sensitive situations and materials, and the availability to work weekends, holidays, and occasional on-call shifts, as needed.
Environmental Cleaning & Infection Prevention-60%
- Clean and disinfect patient rooms, family spaces, offices, public areas, corridors, elevators, and stairwells in accordance with established protocols.
- Perform discharge/terminal cleaning of patient and family areas, ensuring readiness for new occupants.
- Collect, transport, and properly dispose of trash, recyclables, regulated medical waste, and sharps containers in compliance with safety standards.
- Follow all infection prevention guidelines, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and approved cleaning agents.
- Adhere to Safety Data Sheet (SDS) guidelines for safe handling and use of chemicals.
- Maintain floors through vacuuming, carpet shampooing, and hard floor care (e.g., stripping, waxing, buffing).
- Support cleanliness and safety of exterior areas by removing debris and maintaining entryways.
- Assist with seasonal responsibilities, including snow removal, as needed.
Operational & Support Services-15%
- Respond to routine and non-routine service requests in a timely and professional manner.
- Deliver supplies, equipment, and other items (e.g., food, materials) to designated locations.
- Assist with room and conference space set-ups, including moving furniture and equipment.
Equipment Maintenance & Safety-10%
- Perform basic maintenance on environmental services equipment (e.g., replacing vacuum bags and belts, inspecting cords).
- Identify and report equipment malfunctions, safety hazards, or facility maintenance concerns to appropriate departments.
- Ensure equipment is used and stored safely in accordance with organizational standards.
Customer Service & Team Collaboration-10%
- Demonstrate a courteous, responsive, and service-oriented approach in all interactions with patients, families, visitors, and staff.
- Collaborate effectively with team members and other departments to support hospital operations.
- Contribute to a positive team environment and participate in continuous improvement efforts.
- Demonstrate awareness of the unique needs of pediatric patient populations (neonate through adolescence).
- Interact with patients and families in a respectful, culturally sensitive, and professional manner.
- Complete required training, in-services, and departmental meetings.
Performs Other Duties as Assigned.
Education and/or Experience Required:
- Experience: 6 – 12 months of experience in environmental services, hospitality, or service field.
Education and/or Experience Preferred:
- Education: High School Diploma, GED or equivalent.
- Experience: Experience in a healthcare setting.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge:
- Principles and practices of environmental cleaning and infection prevention in healthcare settings.
- Safe handling and use of cleaning chemicals, including adherence to Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
- Hospital policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements (e.g., OSHA, CDC, Joint Commission).
- Basic operational maintenance of cleaning equipment (vacuums, floor machines, etc.).
- Age-specific considerations and developmental needs of pediatric patients (neonate through adolescent).
- Cultural awareness and sensitivity to patient and family diversity.
Skills:
- Effective communication (verbal and written) with patients, families, staff, and supervisors.
- Customer service skills with a focus on courtesy, responsiveness, and teamwork.
- Ability to follow detailed instructions and standard operating procedures accurately.
- Time management and organizational skills to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
- Basic troubleshooting and maintenance of environmental service equipment.
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities, schedules, and environmental conditions.
Abilities:
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Ability to recognize potential safety hazards and take appropriate action.
- Maintain attention to detail and quality while performing repetitive tasks.
- Respond appropriately to emergency or non-routine situations, including patient-specific needs or environmental emergencies.
- Maintain confidentiality and professionalism when interacting with patients, families, and staff.