Environmental Services Technician (Nights)

Environmental Services Technician

At Houston Methodist, the Environmental Services Technician performs a variety of general as well as moderately complex cleaning tasks in assigned specialty areas to provide a safe and attractive environment for patients, guests, and staff. This position maintains environmental and infection control standards within established policies and procedures. In addition, the Environmental Services Technician position follows Association of Operating Room Nurses (AORN) standards for turnover and terminal cleaning of procedure rooms. This position works with floor maintenance equipment and chemicals as well as handling and interaction with hazardous materials for appropriate disposal, conference room set ups and linen distribution, collection and tracking, as appropriate.

The Environmental Services Technician interacts in a positive, professional manner with patients, family and staff. Actively participates in meetings, huddles and with other team members using positive communication. Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team focused work unit to achieve optimal results.

The Environmental Services Technician responds promptly and positively to requests for assistance with directions and information from patients, staff and visitors. Promptly responds to all assignments to create an environment that is conducive for healing. Communicates and documents any facility or patient related issues to management, as appropriate. Performs efficient room cleaning processes ensuring timely patient admissions.

The Environmental Services Technician follows department process for room cleaning and discharge inspections, as appropriate, with the goal of meeting or exceeding HCAHPS cleanliness scores. Achieves discharge, daily room cleaning and assigned area turn-around times, as appropriate. During discharge activity, tracks, logs, and notifies appropriate management of safety and repair needs for equipment. Follows policies, procedures, and safety rules. Corrects minor safety hazards and observes standard infection control precautions and complies with OSHA standards. Performs one or more of the following: follows proper cleaning/maintenance procedures for all floor types utilizing equipment, as appropriate. Collects, transports and disposes of solid/biohazard waste through proper procedures. Follows identified cleaning procedures, which may include utilizing specialty equipment, in assigned areas (e.g. surgical, procedural or isolation areas, etc.). Uses appropriate transporting techniques for clean or soiled linen and assists with quality assurance by examining, identifying and rejecting poor quality linen.

The Environmental Services Technician appropriately uses and stores chemicals, paper goods, supplies, and equipment utilized during a shift. Reports, tracks and assesses wasteful practices. Manages time effectively and prioritize department daily tasks, minimizing incidental overtime. Assumes responsibility for growth and development. Participates in continuing education and in-service programs. Actively participates in EVS shared governance, meetings or huddles by contributing ideas towards improving the efficiency and effectiveness of department processes. Fosters a positive and constructive teaching environment by engaging coworkers in learning opportunities that are valuable and in alignment with business objectives.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

Education: High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.) preferred

Work Experience: One year of experience preferred

Licenses and Certifications - Required: DOTHAZMAT Certification (DOT) -- US Department Of Transportation Hazardous Materials Certification within 90 days

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations

Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security

Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

Demonstrates the ability to access information both in the department and within the hospital system to support the department as appropriate

Multi-task oriented, ability to complete work within designated time frames

Ability to accurately and efficiently perform duties with minimal supervision

Demonstrate efficient and safe use of housekeeping equipment and chemicals

Ability to effectively communicate in a manner consistent with a customer service focus

Work Attire: Uniform Yes, Scrubs Yes, Business professional No, Other (department approved) Yes

On-Call*: On Call* No

Travel**: May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No, May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

Houston Methodist Cypress Hospital, scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2025, will be Houston Methodist's ninth hospital and will incorporate the most advanced technology available from the day the doors open. With 100 beds (at our opening; licensed for 276) and a prime location in the heart of the rapidly growing U.S. 290 corridor, the hospital will be equipped with technologically advanced innovations implemented during COVID, many of them designed to make patient communication with physicians, staff and families the very best and most effective in any health care facility. Even though the hospital won't be fully operational until 2025, we have several services and specialties opening in 2024.