Environmental Services Worker - Career Profile |
Career OverviewThe environmental services worker is primarily responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and appearance of the hospital or healthcare facility. This may involve actually cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing the various areas of the hospital or care facility as well as keeping records and following protocol and procedures for work.
The environmental services worker will work under the supervision of the departmental administrator and must be able to follow written and verbal instructions regarding proper procedures.
The environmental services worker may be required to mix cleaning and disinfecting chemicals and needs to be able to follow detailed instructions. In addition he or she may be required to help develop and establish cleaning routines in conjunction with other hospital, staff and patient routines to ensure that all areas of the hospital are clean and sterile.
The environmental services worker may be required to complete minor repairs or to move supplies to one area of the hospital or facility to another. This is usually done with the use of carts or motorized equipment but an environmental services worker should be in overall good physical condition. Each facility and unit will have slightly different job requirements for the environmental services worker.
The environmental services worker must be able to work as in a team environment and should have an ability to attend to details in his or her work. They should be familiar with all safety issues regarding cleaning and mixing of the cleaning compounds and should be willing to work various shifts and schedules as required.
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Career RequirementsAn environmental services worker will usually be required to have a high school diploma or equivalency. He or she should be able to read and follow detailed instructions and should have experience working in hospital settings. Experience with various types of cleaning equipment including power waxers and floor strippers are considered an asset for hiring.
An environmental services worker also needs to be aware of safety procedures and basic hospital protocols when working on the various units or areas of the hospital.
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Job OutlookThe increasing number of hospitals and healthcare facilities that are being built across the United States will lead to an increase in the number of jobs offered in environmental services. The job is considered an entry level position and due to the minimal requirements for hire there are good possibilities for job seekers to move into these positions.
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Career TrackAs with most entry level positions there is always the possibility to move into management or supervisory roles within the environmental services department. Since there is a need for qualified and experienced environmental services workers some individuals may choose to start their own cleaning company and bid on work either in the whole facility or in particular departments or areas of the hospital or healthcare facility.
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CompensationThe average wage for environmental services worker in medical and surgical hospitals is $18,770 per year. Those environmental services workers with management or supervisory duties may increase their yearly income to $24,000 to $30,000.
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