Summary This entry level (trainee) position is located in the Environmental Management Service (EMS of the Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital is a Complexity Level la VHA facility. The primary purpose of this position is to perform work in situations which provide training to develop skills and knowledge of the position at the journeyman Housekeeping Aid level, as outlined in the full performance level position of Housekeeping Aid, WG-3566-02 Responsibilities The Housekeeping Aid works under the general supervision of the first line supervisor and/or work leader, or designee. He/She receives orientation, training on new equipment, hazardous materials, infection control and universal precautions. Additional on the job training is provided. This position is involved in cleaning offices, storerooms, corridors, stairways, dormitories, hospital rooms and wards, and other areas. At this level, the incumbent will sweep, dry mop, scrub, wax and polish floors, using brooms, mops, lightweight vacuum cleaners, and lightweight floor scrubbers and buffers. The incumbent will polish door knobs and other metal fixtures, wash walls, windows, and blinds that can be reached without climbing ladders or scaffolds. In living quarters and hospital rooms and wards, the incumbent will make beds and change linens; collect soiled linen and places them at a pickup point; receive clean linen and deliver it where directed, using a hand-truck. The incumbent will keep restrooms in clean, orderly, and sanitary condition; sweep, scrub, and wax the floors. Clean, disinfect, and deodorize lavatories, urinals, and toilet bowls. Clean mirrors, sinks, and water fountains. Dust ledge and woodwork; replace deodorizers, toilet tissue, hand towels, and soap. Note condition of restroom and report to the supervisors of any broken windows, water leaks, clogged drains, and other conditions requiring maintenance. The incumbent will keep a stock of cleaning materials and equipment needed to do the work. Notify the supervisors when more materials are needed or when equipment is in need of repair or replacement. Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Subject to shift changes, weekends, and Holiday work as needed. Sun-Sat, 6:00am-2:30pm, 7:00am-3:30pm, , 3:30pm-12:00am ; 1:30pm-10:00pm; or 10:00pm-6:30am Candidates must be willing to work weekends, irregular work hours and extended hours if determined by the needs of the service. Furthermore, candidates must be willing to be placed, detailed, or temporarily assigned to other related services and/or locations, if necessary. Available shifts will be discussed at interview. Position Description Title/PD#: Environmental Services Technician (Housekeeping Aid)/PD00003A Physical Requirements: The position requires performance of work which involves light physical effort, such as that involved in using vacuum cleaners and dry mops; continually standing, bending, stooping and reaching; frequently lifting and emptying waste baskets; frequently pushing carts loaded with waste; and lifting and carrying items weighing up to 20 pounds. Also performs work which involves moderate to heavy physical effort, such as required to move heavy equipment and furniture, i.e., heavy industrial vacuum cleaners, heavy duty floor scrubbers and buffers, couches, beds, etc., and lifting, carrying and/or moving items weighing up to 40-50 pounds. Working Conditions: Usually works indoors in areas which normally have adequate heat, light, and ventilation. Will be exposed to vibration from heavy equipment and to skin irritations from strong cleaning solutions used in stripping floors, etc., as well as subject to cuts and bruises. Continually exposed to dust, dirt and disagreeable odors, and is frequently exposed to organic material which may be contaminated and/or infectious and require special handling. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. EXPERIENCE: A specific length of training and experience is not required, but you must show evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality of your ability to do the work of this position. Evidence which demonstrates you possess the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of this position must be supported by detailed descriptions of such on your resume. Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards. SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT: Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element, which usually appears as question 1 in the on-line questionnaire. Those applicants who appear to possess at least the minimal acceptable qualification requirement are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated. The potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements: Dexterity and Safety Follow Directions Handle Weights and Loads Reliability And Dependability Special Aptitude - Housekeeping Work Work Practices Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. Education Additional Information Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act. participation in the seasonal influenza program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.