Environmental Services Worker

Position Scope:

The Environmental Services Worker is responsible for maintaining a clean, safe environment in which to work and live, and the efficient operation of the laundry. The Environmental Services Worker will practice and support the psychosocial rehabilitation philosophy model.

This position reports to the Manager, Support Services.

Principal Responsibilities:

The responsibilities of the Environmental Services Worker are to:

1. complete a variety of assigned cleaning tasks which include the washing of walls, floors, pipes, ceilings, light fixtures, washrooms, furniture, windows and fixtures;
2. receive, sort, wash, dry, iron and fold all linens and personal clothing required by staff and clients;
3. ensure sufficient linens and personal clothing are dispensed to the appropriate areas within the facility and to maintain, store and rotate clean linen supplies not in use;
4. maintain cleaning schedules in each assigned work area on a daily, weekly and yearly rotation;
5. contribute to a safe living and working environment by:
   1. recognizing and reporting unsafe situations or hazards to management;
   2. operating and maintaining all floor maintenance and laundry equipment in a safe and efficient manner;
   3. the safe and efficient use and storage of all chemicals as per manufacture's label;
   4. assisting with the collection and storage of solid waste and recyclables as required;
   5. following safe work habits at all times.
6. assist with the receipt, transport and storage of equipment and supplies;
7. work with, train and counsel client workers who are employed within Environmental Services;
8. participate in the Client Care Team on the assigned areas;
9. perform other related duties as assigned by the Manager, Support Services.

Minimum Education and Qualifications:

1. Grade XII High School Certificate or equivalent.
2. Some experience in general housecleaning and the operation of commercial laundry equipment are desirable.

Special Knowledge and Skills:

Successful completion of the Environmental Workers course and knowledge in the operation of floor maintainers and laundry equipment would be an asset.

Judgement and Initiative Required:

1. Must always demonstrate good judgement in working with clients.
2. Must be able to organize and complete the required duties with minimum supervision.

Type and Level of Supervision:

Must be able to educate, work with and supervise clients who work in Environmental Services and assist with the orientation of replacement staff, students.

Physical Demands:

This work involves considerable physical effort with the cleaning tasks and transporting of supplies. Walking, standing, sitting, bending, kneeling, reaching, pushing, pulling, climbing stairs, and carrying loads up to 40 lb occasionally.

Working Environment:

Most of the work is performed indoors. Sometimes hot and noisy. Cleaning of some areas is required during high traffic times.

Unavoidable Hazards:

Minor injuries, scrapes, cuts and burns are possible due to exposure and use of hot water, equipment, chemicals and cleaning aids. Client diagnosis and symptoms demand complete knowledge and application of crisis intervention and positive principles and practices of non-aversive behaviour changes.

Additional Information:

Wages are as per the Collective Agreement. Must be willing to attend staff training sessions. Must have empathy for the clients. Must be able to work co-operatively with all levels of staff from all departments. Honesty, integrity and willingness to accept organizational change are essential.