Laundry Assistant

Primary Purpose of this Position

The primary purpose of this position is to perform the day-to-day activities of the laundry department as directed by the Laundry Supervisor to assure that an adequate supply of linen is on hand at all times to meet the needs of the residents.

Duties and Responsibilities

Administrative Functions

• Label or mark personal articles of clothing(blankets, sweaters, etc.)for laundry with identifying information including name, barcode or reference number as appropriate.
• Record production and inventory information in accordance with facility policies(i.e., pounds of laundry, loads, etc.).
• Prepare linen and supply order to meet established par levels as directed by the Laundry Supervisor to replenish stock and/or replace frayed or torn items.
• Attend department and staff meetings as directed or called.
• Coordinate daily laundry service with nursing services when performing routine assignments in resident living areas.
• Perform specific tasks in accordance with daily work assignments; non-routine assignments as directed.
• Complete maintenance work orders or service tickets for any malfunctioning equipment.
• Report all accidents/incidents to your supervisor no matter how minor they may be. (Note: Such occurrences must be reported on the shift in which they occur.)

Laundry Functions

• Collect, sort and weigh soiled laundry, linen, garments, etc., and place in appropriate containers or assigned areas; maintain sanitary conditions providing separation between clean and dirty items.
• Discard waste/trash into proper containers and reline trash receptacle with plastic liner.
• During emergency conditions, assure that clean laundry, linen, garments, etc., are distributed to designated areas as instructed
• Fold, count, stack, hang and distribute clean laundry, linen, garments, etc., to residents daily and/or as instructed.
• Assist in the search for missing articles of clothing or personal items of residents and report findings.
• Perform assigned tasks in accordance with established laundry procedures and facility policies.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Press/iron garments as instructed by supervisor; record billable services per facility policy guidance.
• Remove dirt dust, grease, film, etc., from equipment or floor surfaces using proper cleaning/disinfecting solutions.
• Ensure that an adequate supply of laundry/linen supplies is maintained in laundry/linen closets to meet the daily needs of the residents; replace worn items in accordance with facility policies and protocols.

Staff Development Functions

Attend and participate in annual facility in-service training programs as scheduled.

Safety and Sanitation Functions

• Dispose of hazardous waste in accordance with established infection prevention and sanitation procedures.
• Ensure that assigned work areas are maintained in a clean, safe and sanitary manner.
• Follow established Life Safety Code and infection prevention and control policies and procedures.
• Keep work/assignment areas free of hazardous objects, unnecessary equipment, supplies, etc.
• Other(s) that may become necessary/appropriate to assure that the laundry department is maintained in a clean, safe and sanitary manner.
• Report all hazardous conditions or equipment to your supervisor; use lockout/tagout as appropriate.
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and supplies when handling infectious materials.
• Wear and/or use safety equipment and supplies (e.g., back brace, mechanical lifts, etc.) when lifting or moving heavy objects; follow facility ergonomics protocols.

Equipment and Supply Functions

• Assist others in proper lifting of heavy equipment, supplies, etc., as directed or requested.
• Maintain clean work area including supply carts, equipment, etc., as necessary or directed.
• Ensure that equipment is cleaned and properly stored at the end of the shift; document as necessary.
• Clean the lint screen for each commercial dryer at a minimum of each shift and when necessary.
• Keep supervisor informed of supply needs; make recommendation regarding safety and efficiency.
• Keep work area(s) free of hazardous conditions(i.e., spills, excess laundry carts, baskets, supplies, equipment, etc.); maintain clear egress path in accordance with Life Safety Code.
• equipment, etc.); maintain clear egress path in accordance with Life Safety Code. Report all equipment malfunctions or breakdowns to your supervisor as soon as practical.

Resident Rights Functions

Knock before entering a resident's room, introduce yourself and explain the purpose of your visit.

Duties and Responsibilities

Turn in all found articles to your supervisor; assist with missing article searches.

Working Conditions

• Works in all areas of the facility.
• Moves intermittently during working hours.
• Is subject to frequent interruptions and may need to reschedule laundry activities.
• Is involved with residents, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, etc., under all conditions and circumstances.
• Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, personnel and visitors.
• Communicates with laundry personnel and other facility personnel.
• Works beyond normal working hours and on weekends and holidays when necessary as well as in other positions as needed.
• Is subject to call back during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster, etc.).
• May be required to work on shifts other than the one for which hired.
• Attends and participates in continuing education programs.
• Is subject to injury from falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the workday as well as to reactions from dust, disinfectants, tobacco smoke and other air contaminants
• □Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including TB and the AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses.
• May be subject to the handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals.

Education

Must possess, as a minimum, an 8th grade education.

Experience

None required. On-the-job training provided.

Specific Requirements

• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions, follow instructions and accept constructive criticism.
• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel and the general public.
• Must maintain the care and use of supplies, equipment, etc., and maintain the appearance of laundry areas for sanitation, order and safety.
• Must be willing to work harmoniously with other personnel as well as be willing to handle residents based on whatever maturity level at which they are currently functioning.
• Must possess the ability to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing laundry practices.
• Must be able to follow written and oral instructions concerning the mixture of cleaning compounds, liquids, cleaning instructions, etc.
• Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.

Physical and Sensory Requirements (with or without the aid of mechanical devices)

• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Must be able to speak and write the English language in an understandable manner.
• Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
• Must possess sight/hearing senses or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately so that the requirements of this position can be fully met.
• Must function independently, have flexibility, personal integrity and the ability to work effectively with residents and personnel.
• Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this facility which include a medical and physical examination.
• Must be able to relate to and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset and, at times, hostile people within the facility.
• Must be able to push, pull, move and/or lift a minimum of 25 pounds to a minimum height of 5 feet and be able to push, pull, move and/or carry such weight a minimum distance of 50 feet.
• May be necessary to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations.

Job Position Analysis Information

(1) Risk Exposure to Blood/Body Fluids Column:

A check mark entered into this column indicates the risk potential of your exposure to blood or body fluids. Established procedures identify the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) that you should use when performing this task.

(2) Essential Functions Column:

A check mark entered into this column indicates that you may be required to perform this task.

(3) Safety Factors Column:

RM = Repetitive Motion:


A "RM" in this column indicates that it will be necessary for you to perform some functions of this task repeatedly. When such tasks are not performed properly injury can result. Established procedures identify the precautions and/or equipment that should be used.

WL = Minimum Weight Lifting Requirement:

A "WL" in this column indicates that it will be necessary for you to perform functions of this task that require some lifting, moving, pushing or pulling. When such tasks are not performed properly injury can result. Established procedures identify the precautions and/or equipment that should be used when performing this task. Minimumweight lifting requirements that you must perform are located in the "Physical and Sensory Requirements" section of this job description.

SB = Prolonged Sitting, Standing and Bending:

A "SB" in this column indicates that some functions of this task require you to sit, stand or bend for an extended period of time. When such tasks are not performed properly injury can result. Established procedures identify the precautions and/or equipment that should be used when performing this task.