Housekeeping Aid

The Atlanta Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center, situated in Decatur, Georgia, is part of the larger U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs network dedicated to providing comprehensive health care and support services to military veterans and their families. The Medical Center operates under a mission to honor America's veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being. The facility is staffed by a dedicated team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and support staff, many of whom are veterans themselves. This environment fosters a strong community and commitment to excellence in serving those who have served the nation.

Within this esteemed institution, the Environmental Management Services Division plays a critical role. This division is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and safety of the medical environment to ensure a healthy, safe, and welcoming atmosphere for veterans, staff, and visitors alike. The division focuses on janitorial and custodial services that are vital to infection control, overall hygiene, and regulatory compliance within the medical center.

The Housekeeping Aid (Environmental Services Technician) position is a full-time, permanent role within this division at the Atlanta VA Medical Center. This role is fundamental in supporting the facility's patient care experience by keeping all patient and public areas clean and safe. The position involves performing a broad range of routine housekeeping and light to heavy cleaning duties. Typical responsibilities include cleaning patient wards, offices, corridors, restrooms, shower rooms, and storage areas. The technician is expected to handle tasks such as sweeping, mopping, scrubbing floors with machines, vacuuming carpets and furniture, removing trash, changing light bulbs, cleaning windows and walls, replenishing dispensers, and moving furniture as needed.

Working under the supervision of the Housekeeping Supervisor or their designee, the Housekeeping Aid is expected to carry out their assignments with minimal supervision. The role demands physical stamina as it involves continuous walking, standing, stooping, kneeling, pulling, and pushing, along with the occasional use of heavy powered cleaning equipment. The position also requires careful attention to safety protocols, especially when dealing with potential exposure to contagious diseases or hazardous materials.

This job provides an opportunity to work alongside fellow veterans, as approximately 85% of the housekeeping staff are veterans themselves, creating a unique atmosphere of camaraderie and shared purpose. The role operates on varied shifts including first, second, and third shifts, with schedules covering Monday through Sunday, including weekends and holidays. The pay scale for this role ranges from $18.10 to $21.11 per hour, classified under the WG-2 pay grade of the Federal Wage System.

Employment with the VA comes with a robust benefits package designed for federal employees. Benefits include health and dental insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and other valuable provisions aimed at securing employee welfare and career development.

Overall, the Housekeeping Aid role at the Atlanta VA Medical Center is more than a cleaning position; it is a vital part of the healthcare delivery system dedicated to serving veterans, ensuring their environments are clean, safe, and conducive to healing and comfort. This position is ideal for individuals committed to public service, with physical capability and a passion for supporting those who have served the country.