Housekeeping Aid Leader - Environmental Services Technician Leader

The Sioux Falls VA Health Care System, located in Sioux Falls, SD, is part of the VA Midwest Health Care Network and is dedicated to providing exceptional healthcare services to veterans. As a federal facility, it operates under the mission of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) which is to Honor America’s Veterans by delivering top-tier health care that enhances their health and well-being. The Health Care System embraces a Whole Health System approach, which empowers veterans to take charge of their health through personalized care plans, healing relationships, and connection to their communities. The Sioux Falls VA stands as a vital establishment within the country's healthcare infrastructure, particularly focused on serving the veteran community. The hospital offers a wide range of medical services including outpatient clinics, surgical units, laboratories, pharmacies, and inpatient care, ensuring comprehensive support for veterans' diverse medical needs. Multiple departments and service units—from sterile processing to patient care areas and administrative offices—are maintained to high standards to guarantee safety, cleanliness, and operational efficiency.

Within this esteemed institution, the Environmental Management Services (EMS) department plays a crucial role. EMS is responsible for maintaining a safe and clean environment, which encompasses housekeeping, textile distribution, and other sanitation activities that align with health and safety regulations. The position of Housekeeping Aid Leader - Environmental Services Technician Leader is located within this department and reports generally to the Housekeeping Supervisor. This role focuses on supporting the overall EMS goals and objectives by performing varied housekeeping tasks and providing leadership to a small team. The position carries great responsibility in ensuring the environment of care standards are met, which directly impacts the quality of patient care and staff safety.

As the Housekeeping Aid Leader, you will lead a team of three or more employees, guiding them through their daily duties while actively participating in housekeeping tasks yourself. Your leadership includes communicating instruction from supervisors, coordinating with nursing staff and other department supervisors, and validating that tasks are completed on time and correctly. You will be the frontline motivator who provides purpose, direction, and training to employees to meet or surpass workload and safety expectations. Furthermore, you may manage aspects of textile distribution and inventory, oversee uniform management, and support the Patient Assistance Program. Beyond task supervision, you will identify training needs and recommend remedial actions to ensure continued compliance and efficiency within the team.

The role requires hands-on cleaning of various medical center areas including outpatient surgery, clinics, sterile processing areas, patient rooms, laboratories, and administrative spaces. You will utilize a variety of cleaning methods such as dust mopping, damp mopping, waste management including medical waste, washing walls and light fixtures, and replenishing supplies like toilet tissue and soap. Bed making and mattress turning are also key duties, enhancing patient comfort and care. In addition, you will handle floor care duties using both manual and industrial equipment for scrubbing, stripping, refinishing, and polishing floors. The position necessitates occasional movement of furniture and setting up conference rooms for meetings or training events.

This permanent, full-time role operates on a Tuesday through Saturday schedule from 3:30 PM to 12:00 AM, with rotating federal holidays, providing a standard workweek with unique shift hours. The hourly pay ranges from $19.57 to $22.83 based on the WL 2 pay scale grade, with no current promotion potential. This position does not have formal disciplinary authority over staff but requires excellent interpersonal skills for effective leadership. Candidates must hold a valid U.S. state-issued driver’s license and be eligible for Federal employment as determined by background investigations. Physical requirements include the ability to lift up to 50 pounds, tolerate bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, and standing or walking for extended periods. The work environment includes exposure to cleaning chemicals, bodily fluids, communicable diseases, and interaction with medical and psychiatric patients, necessitating use of personal protective equipment.

Working in this role at the Sioux Falls VA offers the opportunity to contribute directly to the health and wellbeing of veterans by ensuring a clean and safe healthcare environment. It also provides a sense of purpose and pride in working for a federal agency dedicated to serving those who served our country. The position encourages growth through hands-on training, leadership responsibilities, and teamwork, making it a rewarding career choice for candidates passionate about environmental services and public service.