Housekeeping Aide

Brown University Health, located at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, is a leading healthcare institution dedicated to providing exceptional medical care and fostering a supportive environment for patients, personnel, and visitors. The organization embodies core values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence, which serve as guiding principles in every action taken by its employees. Brown University Health is committed to equal employment opportunities and maintaining a workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment, ensuring a respectful and inclusive community for all staff and patients.

This position is for a cleaning and environmental services team member who plays a critical role in maintaining the hospital’s cleanliness, sanitation, and overall appearance. The role involves performing a variety of heavy cleaning tasks to ensure an orderly and attractive environment throughout the hospital complex. The employee will work evening shifts from 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. every other week and on holidays, with additional extra hours when required. Compensation for this role is set at $19.17 per hour.

The role demands physical stamina and attention to detail, as it includes responsibilities such as shampooing carpets, upholstery, and refinishing floors using manual and motorized devices. The employee will handle chemical solutions for cleaning and follow strict procedures for operating environmental services department (E.S.D.) equipment. Tasks also include washing and disinfecting restrooms, sinks, floors, showers, and various hospital fixtures. The position requires frequent dusting of high surfaces, including vents, lights, lockers, ceilings, and windows using ladders or other safety equipment.

Beyond routine cleaning, the role involves specialized duties such as preparing rooms for burn and radiation patients by laying protective coverings and handling biohazard wastes, including chemo waste. The employee will also take on responsibilities like rubbish and soiled linen removal, cleaning rubbish chute rooms, and maintaining equipment such as rubbish trucks and bale equipment. Maintaining the hospital’s outdoor environment by clearing sidewalks of dirt, snow, and salt falls under the scope as well.

The ideal candidate must undergo both classroom and on-the-job training to master floor, carpet, upholstery, waste disposal, operating room, and chemical handling procedures. Safety is paramount, and employees must exhibit adherence to environmental department policies and fleet risk control protocols. The role requires proficiency in operating both manual and motorized cleaning machines and performing minor maintenance tasks on equipment.

Candidates should be physically capable of handling demanding tasks, which include lifting, carrying, pushing equipment weighing up to 400 pounds, climbing ladders, and exposure to various weather conditions. Working in this position may involve exposure to unpleasant odors and potential hazards from contaminated items and improperly disposed medical waste; hence, strict safety measures and precautions are essential.

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities but requires a cooperative attitude and the ability to work as part of a team to support the department’s overall success. Brown University Health fosters an environment where staff members are expected to instill trust, value differences, collaborate effectively, and maintain a strong patient and community focus. Employees act as role models for these core success factors every day, ensuring high standards of cleanliness and safety that significantly contribute to the quality of patient care and hospital operations.