Environmental Services Worker

Position Overview

The Environmental Service Worker is responsible for ensuring a clean and safe environment for patients, visitors, and staff. This role requires attention to detail, the ability to work independently, and a strong commitment to providing a high level of service. Responsibilities include general cleaning assignments such as stripping and refinishing floors, carpet cleaning and extraction, trash removal, and the disposal of biomedical waste. Additionally, the Environmental Service Worker ensures the secure disposal of confidential documents in accordance with established policies.

Compensation is commensurate upon education, experience, certification, and internal equity. Hiring compensation range starts from $15.00 per hour.
The Perks and Benefits

• Collaborative environment: Work alongside dedicated healthcare professionals who share a passion for delivering high-quality care.
• Professional development: We offer ongoing training and opportunities for career advancement, including tuition reimbursement and participation in our progressive Career Pathways Program.
• Impactful work: Help ensure patient safety and contribute directly to positive patient outcomes in our community.
• Location perks: Boone, North Carolina, located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, offers exceptional outdoor activities like biking, hiking, kayaking, skiing, and more. Enjoy great shopping, fine dining, breweries, wineries, and cultural attractions in Boone, Blowing Rock, and Linville.
• Top-tier community: Boone boasts a top-rated North Carolina public school system and is home to Appalachian State University. Recognized as a top destination by Forbes, Southern Living, and Niche, Boone is ideal for families, professionals, and retirees alike.
• Compensation is commensurate upon education & experience - range is $15.00 /hour or more (depending on education & experience). Benefits begin the first of the month following 60 days of employment from the new hire orientation date. This position is a non-exempt position.
• Comprehensive benefits package includes health, dental, and vision insurance as well as HSA.
• Supplemental insurance options include short- and long-term disability insurance, accidental insurance, life insurance, hospital indemnity insurance, critical illness insurance, identity theft protection, and legal insurance.
• Student loan refinancing benefit and college savings fund, as well as tuition reimbursement for qualifying employees.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match.
• Paid time off - front-loaded for the first year for qualifying part-time and full-time employees (amount based on status and FTE at the time of hire) - paid time off accrual begins following the first year of employment. A cash-out option is also available for qualifying employees by meeting specified criteria.
• Paid parental leave - qualifying employees are eligible to use two (2) weeks of paid parental leave anytime during the first six (6) months following the birth or adoption of a child, to be taken consecutively.
• Employee wellness program - Love Your Life - award-winning voluntary wellness program available for UNC Health Appalachian employees. Employees enrolled on the organization's health plan can enroll with our health screening (biometrics and labs) and earn program incentives. Employees who are not enrolled on the organization's health plan can participate in online wellness activities for a chance to earn quarterly prize drawings.
• Employee to Employee (E2E) program - Caring for our own. A program solely funded by voluntary employee donations to assist co-workers experiencing unexpected financial hardship.
• Additional employee perks include discounted rates for Dollywood, Biltmore, Tweetsie Railroad, etc. (subject to change).
• Take a virtual tour of our new Schaefer Family Patient Care Tower by clicking here.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform general cleaning assignments, including sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, dusting, and sanitizing surfaces.
• Strip and refinish floors, perform carpet cleaning and extraction, and handle biohazardous and general waste disposal.
• Safeguard and remove confidential documents to secure holding areas.
• Ensure compliance with infection control procedures and hospital sanitation guidelines.
• Restock cleaning supplies and notify supervisors of needed replacements.
• Collaborate with hospital staff to maintain a safe and sanitary environment.
• Follow safety protocols, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Assist in emergency response cleaning situations as needed.

Position Requirements
Minimum Education:

• High School Diploma or GED preferred but not required.

Experience:

• Prior experience in environmental services or a healthcare setting preferred.

Required Registration/License/Certification:

• None required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate courteously and effectively with the public, patients, families, staff, and physicians.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to follow established cleaning protocols.
• Must be able to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to read, write, and count.
• Ability to demonstrate exceptional customer service to patients, families, staff, and physicians.
• Knowledge of infection control procedures and hospital sanitation regulations.

Physical Demands

• Manual dexterity and mobility required.
• Prolonged, extensive, or considerable sitting/standing/walking.
• Frequent bending, squatting, twisting, and turning.
• Near acuity - ability to see clearly at 20 inches or less.

Working Conditions

• Regularly exposed to the risk of bloodborne diseases.
• Frequently exposed to hazards from electrical, mechanical, or power equipment, odorous chemicals, and unpleasant elements such as accident, injury, slippery surfaces, and uneven surfaces.
• Frequently lifts, carries, pushes, and/or pulls over 50 lbs.
• Frequently per hour: bends, squats, kneels, twists, turns, and reaches.
• Frequently per hour: close eye work.
• Infrequently per shift: possible exposure to ionizing/non-ionizing radiation (including X-ray and microwave).

About UNC Health Appalachian
It's official - UNC Health Appalachian earned an "A" in the fall 2023 Leapfrog Patient Safety Grades! UNC Health Appalachian, the leader for healthcare in the High Country, comprises three hospitals, 13 medical practices, Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation. UNC Health Appalachian stays committed to promoting health in the High Country, enhancing quality of life, and simply "making life better."

About UNC Health
UNC Health is a state entity and an affiliated enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses and more than 500 clinics along with the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine (SOM). It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve and to further the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina SOM. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided more than $400 million in uncompensated or charity care to the citizens of North Carolina. Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognition for quality care, patient safety and the overall patient experience. For more information, please visit unchealth.org.

UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. We value a workforce that reflects a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, as it enhances our ability to provide outstanding care. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. UNC Health Appalachian is committed to providing a fair and inclusive hiring process and a workplace where all team members feel respected and empowered. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us.

Employment at UNC Health Appalachian is contingent upon successful completion of a background and drug screen. For accommodations or additional information, contact arhsrecruitment@unchealth.unc.edu.