GOVERNMENT OF NUNAVUT
JOB DESCRIPTION
1. IDENTIFICATION
Position No.
Job Title
Supervisor’s Position
Fin. Code
96-2326
Housekeeping Assistant
Manager
Environmental Services
Department
Division/Region
Community
Location
Health & Social Services
Baffin
Iqaluit
Environmental Services
Hospital
2. PURPOSE
Main reason why the position exists, within what context and what the overall end result is.
Responsible to ensure all areas and departments of the Hospital are cleaned and maintained in
accordance with regulations, policies and departmental procedures, accreditation standards and
Infection Control practices so that the Hospital is free from contaminants and is well presented
to the general public, client and staff. The position is key member for Infection Control in the
Facility.
3. SCOPE
Describe in what way the position contributes to and impacts on the organization.
Located in The Baffin Regional Hospital and reporting to the Manager of Environmental
Services, the housekeeping assistant provides service to all other departments located within the
Hospital and is a key member of the Health Care team. The position plays a critical role in the
clinician’s efforts and the Hospital goal of preventing the transmission of pathogens.
Recognized as an essential service the housekeeping assistant ensures that the facility is
presented to the general public in a way that is representative of a Hospital that meets
Accreditation Council standards. The position serves as a motivator in infection control for staff
and insures the physical environment is a psychosomatic healing aid for patients.
As a front line staff for infection control, staff ensures that the principles of Infection control and
cross contamination are strictly adhered to. Key areas of concern include Operating Rooms as
well as two Birthing Rooms, Nursery and the Wards.
Providing service on a 24 hour basis the housekeeping assistant is must be aware of how to
safely and properly handle and dispose of Sharps and infectious medical waste.
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JOB DESCRIPTION
4. RESPONSIBILITIES
Describe major responsibilities and target accomplishments expected of the position. For a management
position, indicate the subordinate position(s) through which objectives are accomplished.
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Disposing of refuse daily in accordance with sanitation procedures
Reline trash receptacles with appropriate liners
Cleaning beds, bedside tables and over-bed tables with germicidal solution
Cleaning floors, hallways, stairways and elevator to include dry and wet mopping
Stripping, waxing and buffing using appropriate equipment and routines.
Performing appropriate procedures for mixing and usage of chemicals.
Understand and practice Workplace Hazardous Information System policies and
procedures.
Cleaning/polishing furniture, fixtures, ledges heating units etc. as instructed.
Co-ordinate daily/weekly housekeeping services with nursing services as well as other
departments to ensure routine/isolation and OR cleaning including Case Room and CSR
are adhered to.
Cleaning walls and ceilings by washing wiping, high dusting and spot cleaning.
Follow established safety precautions when performing tasks using equipment.
Assure infection control practices are maintained.
Assure housekeeping equipment and areas are clean and safely stored at the end of shift.
Check to ensure that areas of the facility are secure when duties are completed e.g. office
doors are closed and locked.
Required to participate in Hospital Disaster Plan, and fire drills
5. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Describe the level of knowledge, experience and abilities that are required for satisfactory job performance.
Must have a minimum grade IX education or equivalent
Must be able to work with little supervision
Must be able to use cleaning equipment safely and effectively
Must be able to understand and implement W.H.M.I.S (Workplace Hazardous Material
Information Systems)
Must be able to interpret Hospital/departmental procedures
Good reading and comprehension is needed
Must have good communication skills to work with other departments.
Ability to organize and prioritize work assignments.
Ability to work as a team player, in a cooperative manor
6. WORKING CONDITIONS
List the unavoidable, externally imposed conditions under which the work must be performed and which
create hardship for the incumbent. Express frequency, duration and intensity of occurrence of physical
demands, environmental conditions, demands on one’s senses and mental demands.
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GOVERNMENT OF NUNAVUT
JOB DESCRIPTION
Physical Demands
Indicate the nature of physical demands and the frequency and duration of occurrences leading to physical
fatigue.
This job is physically demanding on a daily basis. May involve physical fatigue, standing for
long periods of time. Bending and lifting on a frequent basis is required. Due to the exposure to
the natural elements of the geographical area there are times when the individual will be exposed
to extreme condition resulting in stress and physical cold.
Environmental Conditions
Indicate the nature of adverse environmental conditions to which the jobholder is exposed, and the
frequency and duration of exposures. Include conditions that disrupt regular work schedules and travel
requirements.
Exposure to chemicals and solvents frequently
Exposure to cold and freezing conditions occasionally
Exposure to vibration and noise from floor equipment frequently
Exposure to infectious matter and Bio-Hazards daily
Potential for violent situations when performing routines occasionally
Exposure to extreme heat and fire form operation of Incinerator occasionally.
Sensory Demands
Indicate the nature of demands on the jobholder’s senses to make judgements through touch, smell, sight
and hearing, and judge speed and accuracy.
Staff must be able to visually identify risks to clients and staff and report quickly
Staff must evaluate the overall needs and priority of tasks daily.
Staff must recognize Infection Control risks to patients and staff and implement corrective
action on a daily basis.
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GOVERNMENT OF NUNAVUT
JOB DESCRIPTION
Mental Demands
Indicate conditions that may lead to mental or emotional fatigue.
This position requires a high degree of mental attention for continues periods of time.
The likelihood of mental and emotional fatigue are inherent in the work process
The staff must interact with family and clients on a daily basis, the ability to maintain rational
detachment is required as a function of the position
Exposure to “trauma” situations may cause psychological distress5
7. CERTIFICATION
__________________________________________
Employee Signature
__________________________________________
Supervisor Title
__________________________________________
Printed Name
__________________________________________
Supervisor Signature
__________________________________________
Date
I certify that I have read and understand the
responsibilities assigned to this position.
__________________________________________
Date
I certify that this job description is an accurate
description of the responsibilities assigned to the
position.
___________________________________________
Deputy Head Signature
___________________________________________
Date
I approve the delegation of the responsibilities outlined herein within the context of the
Attached organizational structure.
8. ORGANIZATION CHART
Please Attach Organizational Chart indicating incumbent’s position, peer positions, subordinate
positions (if any) and supervisor position.
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GOVERNMENT OF NUNAVUT
JOB DESCRIPTION
“The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being
performed by the incumbent of this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of
all responsibilities and activities required of this position”.
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