How she shines: Lillian is a really strong communicator who is able to receive and retain information to keep the department going. She expresses her concerns and struggles if they arise. Lillian is always looking for the latest and greatest technology, such as Ultraviolet (UV) technology, Sterilizing Units, and workloading programs. She has donated multiple items slated for trash to various organizations and soup kitchens. Overall, her continuous work on her personal growth has achieved multiple certificates of completion in the leadership development areas.
Years in the industry: 4 years
Job responsibilities: Lillian cleans and services resident rooms, common spaces, work areas, and any other assigned building areas. As a mentor, she provides ample training for all new and existing employees within the Housekeeping Department. providing a sense of teamwork and team building. She offers guidance and helps with all routine questions related to the position. Lillian performs a variety of cleaning tasks to maintain the Jewish Home in a sanitary, attractive, and orderly condition, like moving furniture and equipment as needed for cleaning.
The essential functions of her role include: performing cleaning functions in assigned areas following an established schedule and prescribed methods that meet Jewish Home standards; directing departmental activities; in-servicing staff on cleaning and floor care procedures, dealing tactfully with residents and their families when approached with a problem concerning the Environmental Services (EVS) and/or laundry departments; conducting informal and on-the-job training of new employees; performing inspections of all building areas, reporting problems to the EVS Director; performing pack-up of deceased resident belongings, moving all items to the resident storage cage and including inventories of all belongins and completed paperwork; assisting with evaluation of employee work performance; dusting horizontal surfaces that collect dust; emptying waste baskets, removing trash, and cleaning baskets inside and out, using damp wipes to clean all furniture; cleaning all metal and porcelain fixtures in bathrooms; dry mopping, wet mopping, and disinfecting all floors in assigned areas; spot cleaning all walls and windows; polishing metal surfaces; cleaning fecal and urine stains as needed; replenishing all paper supplies; making beds when assigned; performing special work projects as assigned; spot cleaning carpets when assigned, assisting in cleaning of any emergency spills observed or upon request; maintaining assigned equipment and advising a Team Leader or Supervisor when repairs are needed; observing and reporting any deficiencies of equipment, furniture, or fixtures to the Director; in the case of a community disaster, assisting nursing personnel in making up extra beds and any other assigned duties; excersiing good judgement in the performance of assigned duties; and following all prescribed Occupational Health and Safety Adminsitration (OSHA) safety regulations relating to this position.
Career path: Lillian started in a housekeeping capacity, cleaning in a unit. She progressed by taking on additional responsibilities within her department and was quickly promoted to a mentor position. In this role, Lillian worked directly with the EVS staff to get them acclimated to the department and organization. She was then promoted to the Team Leader position, continuing on with the mentorship program.
Best advice received: Try hard, work hard, and it will all fall in place. And if it doesn't, keep trying and be flexible.
Fun fact: People might be surprised to learn how much Lillian really gains satisfaction from the end result of her hard work.