Summary

The Laundry Worker works in the Laundry and Dry Cleaning Section of the Environmental Management Service at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. The employee receives intensive on-the-job training for a variety of tasks and may work any of the approved shifts and/or work areas. Duties may include working on both the soiled linen side as well as the clean or finish side of the laundry area.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position - applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. EXPERIENCE: A specific length of training and experience is not required - but you must show evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality of your ability to do the work of this position. Evidence which demonstrates you possess the knowledge - skills - and ability to perform the duties of this position must be supported by detailed descriptions of such on your resume. Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards. SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT: Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element - which usually appears as question 1 in the on-line questionnaire. Those applicants who appear to possess at least the minimal acceptable qualification requirement are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated. The potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements: Dexterity and Safety Interpret Instructions - Specifications (other than blueprint reading) Materials Operation of Equipment/Machinery Reliability And Dependability Technical Practices Work Practices Preferred Experience: No previous industrial laundry work experience is necessary. Incumbent must possess the ability to visually read directions and signs. Incumbent must have the ability to communicate effectively with hospital staff - patients - and visitors. Performs duties in accordance with standard operating procedures and policies in addition to general instructions from the supervisor and Environmental Management Section. Incumbent must be able to interpret and follow written and oral instructions. Incumbent must possess the ability to work with limited supervision following all safety precautions. Incumbent must be understanding and tolerant of the temperament of patients - visitors - and employees. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience - including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g. - Peace Corps - AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g. - professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies - knowledge - and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience - including volunteer experience. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination. The work requires continuous body and arm movement - walking - standing - twisting - bending and pushing. Incumbent must be able to lift up to 50 pounds - be able to work from a ladder - and be able to push loaded carts through hallways and on/off elevators. Must be able to visually inspect linens and be able to hear bells and alarms on equipment. Working Conditions: Laundries are extremely noisy and usually hot and humid. Workers are exposed to the possibility of bruises from carts or machinery. If required to sort laundry from patients with contagious diseases - workers wear protective masks - gloves - and gowns. When working in the receiving area the employee may be exposed to drafts from open doors.

Duties

• Duties include: Operates hydraulic cart dump machine - digital scale - conveyor and pneumatic rail system
• Removes and transports soiled linen throughout the hospital and designated laundry chute rooms
• Empties linen bags and sorts linen into the proper bins while wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Folds rough dry linens
• pajamas - gowns - bathrobes - blankets - washcloths - mattress pads - etc
• Vigilantly inspects surgical linens for stains and imperfections - and removes all lint
• Operates equipment such as ironer - blanket folder - small piece folder and TS delivery system
• Shakes out - straightens and feeds linen into the spreader and flatwork ironer - blanket machine and small piece folder
• Stacks in prescribed numbers and proper areas
• Prepares linen packs for autoclave in Sterile Processing Section (SPS)
• Assembles and wraps Operating Room (OR) linens according to specifications
• Delivers and restocks clean linen throughout the hospital
• Cleans and inks marking machine as required
• Performs other related duties as assigned
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 4:45am - 1:15pm Position Description Title/PD#: Laundry Worker/PD60266A and PD60267A Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level - WG-2 - without further competition when all regulatory - qualification - and performance requirements are met
• Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level
• The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers
• This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest
• As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care - you will operate in a model with three core elements - seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran
• This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community
• This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.