Sanitation Tech Full-time Days

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

Follows an established schedule of collection of trash, medical waste and sharp containers. Uses waste compactor, waste sterilizer, appropriate carts, and other necessary equipment. Cleans and services the hospital areas as assigned to maintain the hospital in an orderly, safe and sanitary condition.

See what are staff is saying about working in this department and at Northwestern Medicine!  https://youtu.be/EldbJpdV9lQ

hours are:  7am-3:30pm, every other weekend is required

RESPONSIBILITIES

Values, Patient Satisfaction and Service Excellence

• Demonstrates I-CARE values (Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence) in daily work and interactions.
• Presents a friendly, approachable, professional demeanor and appearance.
• Provides accurate information and timely updates to patients and customers. Addresses questions and concerns promptly, or identifies appropriate person and resources to do so. Provides directions or help to patients and customers with finding their way.
• Uses effective service recovery skills to solve problems or service breakdowns when they occur.
• Demonstrates teamwork by helping co-workers within and across departments. Communicates effectively with others, respects diverse opinions and styles, acknowledges the assistance and contributions of others.

Efficiency and Business Growth

• Uses organizational and unit/department resources efficiently.
• Manages work schedule efficiently, completing tasks and assignments on time.
• Contributes to opportunities and processes for continuous improvement.
• Participates in efforts to reduce costs, streamline work processes, improve and grow services we provide.

Non Clinical Role Specific Roles and Responsibilities

• Follows established infection control and isolation guidelines; uses standard precautions.
• Has adequate knowledge of the department's equipment, chemicals, policies and procedures. Uses chemicals and equipment in an effective manner. Uses appropriate dilution ratio and properly labeled containers.
• Maintains cart and equipment so that they are clean and in good working condition.
• Collects and transports trash, needle boxes, and soiled from assigned locations (chute rooms, utility rooms, etc.) to compactor/sterilizer area.
• Operates autoclave and helps monitor temperature by utilization of steam pack and vial system. Empties autoclave following departmental procedures. Helps maintain records for proper sterilization.
• Maintains cleanliness of waste compactor room by cleaning walls, vents, ceiling and shower scrubbing floors.
• Correctly handles infectious waste, linen and needle boxes according to departmental procedures. Properly processes and stores radioactive material identified by detector. Seals infectious waste in autoclave bags for sterilization purposes, using the correct procedures and regulations.
• Performs additional projects as assigned by manager or supervisor.

Goals

• Takes pride in their professional image and adheres to departmental uniform standards.
• Smiles and greets all customers.
• Understands what is expected of them and their role in achieving departmental and hospital goals.
• Presents themselves in a positive manner, both in verbal and nonverbal communication skills, and the stated values will be reflected in their behavior.
• Listens to our customers, learns of their needs and responds to their requests.
• Recognizes the contribution of others, and treats all patients, visitors and co-workers with respect.
• Identifies defects within the facility, and accept personal responsibility for maintaining a clean and safe environment. ( pick-up, point-out and protect club )
• Maintains clean and organized equipment, carts and work area and does not leave equipment unattended.
• Executes every task to deliver exceptional service, and always looks for ways to improve our services.
• Shows empathy towards our customers and fellow employees and utilize that information to better understand their needs.
• Has the attitude "If I receive a complaint, I will own it and immediately resolve it."
• Protects the privacy of our patients, visitors, guests and fellow co-workers.
• Supports fellow co-workers by modeling a behavior of teamwork and lateral service so the needs of guests and each other are met.
• Is empowered to meet the needs of our customers, to personally handle their issues or complaints and delivers service recovery that will turn mistakes into memories.
• Is aware of their surroundings to meet the expressed and unexpressed needs of our customers.

Required:

• 6 to 12 months Basic Housekeeping experience
• High School High School Graduate or equivalent.
• Must also be able to read English to understand equipment manuals.

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check.  Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. 

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.

Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.