JOB SUMMARY
The Environmental Services Specialist (ESS) is responsible for maintaining a clean, safe, sanitary, and orderly environment throughout the facility. This role combines housekeeping and janitorial responsibilities and plays a key role in infection control, client safety, and regulatory compliance. The ESS performs routine cleaning, room turnover, floor care, exterior upkeep, minor maintenance support, and supply restocking. This position supports a behavioral health/residential treatment environment by ensuring spaces remain hygienic, welcoming, and secure.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Facility Cleaning & Sanitation
-
Perform routine cleaning tasks including sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, vacuuming, polishing floors, and dusting and cleaning surfaces according to assigned schedules.
-
Clean windows, mirrors, and glass partitions using proper cleaning tools and solutions.
-
Disinfect restrooms, including toilets, sinks, fixtures, showers, dispensers, countertops, and floors.
-
Check and refill all soap, paper, and sanitation dispensers daily.
-
Shampoo or steam clean carpets; and assist with strip, seal, finish, and wax flooring.
- Perform scheduled cleaning of dining rooms, common areas, offices, hallways, and client occupied spaces.
- Remove trash from all interior and exterior receptacles; maintain sidewalk and outdoor cleanliness, following OSHA standards.
-
Use cleaning solutions to remove stains and clean surfaces.
-
Apply wax to coat floors and buff.
-
Strip, seal, finish, and polish floors.
-
Remove rubbish and debris from buildings and sidewalks.
Client Room Turnover & Linen Support
-
Sanitize and reset rooms after client discharge following infection control protocols.
-
Distribute and maintain weekly linen supplies.
- Complete laundry needs appropriately, ensuring linens are cleaned according to facility standards.
Infection Control & Safety
-
Conduct daily facility cleanliness walkthroughs to maintain compliance.
-
Follow OSHA standards for chemical usage and infection control procedures.
- Ensure proper storage, and handling of cleaning chemicals.
- Lock doors, report hazards, and monitor the environment for safety concerns.
- Check electrical appliance usage to ensure no hazards are created.
Maintenance & Facility Support
-
Perform minor maintenance tasks such as replacing bulbs, tightening loose fixtures, or reporting repair needs.
- Move furniture, equipment, and supplies as needed.
- Maintain and report the condition of janitorial equipment and supply levels.
Confidentiality & Professional Conduct
-
Demonstrates strong initiative, works independently, and self monitors to ensure all tasks are completed accurately, efficiently, and on time without the need for constant supervision.
-
Maintain confidentiality regarding client information at all times.
- Uphold professional behavior in sensitive behavioral health environments.
- Support staff and clients with courtesy and respect.
Additional Duties and Scope of Responsibility
-
The duties listed represent the essential functions of the position and are not exhaustive.
-
Employees may be assigned additional job related duties, consistent with their role, training, licensure (if applicable), and applicable laws, to support operations, regulatory compliance, safety, and client care.
COMPETENCIES
-
Schedules time off in advance, begins working on time, keeps absences within guidelines, ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent, and arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
-
Displays courtesy and sensitivity, manages difficult or emotional customer situations, meets commitments, responds promptly to customer needs, and solicits customer feedback to improve services.
-
Responds to requests for service and assistance, follows instructions, responds to management direction, takes responsibility for own actions, commits to doing the best job possible, keeps commitments, and meets attendance and punctuality guidelines.
-
Follows policies and procedures, completes administrative tasks correctly and on time, supports organization’s goals and values, benefits organization through outside activities, and supports affirmative action and respects diversity.
-
Dresses appropriately for position, maintains hygiene, and keeps self well groomed.
-
Observes safety and security procedures, determines appropriate action beyond guidelines, uses equipment and materials properly, and reports potentially unsafe conditions.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Experience
-
Minimum of two (2) years of experience in a housekeeping, janitorial, or custodial role.
-
Experience in a healthcare or behavioral health environment. (preferred)
-
Bilingual in English and Spanish (read, write, and speak proficiently). (preferred)
Education
-
High School Diploma or GED. (required)
Certifications
-
Must hold current CPR and First Aid certification or obtain certification within 30 days of hire (training provided by employer)
Other Requirements
-
Valid California Driver’s License (required) and insurability under company policy.
-
Successful completion of FBI/DOJ fingerprint clearance, negative TB test, and pre employment drug screening, consistent with regulatory requirements.
-
Ability to work flexible hours, and weekends shifts as operationally required.
Regulatory & Program Compliance Requirements
As an employee of a licensed substance use disorder (SUD) treatment facility, staff must meet and maintain all regulatory requirements, including:
-
Adhering to the Company’s drug free workplace standards and all DHCS licensing requirements.
-
Employees in recovery from substance use must maintain a minimum of two (2) years of continuous sobriety, consistent with SUD program standards for client facing, safety sensitive, and supportive care roles.
-
This position is classified as safety sensitive and requires ongoing compliance with the Company’s drug free workplace, safety, and emergency response policies, including random drug testing, consistent with applicable law and regulatory requirements to ensure client and workplace safety.
Knowledge & Skills
-
Knowledge and understanding of OSHA standards, infection control practices, and workplace safety protocols.
-
Ability to safely operate and maintain janitorial equipment, including floor scrubbers, buffers, and pressure washers.
-
Ability to safely use cleaning chemicals, hand tools, and maintenance supplies in accordance with safety guidelines.
-
Strong attention to detail, time management, and ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
-
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
-
Professional communication and customer service skills when interacting with staff, clients, and visitors.
-
Working knowledge of HIPAA, confidentiality standards, and regulatory requirements applicable to licensed SUD treatment facilities.
PHYSICAL, SENSORY, AND ENVIRONMENTAL QUALIFICATIONS
The physical and environmental conditions described below are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions, in accordance with applicable law.
Physical Requirements
This position primarily operates in a facility, maintenance and grounds environment. The role requires sufficient physical ability and mobility to:
-
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods while performing cleaning, maintenance, and support tasks throughout the facility and grounds.
-
Ability to frequently climb stairs, including moving between building levels, responding to operational needs, and supporting emergency situations within the facility.
-
Ability to lift, carry, push, and/or pull furniture, equipment, tools, supplies, and materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
-
Ability to safely perform repetitive physical activities including bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, climbing, grasping, and manual handling of tools and equipment.
-
Ability to safely use ladders, step stools, and maintenance equipment to access elevated areas such as ceiling fixtures, vents, fans, and exterior surfaces.
-
Ability to operate hand tools, cleaning equipment, pressure washers, and basic maintenance tools while maintaining situational awareness and adhering to safety protocols.
-
Ability to respond appropriately during facility emergencies and follow established emergency response and safety procedures as required by the position.
-
Performing CPR and other emergency response procedures as required by the position, following training and organizational protocols.
Vision Requirements
-
Ability to visually monitor work areas, equipment condition, and facility surroundings to identify maintenance needs, safety hazards, and cleanliness issues, with or without reasonable accommodation.
-
Ability to read labels, safety signage, maintenance instructions, work orders, and inspection materials accurately.
Communication Requirements
-
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with supervisors, coworkers, staff, visitors, and contractors verbally and in writing, with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Ability to receive, understand, and follow verbal and written instructions related to maintenance tasks, safety procedures, and emergency responses.
- Ability to report safety concerns, maintenance issues, and completed work accurately and in a timely manner.
Work Environment
-
Work is performed indoors and outdoors in a facilities and maintenance environment, including offices, common areas, restrooms, stairwells, mechanical areas, grounds, and other facility spaces.
- Regular exposure to cleaning chemicals, dust, odors, noise, varying temperatures, and environmental conditions associated with maintenance and janitorial work.
- The position involves inherent slip, trip, fall, and tool related hazards, including frequent stair use, ladder access, and movement of furniture and equipment.
- Requires the ability to work independently across multiple areas of the facility while maintaining compliance with safety, security, and organizational policies.
