Northwest Health - Porter

Job Summary

The Director, Environmental Services leads and manages all aspects of environmental services within a hospital or healthcare facility, ensuring a clean, safe, and sanitary environment that meets or exceeds healthcare regulations and standards. This role oversees daily operations, including housekeeping, waste management, linen services, and infection prevention cleaning protocols, while fostering a culture of excellence in service delivery and compliance. The Director is also responsible for driving operational efficiency, staff management, and maintaining high-quality standards to support patient care and safety.

Essential Functions

• Ensures the facility is maintained in a clean, safe, and sanitary condition by implementing effective housekeeping practices and infection prevention measures.
• Directs and oversees the operations of the environmental services department, ensuring the effective management of cleaning, sanitation, and maintenance activities to meet healthcare standards and regulations.
• Establishes and maintains appropriate staffing levels, managing recruitment, scheduling, and performance evaluations to ensure optimal workforce productivity.
• Provides leadership, training, and mentorship to managers, supervisors, and frontline staff, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.
• Conducts regular audits and inspections of facilities to ensure compliance with infection control standards, safety protocols, and regulatory requirements.
• Designs and delivers comprehensive training programs for all staff on cleaning protocols, infection control, safety procedures, and customer service best practices.
• Prepares and manages the department's budget, overseeing expenditures for staffing, supplies, and equipment to ensure cost-effectiveness while maintaining high service standards.
• Promotes professional development by encouraging staff certifications in environmental services specialties, such as infection prevention and advanced cleaning techniques.
• Monitors departmental expenditures and identifies cost-saving opportunities without compromising service quality.
• Negotiates and oversees vendor contracts for cleaning supplies, equipment, and waste management services, ensuring cost efficiency and quality.
• Directs the linen management program, ensuring proper handling, cleaning, inventory control, and cost management of hospital linens.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Supervision and Staff Management
  • Provides leadership, mentorship and professional development opportunities for departmental staff.
  • Schedules employees to ensure effective use of resources. Consults with leadership on any potential staffing issues.
  • Conducts performance evaluations, sets goals and provides feedback to staff on their performance and development.
• Strategic Planning and Financial Oversight
  • Collaborates with hospital leadership to set the strategic direction for the department, including budgeting, resource allocation and long-term planning.
  • Monitors expenditures, ensuring cost-effective delivery of services.
  • Evaluates and implements new technologies to enhance operational efficiency.
  • Develops and implements departmental policies and procedures and protocols to optimize quality and overall efficiencies.
• Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance
  • Ensures compliance with all relevant regulatory bodies. May oversee the accreditation process with relevant agencies ensuring that services meet or exceed industry standards.
  • Participates in audits, inspections and accreditation processes as applicable.
  • Follows established quality control practices to ensure accuracy, consistency and safety.
• Collaboration and Communication
  • Works closely with leadership teams to coordinate and improve service delivery.
  • Stays up-to-date with industry advancements, new technologies, and regulatory changes.
• Staff Responsibilities
  • May work in a staff role, when required. Ensures that duties and responsibilities are fulfilled while meeting all competencies established for that job.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Healthcare Administration, Environmental Services, Business Management, or a related field required or
• A combination of education and extensive relevant experience will be considered in lieu of a degree
• 5-7 years of experience in environmental services or facilities management, with at least 3 years in a leadership or management role, preferably in a healthcare setting required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of healthcare cleaning standards, OSHA regulations, and environmental safety practices.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and engage staff.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• In-depth knowledge of healthcare cleaning practices, infection control, and environmental health regulations.
• Budget management and financial acumen.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to interact effectively with staff, patients, and other healthcare professionals.
• Proficiency in computer software for scheduling, budgeting, and reporting.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities.
• Customer service-oriented with a focus on creating a safe, clean, and welcoming environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.