Clarification from the agency

ALL US CITIZENS DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.201) for this occupation.

Major Duties:

• Leads housekeeping aids in the accomplishment of daily housekeeping duties to ensure cleanliness of the facility is maintained.
• Performs limited supervisory duties such as checking in/out attendance and issuing work assignments in the absence of the supervisor.
• Works independently to carry out assigned objectives.
• Performs and leads team members in housekeeping duties such as cleaning, disinfecting and deodorizing all patient and public restrooms.
• Performs and leads team members in housekeeping duties such as bed making, sweeping and mopping floors, buffing, shampooing, vacuuming and cleaning carpet, and performing high and low dusting.
• Performs and leads team members in housekeeping duties such as washing walls, blinds, woodwork and the interior side of windows, polishing metal fixtures, cleaning glass doors, windows, and other glass surfaces.
• Interprets instructions pertaining to cleaning agents to ensure they are properly used to prevent damage to floors, furniture, walls and fixtures.
• Interprets policies, procedures and instructions to properly train housekeeping aids on proper mixing and safe and economical utilization of cleaning supplies.
• Interprets specific written methods, techniques, and procedures and oral and written instructions of the supervisor.
• Follows and trains team members on specific steps to operate equipment and accessory tools such as wet/dry vacuum, scrubbing machines, wall washing equipment, rug shampooer, and spray and steam cleaning devices.
• Trains team members to select proper equipment to perform specific tasks.
• Makes minor repairs to tools and equipment when performing daily maintenance.
• Follows proper safety techniques and procedures to ensure regular and safe functioning of the facility.
• Follows all safety regulations and practices to prevent injury to self, patients, visitors and employees, or damage to government property.
• Follows sanitation procedures and infection control principles to maintain an aseptically clean and pleasant environment for patient care activities.

Work Schedule: 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., rotating weekends, at the needs of the service.
Position Description Title/PD#: Environmental Services Technician (Leader)/PD3227-A
Physical Requirements: The Incumbent must be physically capable in body and mind to perform repeated body movements that include (but are not limited to) reaching, lifting/lowering, bending, standing, stooping, walking, pushing, etc. The incumbent may be required to climb stairs and/or ladders and use ladder-type devices to perform some duties. The Incumbent is required to work continuously on hard surfaces (such as concrete or tiled flooring) for extended periods of time. He/she will be required to perform moderate to heavy lifting (40-50 pounds) and occasionally lifting weight in excess of.SO pounds with assistance. The Incumbent may be required to move heavily loaded carts weighing approximately 600 to 700 pounds throughout the medical facility as well as unloading and loading of the laundry delivery truck while working in congested spaces.

Exposure to various contagions and Infections is a constant hazard, The incumbent is also subject to the danger of cuts and stabs from glass, metal objects and needles found in the trash, electrical shocks from equipment, and slips on wet floors. Skin rashes and allergies due to strong detergents and disinfectants are possible. The incumbent must work in close proximity to persons who are Ill, and he/she must apply appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required during isolation and terminal cleaning.

Heavy lifting (45 lbs. and over), moderate carrying (15 - 44 lbs.), straight pulling (6 hours), pushing (6 hours), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, walking (6 hours), standing (6 hours), kneeling (2 hours), repeated bending (8 hours), climbing, use of legs and arms, both legs required, ability to distinguish basic colors.

Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Services Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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)
• Lead or Supervise
• Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
• Work Practices

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.

WORKING CONDITIONS: The work area Is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. The work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions. Work is performed throughout the medical center. The incumbent may be exposed to inclement weather when removing waste to the established points of disposal. He/she may occasionally be exposed to uncomfortable conditions in such areas as research and maintenance facilities. He/she must be able to work under pressure, exercise flexibility in changing tasks with short notice, and manage emergencies and deadlines without undue interruption of routine.

The incumbent may be required to work any established tour of duty as deemed necessary for the accomplishment of the mission. He/she is subject to call back during operation. The Incumbent will be assigned to tours of duty as needed to maintain adequate coverage.
Th.e incumbent must consistently follow infection control procedures to include (but not limited to) hand hygiene, personal hygiene, and following universal precautions. He/she utilizes protective items as required and needed, such as gloves, gown, goggles and masks. Infection control standards must be maintained at all times. The Incumbent may be exposed to a tense or emotionally-charged atmosphere ·working in isolation precaution areas. The incumbent may be subject to occasional noise.

The incumbent will be exposed to contaminated areas frequently, and may suffer skin irritations from the large variety of sanitizers/germicidals used. He/she will be subject to mechanical or electrical hazards, or other occupational hazards. He/she may be subject to cuts and bruises. Rashes and allergies may result due to strong detergents and disinfectants used In the course of completing work.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Applicants will be referred in the order in which they were received.

Documents Required:

• Resume

Documents Accepted:

• Cover Letter
• DD-214/ Statement of Service
• Disability Letter (Schedule A)
• Disability Letter (VA)
• License
• PCS Orders
• Performance Appraisal
• Professional Certification
• Proof of Enrollment
• Proof of Marriage Status
• Resume
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-15
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

Please review the above list(s) to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application. Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).You will not be contacted for additional information. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.

Veterans' Preference: Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position.

Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.

Next steps