Hospital Housekeeping Program Specialist (TCF Trainee)
- Performs technical, administrative, or professional work involving managing, administering operating or supporting services and programs related to the operation and safety of Federal facilities.
- Planning, organizing, directing, controlling and evaluating the entire program to include budgetary control and assessments.
- Develops and applies a program of management Review appraisal and improvement.
- Provides formal and on-the-job training.
- Develops, coordinates, directs, and manages a hospital housekeeping program that emphasizes the maintenance of environmental sanitation within acceptable levels of bacteriological as well as visual cleanliness.
- Establishes work assignments for front line employees and supervisors.
- Implements, coordinates and controls a comprehensive program with the authority to make necessary changes needed for the benefit of patients, staff and visitors.
- Develops cleaning procedures, frequency of cleaning schedules, and cleaning supply usage instructions designed to maintain high quality visual and bacteriological cleanliness of all medical center floors, walls, ceilings, bathroom fixture3s, furniture, housekeeping equipment, window treatments, cubicle curtains, light fixtures stairwells, waste cans, and other miscellaneous area and items.
- Conducts a extensive in-service Sanitation Inspection Program covering the entire medical center; initiating and closely monitoring bacteriological surveillance being conducted throughout the Medical Center.
- Conducts constant testing programs designed to perfect hospital housekeeping techniques, procedures and products.
- Develops and maintains procedures for waste collection within the medical center and constantly monitoring procedures, methods for waste collection within the medical center and consistently monitoring procedures.
- Develops specifications, treatment areas, and frequency of treatment schedules, interpret local, state and federal directive and guidelines regarding the type, use and storage of various pesticides and rodenticides and ensure compliance.
- Serves as the Contracting Officer's Representative for the administration of Pest Control Services to include the control of all rodents and pests from the interior of the Medical Center.
- Oversees the administration of ordering and distributing uniforms for selected personnel.
- Ensures that appropriate procedures are followed to minimize loss and repair of uniforms.
- Ensures that a system is in place for pick up, cataloging, and reissuing of patient valuables to patients.
- Ensures that employees adhere to privacy and security guidelines with respect to patient valuables.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
- You may be required to serve a probationary period
- Subject to background/security investigation
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (). 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.
- Training-Service Agreement and Mobility Agreement required
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
Qualifications
Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-09 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-07. For a GS-11 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-09. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade. Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment.
Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR) for occupational series 0673: This occupation has individual occupation requirements, you must have one of the following:
Undergraduate Education: Major study -- chemistry or biological sciences, sanitary science or administration, institutional sanitation or administration, hospital administration, hotel administration, public administration, business administration, or other fields related to the position.
Graduate Education: Major study -- public health or business administration with emphasis in hospital administration. OR
Specialized Experience: In two or more of the following areas, or other work related to the position to be filled: Experience that demonstrated a practical working knowledge of the basic principles of chemistry, biology, and bacteriology as applied to environmental sanitation, infection control, and to the choice and use of antimicrobial agents in the disinfection, sanitization, and/or sterilization of surfaces and equipment. Experience in laundry and linen management. Experience in interior design management. Experience that demonstrated a knowledge of waste management, including the requirements relating to hazardous, toxic, and infectious wastes and provisions for their final disposition. Experience that demonstrated a knowledge of pest management, including alternative methods of control and the selection and application of chemicals.
Grade Determination
GS-09
You may qualify based on education and/or experience as described below:
- Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-07 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to:
- (1) Knowledge of advanced functions and a working knowledge of hospital sanitation programs within the hospital in the areas of, environmental sanitation; soiled linen operations; and laundry operations.
- (2) possess the analytical ability to research, assemble, and compile information and data, evaluate the results against appropriate standards, and makes decisions on corrective action where indicated.
- (3) Ability to plan work to be accomplished by subordinates, set and adjust short term priorities, and prepare schedules for completion of work.
- (4) Assigns work to subordinates based on priorities, selective consideration of the difficulty and requirements of assignments, and the capabilities of employees.
- (5) Develops performance standards and evaluates work performance of subordinates.
- (6) Give advice, counsel, or instruction to employees on both work and administrative matters.
- (7) Interviews candidates for positions in the unit and recommends appointment, promotion, or reassignments to such positions.
- (8) Hears and resolves complaints from employees, referring group grievances and more serious unresolved complaints to a higher level supervisor or manager.
- (9) Effect minor disciplinary measures such as; warnings, reprimands, and recommending other actions in more serious cases. Identify developmental and training needs of employees, providing for and arranging for needed development and training. OR,
- Education: Applicants may substitute education for the experience required. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related. Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. OR,
- Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education beyond one full year of graduate level education, superior academic achievement, or master's or equivalent degree may be used to qualify applicants for positions at grades GS-9.
You may qualify based on education and/or experience as described below:
- Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-07 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Directing a hospital housekeeping management program which includes policy making, planning, and managing all aspects of an environmental management program.
- (1) Knowledge of advanced functions and a working knowledge of hospital sanitation programs within the hospital in the areas of, environmental sanitation; soiled linen operations; and laundry operations.
- (2) possess the analytical ability to research, assemble, and compile information and data, evaluate the results against appropriate standards, and makes decisions on corrective action where indicated.
- (3) Ability to plan work to be accomplished by subordinates, set and adjust short term priorities, and prepare schedules for completion of work.
- (4) Assigns work to subordinates based on priorities, selective consideration of the difficulty and requirements of assignments, and the capabilities of employees.
- (5) Develops performance standards and evaluates work performance of subordinates.
- (6) Give advice, counsel, or instruction to employees on both work and administrative matters.
- (7) Interviews candidates for positions in the unit and recommends appointment, promotion, or reassignments to such positions.
- (8) Hears and resolves complaints from employees, referring group grievances and more serious unresolved complaints to a higher level supervisor or manager.
- (9) Effect minor disciplinary measures such as; warnings, reprimands, and recommending other actions in more serious cases. Identify developmental and training needs of employees, providing for and arranging for needed development and training.
. OR,
- Education: Applicants may substitute education for the experience required. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related. OR,
- Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education beyond two full years of progressively higher level education leading to such or degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related may be used to qualify applicants for positions at grades GS-11.
- Analytical Reasoning
- Budget Administration
- Leadership
- Planning and Evaluating
- Quality Management
Education
A transcript must be submitted with your application.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: .If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education.
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.
For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at .
Additional information
Physical Requirements: Incumbent walks throughout the medical center, Will be trained in all aspects of EMS which requires stooping, bending, walking, lifting, twisting. Occasional travel will be required.
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit at .
Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience.. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
- Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. .
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
- You may be required to serve a probationary period
- Subject to background/security investigation
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (). 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.
- Training-Service Agreement and Mobility Agreement required
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
Qualifications
Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-09 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-07. For a GS-11 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-09. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade. Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment.
Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR) for occupational series 0673: This occupation has individual occupation requirements, you must have one of the following:
Undergraduate Education: Major study -- chemistry or biological sciences, sanitary science or administration, institutional sanitation or administration, hospital administration, hotel administration, public administration, business administration, or other fields related to the position.
Graduate Education: Major study -- public health or business administration with emphasis in hospital administration. OR
Specialized Experience: In two or more of the following areas, or other work related to the position to be filled: Experience that demonstrated a practical working knowledge of the basic principles of chemistry, biology, and bacteriology as applied to environmental sanitation, infection control, and to the choice and use of antimicrobial agents in the disinfection, sanitization, and/or sterilization of surfaces and equipment. Experience in laundry and linen management. Experience in interior design management. Experience that demonstrated a knowledge of waste management, including the requirements relating to hazardous, toxic, and infectious wastes and provisions for their final disposition. Experience that demonstrated a knowledge of pest management, including alternative methods of control and the selection and application of chemicals.
Grade Determination
GS-09
You may qualify based on education and/or experience as described below:
- Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-07 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to:
- (1) Knowledge of advanced functions and a working knowledge of hospital sanitation programs within the hospital in the areas of, environmental sanitation; soiled linen operations; and laundry operations.
- (2) possess the analytical ability to research, assemble, and compile information and data, evaluate the results against appropriate standards, and makes decisions on corrective action where indicated.
- (3) Ability to plan work to be accomplished by subordinates, set and adjust short term priorities, and prepare schedules for completion of work.
- (4) Assigns work to subordinates based on priorities, selective consideration of the difficulty and requirements of assignments, and the capabilities of employees.
- (5) Develops performance standards and evaluates work performance of subordinates.
- (6) Give advice, counsel, or instruction to employees on both work and administrative matters.
- (7) Interviews candidates for positions in the unit and recommends appointment, promotion, or reassignments to such positions.
- (8) Hears and resolves complaints from employees, referring group grievances and more serious unresolved complaints to a higher level supervisor or manager.
- (9) Effect minor disciplinary measures such as; warnings, reprimands, and recommending other actions in more serious cases. Identify developmental and training needs of employees, providing for and arranging for needed development and training. OR,
- Education: Applicants may substitute education for the experience required. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related. Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. OR,
- Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education beyond one full year of graduate level education, superior academic achievement, or master's or equivalent degree may be used to qualify applicants for positions at grades GS-9.
You may qualify based on education and/or experience as described below:
- Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-07 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Directing a hospital housekeeping management program which includes policy making, planning, and managing all aspects of an environmental management program.
- (1) Knowledge of advanced functions and a working knowledge of hospital sanitation programs within the hospital in the areas of, environmental sanitation; soiled linen operations; and laundry operations.
- (2) possess the analytical ability to research, assemble, and compile information and data, evaluate the results against appropriate standards, and makes decisions on corrective action where indicated.
- (3) Ability to plan work to be accomplished by subordinates, set and adjust short term priorities, and prepare schedules for completion of work.
- (4) Assigns work to subordinates based on priorities, selective consideration of the difficulty and requirements of assignments, and the capabilities of employees.
- (5) Develops performance standards and evaluates work performance of subordinates.
- (6) Give advice, counsel, or instruction to employees on both work and administrative matters.
- (7) Interviews candidates for positions in the unit and recommends appointment, promotion, or reassignments to such positions.
- (8) Hears and resolves complaints from employees, referring group grievances and more serious unresolved complaints to a higher level supervisor or manager.
- (9) Effect minor disciplinary measures such as; warnings, reprimands, and recommending other actions in more serious cases. Identify developmental and training needs of employees, providing for and arranging for needed development and training.
. OR,
- Education: Applicants may substitute education for the experience required. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related. OR,
- Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education beyond two full years of progressively higher level education leading to such or degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related may be used to qualify applicants for positions at grades GS-11.
- Analytical Reasoning
- Budget Administration
- Leadership
- Planning and Evaluating
- Quality Management
Education
A transcript must be submitted with your application.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: .If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education.
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.
For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at .
Additional information
Physical Requirements: Incumbent walks throughout the medical center, Will be trained in all aspects of EMS which requires stooping, bending, walking, lifting, twisting. Occasional travel will be required.
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit at .
Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience.. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.