House Support workers (HSW) /Housekeepers
General Purpose
To maintain a clean, sanitary, comfortable and tidy environment for either private households or commercial establishments.
Main Job Tasks, Duties and Responsibilities
- sweep, scrub, mop and polish floors
- vacuum clean carpets, rugs and draperies
- shampoo carpets, rugs and upholstery
- dust and polish furniture and fittings
- clean metal fixtures and fittings
- empty and clean trash containers
- dispose of trash in a sanitary manner
- clean wash basins, mirrors, tubs and showers
- wipe down glass surfaces
- make up beds and change linens as required
- tidy up rooms
- wash windows as scheduled
- sort, wash, load and unload laundry
- iron and press clothing and linen
- sort, fold and put away clean laundry
- operate mechanized cleaning equipment
- maintain all cleaning equipment and materials in a safe and sanitary working condition
- monitor and report necessary domestic repairs and replacements
Domestic Housekeeper
In addition to the above a housekeeper employed in a private household may perform some or all of the following duties:
- check and purchase groceries and household supplies to maintain adequate levels
- maintain record of related expenditure
- plan and cook meals for employer
- care for household pets
- polish silverware
- wash dishes and clean kitchen according to agreed hygiene standards
- clean appliances
- run errands for employer
- answer telephone and take messages
- take care of children
Knowledge and Experience
- high school diploma or equivalent preferred
- knowledge of cleaning and sanitation products, techniques and methods
- knowledge of cleaning sensitive materials
- working knowledge of operating cleaning equipment
- physical stamina and mobility including ability to reach, kneel and bend
- ability to lift, push and pull required load (usually about 30lbs)
Key Competencies
- attention to detail
- customer focus
- reliability
- listening skills
- adaptability
- planning and organizing
- team work
- integrity
- honesty
- high energy levels
Housekeeper duties will vary according to the working environment. We list specific housekeeping duties and responsibilities for different workplaces including:
- retirement community or living center
- a medical or nursing facility
- a hotel or hospitality environment
- a domestic or home workplace
Housekeeper duties in a retirement community or living center
- maintain all assigned areas in a clean and sanitary condition
- wash, dust, polish, vacuum and sweep all areas of the establishment
- clean sinks, tubs, showers and toilets according to prescribed sanitary standards
- polish fittings and fixtures
- clean mirrors and windows
- sort and wash laundry using machines or by hand as required
- iron, fold and distribute clean laundry
- empty and clean trash cans
- listen and respond to resident’s queries and requests
- ensure adequate stock of cleaning supplies
- keep cleaning equipment in good working order
- maintain clean storage area for equipment and supplies
- observe and report any maintenance issues
- assist with meal preparation, serving and clean up
Housekeeping duties in a hospital, medical center or nursing home
- clean patient rooms, surgical areas, offices and waiting areas using cleaning chemicals and disinfectants
- clean and sanitize floors, equipment and furniture according to infection-control policies
- operate various types of cleaning equipment
- handle and dispose of waste using standard procedures
- clean mattresses and beds according to established procedures
- collect dirty laundry from patient areas and place in designated locations
- distribute clean linen and hospital gowns
- maintain all cleaning equipment and supplies according to prescribed standards
- monitor inventory of supplies such as paper towels, soap, toilet paper