Maintenance Assistant

PURPOSE OF YOUR JOB POSITION:

The primary purpose of your job position is to assist the Director of Maintenance in planning, organizing, developing and directing the overall operation of the Maintenance Department in accordance with current federal, state, and local standards, guidelines and regulations governing our facility, and as may be directed by the Administrator and/or Director of Maintenance, to assure that our facility is maintained in a safe and comfortable manner.

DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY:

As the Maintenance staff you are delegated the administrative authority, responsibility and accountability necessary to carry out your assigned duties.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS STATEMENT:

Every effort has been made to identify the essential functions of this position. However, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties you will be required to perform. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or is an essential function of the position.

SAFETY FACTORS:

Risk Potential to Blood/Body Fluids:

Category I: Tasks in this category involve exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues, and require the use of personal protective equipment.

Category II: Tasks in this category involve no exposure to blood, body fluids, and/or tissues, but employment may require performing unplanned category I tasks.

Category III: these tasks require no exposure to blood, body fluids, and/or tissues, and category I tasks are not a condition of employment.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Administrative Functions

• Assist the Director in planning, developing, organizing, implementing, and directing the day to day functions of the Maintenance Department, its programs and activities.
• Assist in developing and implementing written maintenance policies and procedures.
• Review the department's policies, procedure manuals, job descriptions, etc., at least annually for revisions and make recommendations to the Director.
• Interpret the department's policies and procedures to employees, residents, visitors, government agencies, etc.
• Assume the administrative authority, responsibility and accountability of directing the Maintenance Department in the absence of the Director.
• Delegate administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability to other maintenance personnel as deemed necessary to assure that their duties can be properly performed.
• Coordinate maintenance services and activities with other related departments (i.e., Housekeeping, Dietary, Nursing, etc.).
• Make written and oral reports/recommendations to the Director as necessary or required concerning the operation of the Maintenance Department.
• Assist in establishing an effective preventive maintenance program of cleaning, painting, maintaining equipment, etc., as necessary/approved.; provide documentation of completion of tasks
• Adhere to established timelines for completion of preventive maintenance programs
• Establish a priority system on unscheduled maintenance.
• Submit accident/incident reports to the Director within twelve (12) hours after their occurrence.
• Assist the Director in identifying, evaluating, and classifying routine and job related functions to ensure that maintenance tasks involving potential exposure to blood/body fluids are properly identified and recorded.
• Ensure that the facility and equipment is properly maintained for resident comfort and convenience.
• Inspect storage rooms, utility/janitorial closets, etc., for upkeep and supply control.
• Participate in facility surveys (inspections) made by authorized government agencies.
• Review and develop a plan of correction for maintenance deficiencies noted during survey inspections and provide a written copy of such to the Director as necessary.
• Keep abreast of economic conditions/situations and recommend to the Director adjustments in maintenance services that assure the continued ability to provide a safe and comfortable environment.
• Perform administrative duties such as completing necessary forms, reports, evaluations, studies, etc., as directed to assist in the control of equipment and supplies.
• Monitor outside services to assure that such services are performed correctly. Report problem areas to the Director.
• Delegate a responsible staff member to act in your behalf when you are absent from the facility.

Committee Functions

• In the absence of the Director, serve on various committees of the facility (i.e., Infection Control, Safety, QA, etc.) and provide written/oral reports of the maintenance services and activities as required or directed.
• Implement recommendations from established committees (i.e., Infection Control, Safety, QA, etc.).
• Attend department head meetings, etc., as scheduled or as may be directed.
• Assist in scheduling departmental meeting times, dates, places, etc.

Personnel Functions

• Conduct and schedule in-service training classes, on-the-job training, and orientation programs for maintenance personnel.
• Schedule personnel, work assignments, etc., to expedite work.
• Assist in standardizing the methods in which maintenance tasks will be performed. Make recommendations to the Director.
• Ensure that maintenance personnel follow established safety regulations in the use of equipment and supplies at all times. Report violations to the Director.
• Make daily rounds to assure that maintenance personnel are performing required duties and to assure that appropriate maintenance procedures are being rendered to meet the needs of the facility.
• Review and check competence of maintenance personnel and make necessary adjustments/corrections as required or that may become necessary.
• Conduct departmental performance evaluations as necessary and in accordance with the facility's policies and procedures.
• Meet with maintenance personnel on a regularly scheduled basis; solicit advice from department personnel concerning the operation of the maintenance department; assist in identifying and correcting problem areas and the improvement of services. Provide information to the Director.
• Terminate employment of personnel when necessary, documenting and coordinating such actions with the Personnel Director and Director of Maintenance.
• Review complaints and grievances made or filed by department personnel.
• Provide complaint/grievance reports to the Director as required or as may be necessary.
• Maintain an excellent working relationship with other department supervisors and coordinate maintenance services to assure that care and services can be performed without interruption. Report problem areas to the Director.
• Assist the Director in determining staffing requirements necessary to meet the maintenance department's needs, and assure that sufficient maintenance personnel are on duty for each shift.
• Create and maintain an atmosphere of warmth, personal interest, and positive emphasis as well as a calm environment throughout the facility.

Staff Development

• Assist the maintenance staff in the development and use of departmental policies, procedures, equipment, supplies, etc.
• Assume the responsibility for maintaining your professional competence through participation in programs of continuing education (i.e., seminars, training programs, etc.).
• Ensure that all maintenance personnel attend and participate in annual OSHA and CDC in-service training programs; including but not limited to hazard communication, TB management, blood borne pathogens, confined space/”Lock out tag out” standard.

Safety and Sanitation

• Supervise safety and fire protection and prevention programs by inspecting work areas and equipment as directed. Report findings to the Director.
• Ensure that maintenance personnel follow established safety regulations in the use of equipment and supplies at all times.
• Ensure that all personnel wear and/or use safety equipment and supplies (e.g., back brace, mechanical lifts, etc.) when lifting or moving heavy objects.
• Ensure that maintenance supplies, equipment, etc., are maintained to provide a safe and comfortable environment. Report needs to the Director.
• Promptly report equipment or facility damage to the Director.
• Assist in maintaining material safety data sheets (MSDSs) for hazardous chemicals in the maintenance department.
• Ensure that containers of hazardous chemicals in the department are properly labeled and stored.
• Ensure that all maintenance personnel are trained to use labels and MSDSs to recognize hazards and to follow appropriate protective measures.
• Develop, maintain, and implement infection control and universal precautions policies and procedures to assure that a sanitary environment is maintained at all times and that aseptic and isolation techniques are followed by all maintenance personnel.
• Ensure that all personnel performing tasks that involve potential exposure to blood, body fluids, or hazardous chemicals participate in appropriate in-service training programs prior to performing such tasks.
• Ensure that maintenance personnel follow established hand washing procedures.
• Assist the Director in developing and implementing waste disposal policies and procedures for the maintenance department.
• Ensure that maintenance personnel follow established policies governing the use/disposal of personal protective equipment and disposal of infectious wastes.
• Report occupational exposures to blood, body fluids, infectious materials, and hazardous chemicals in accordance with the facility's policies and procedures governing accidents and incidents.
• Ensure that maintenance policies and procedures identify appropriate safety precautions and equipment to use when performing tasks that could result in bodily injury.
• Other(s) that may become necessary/appropriate to assure that our facility is maintained in a safe and comfortable manner.

Equipment and Supply Functions

• Recommend to the Director the equipment and supply needs of the department.
• Make periodic rounds to check equipment and to assure that necessary equipment is available and working properly.
• Check supply rooms and work areas to assure that needed supplies and equipment are readily available to perform assigned tasks.
• Monitor maintenance procedures to ensure that supplies are used in an efficient manner to avoid waste.
• Ensure that appropriate personal protective equipment used in the handling of infectious materials is available and easily accessible to maintenance personnel.
• Maintain inventory and supply records as directed.
• Ensure that equipment contaminated with blood or other infectious material is properly labeled or tagged before being sent for repair or decontamination.

Budget and Planning Functions

• Make departmental adjustments in order to conform to the budget as directed.
• Maintain current written records of department expenditures and assure that adequate financial records and cost reports are submitted to the Director upon request or as necessary.

Resident Rights

• Maintain confidentiality of all resident information.
• Knock before entering a resident's room.
• Ensure that the residents' personal and property rights are followed by maintenance personnel at all times.
• Ensure that maintenance personnel inform residents when it is necessary to move personal possessions (i.e. preventive maintenance, replacement of equipment, etc.).
• Review maintenance complaints and grievances made by personnel, residents, family members, or visitors and make oral/written reports to the Director.

Miscellaneous

• Ensure that all departmental employees follow established departmental policies and procedures.
• Make weekly inspection of all maintenance functions to assure that quality control measures are continually maintained.
• Be prepared to handle emergencies as they come up (i.e., rescheduling of maintenance and work schedules, etc.).

Working Conditions

• Works in office areas as well as throughout the facility (i.e., power rooms, resident rooms, therapy rooms, Dietary, etc.).
• Moves intermittently during working hours.
• Is subject to frequent interruptions.
• Is involved with residents, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, etc., under all conditions and circumstances.
• Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, personnel, and visitors.
• Communicates with maintenance personnel and other department supervisors.
• Works beyond normal working hours and on weekends and holidays when necessary, as well as in other positions as needed.
• Is subject to call-back during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster, etc.).
• Is required to be on-call for emergency situations.
• Attends and participates in continuing educational programs.
• Is subject to injury from falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the work day, as well as to reactions from dust, disinfectants, tobacco smoke, and other air contaminants.
• Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including TB and the AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses.
• May be subject to the handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals.
• Maintains a liaison with other department supervisors to adequately plan for maintenance services/activities.
• May be required to work in cramped spaces and in adverse weather conditions.

Education

• Must possess, as a minimum, a high school education or its equivalent.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.

Experience

• Must be knowledgeable of boilers, compressors, generators, etc., as well as various basic carpentry, mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.
• Must have ability and previous experience with working with hand and motorized tools
• Must have the ability to read and interpret blueprints.
• Must be knowledgeable in building codes and safety regulations.

Specific Requirements

• Must be licensed in accordance with current applicable standards, codes, labor laws, etc.
• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the general public.
• Must be knowledgeable of maintenance practices and procedures as well as the laws, regulations, and guidelines governing maintenance functions in the long-term care facility.
• Must possess leadership ability and willingness to work harmoniously with and supervise other personnel.
• Must have the ability to plan, organize, develop, implement, and interpret the programs, goals, objectives, policies, procedures, etc., of the Maintenance Department.
• Must maintain the care and use of supplies, equipment, etc., and maintain the appearance of maintenance areas; must perform regular inspections of resident rooms/units for order, safety, and proper performance of equipment.
• Must have patience, tact, a cheerful disposition, and enthusiasm as well as be willing to handle residents based on whatever maturity level they are currently functioning.
• Must possess the ability to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing maintenance practices.
• Must possess the ability to plan and carry out programs in repair, new construction, and equipment installation.
• Must be able to relate information concerning a resident's condition.
• Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.

Physical and Sensory Requirements

(With or Without the Aid of Mechanical Devices)

• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the work day.
• Must be able to speak and write the English language in an understandable manner.
• Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
• Must possess sight/hearing senses or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately.
• Must function independently and have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with the residents, personnel, and support agencies.
• Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this facility which include a medical and physical examination.
• Must be able to relate to and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and at times hostile people within the facility.
• Must be able to push, pull, move, and/or lift a minimum of fifty pounds.
• Must be able to handle the equipment and supplies normally used in performing maintenance services.
• May be necessary to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations.