Environmental Services EVS Worker - UI Health - Weekends OnlyEVS
π Job Overview
Job Title: Environmental Services (EVS) Worker - UI Health - Weekends Only Company: Aramark Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States Job Type: Part-Time Category: Facilities & Operations Date Posted: 2025-09-24 Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years) Remote Status: On-site
π Role Summary
- This role is critical for maintaining a clean, safe, and sanitary environment within a healthcare facility, directly impacting patient well-being and operational efficiency.
- Responsibilities include comprehensive cleaning and sanitization of patient rooms, restrooms, and common areas, adhering to strict infection control protocols.
- Requires a strong commitment to safety regulations, including OSHA standards, and the proper handling of both general and hazardous waste.
- Focuses on delivering excellent customer service to patients, clients, and colleagues, demonstrating adaptability and a proactive approach to facility maintenance.
π Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for weekend shifts, indicating a need for reliable personnel to cover essential services during peak non-operational periods for many staff members. The "UI Health" designation points to a healthcare environment, which necessitates a higher standard of cleanliness and adherence to specific protocols.
π Primary Responsibilities
- Patient Room and Area Sanitation: Perform detailed cleaning of patient/resident rooms, including vacuuming, dusting (high and low surfaces), bed making/stripping, and thorough sanitization of restrooms, all while strictly following infection control procedures.
- Infection Control Adherence: Diligently follow established procedures to prevent the spread of infections, aligning with OSHA, state/local, federal, and Aramark regulations. This includes proper handling and disposal of general and hazardous waste.
- Equipment Maintenance and Care: Accurately maintain and clean all assigned housekeeping equipment, ensuring it is in good working order and ready for use. Report any maintenance concerns through work order requests promptly.
- Facility Cleanliness Standards: Ensure all assigned areas are cleaned to meet Aramark and client (UI Health) standards and requirements, contributing to a positive and healing environment for patients.
- Waste Management: Follow all procedures for the secure storage and timely disposal of trash, transporting it to designated areas, and managing it according to environmental and safety regulations.
- Customer Service Excellence: Maintain a friendly, efficient, and positive customer service demeanor at all times when interacting with patients, clients, visitors, and fellow employees. Be adaptable to the unique needs of a healthcare setting.
- Security and Facility Management: Secure the facility by ensuring buildings are locked/unlocked as required, and safeguard company assets.
- Task Completion: Execute all other duties and tasks as assigned by management to support the overall operational goals of the Environmental Services department.
π Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a hands-on approach to facility maintenance within a critical healthcare setting. The mention of "hazardous waste" and "infection control" highlights the specialized nature of EVS work in hospitals, requiring meticulous attention to detail and adherence to stringent protocols beyond typical janitorial roles.
π Skills & Qualifications
Education:
- While no specific educational degree is listed as a strict requirement, a foundational understanding of safety protocols and the ability to follow instructions are essential. High school diploma or equivalent may be preferred.
Experience:
- Previous custodial or housekeeping experience is preferred, particularly within a healthcare or high-traffic environment.
- Demonstrated ability to follow basic safety procedures and precautions is a minimum requirement.
Required Skills:
- Cleaning & Sanitization: Proficiency in various cleaning techniques for different surfaces and environments, with a strong emphasis on sanitization.
- Infection Control Knowledge: Understanding and application of basic infection control principles relevant to healthcare settings.
- Safety Compliance: Ability to adhere to established safety procedures, including those outlined by OSHA, and proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- Customer Service: Excellent interpersonal skills to interact positively and professionally with patients, visitors, and staff.
- Adaptability: Willingness and ability to adapt to changing needs and priorities within a dynamic healthcare environment.
- Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to cleaning tasks and adherence to protocols.
Preferred Skills:
- Previous Healthcare EVS Experience: Direct experience in a hospital or clinic setting performing environmental services.
- Hazardous Waste Handling: Familiarity with procedures for handling and disposing of regulated medical waste.
- Equipment Operation: Experience with specialized cleaning equipment (e.g., floor buffers, extractors) common in large facilities.
- Basic Maintenance Reporting: Understanding of how to identify and report facility maintenance issues.
π Enhancement Note: The "preferred" skills suggest that candidates with prior healthcare EVS experience will have a distinct advantage. The emphasis on safety and infection control indicates that rigorous training will be provided, but existing knowledge will accelerate onboarding and effectiveness.
π Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
- While a formal portfolio is not explicitly required for this entry-level role, candidates are encouraged to highlight any past experiences demonstrating:
- Process Adherence: Examples of following established cleaning and safety protocols consistently in previous roles.
- Efficiency in Task Completion: Demonstrating the ability to complete assigned tasks within expected timeframes without compromising quality or safety.
- Problem Identification: Instances where potential safety hazards or cleanliness issues were identified and reported or addressed.
- Teamwork and Communication: Contributions to a team environment and effective communication regarding tasks or issues.
Process Documentation:
- Candidates should be prepared to discuss their understanding of and adherence to documented processes, particularly concerning:
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): How they would learn and follow specific cleaning SOPs for different areas (e.g., patient rooms, operating rooms, restrooms).
- Safety Checklists: Experience using or understanding the importance of safety checklists before, during, and after cleaning tasks.
- Waste Segregation Protocols: Understanding the importance of segregating different types of waste (general, biohazardous, recyclable).
π Enhancement Note: For an entry-level EVS role, a formal portfolio is less critical than demonstrating a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a commitment to following established procedures. The "portfolio" in this context refers more to the candidate's ability to articulate their past experiences and understanding of operational processes during the interview.
π΅ Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range:
- The hourly rate for this position is between $17.50 and $18.00.
Benefits:
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Includes medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for eligible employees.
- Work/Life Resources: Access to resources designed to support employee well-being.
- Retirement Savings: Participation in retirement savings plans, such as a 401(k), is available.
- Paid Time Off: Includes paid days off, such as parental leave.
- Disability Coverage: Various disability coverage options may be available.
- Note: Benefits vary by location and are subject to eligibility status and legal requirements.
Working Hours:
- This is a part-time, weekend-only position. Specific shift hours will be detailed during the hiring process, but will focus on weekend coverage.
π Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for entry-level EVS roles in a major metropolitan area like Chicago. The comprehensive benefits package is a significant draw for part-time positions, offering substantial support for employees and their families.
π― Team & Company Context
π’ Company Culture
Industry:
- Aramark operates in the Food, Facilities, and Uniform Services industry, with a significant presence in healthcare services through Aramark Healthcare+. This sector demands high standards of hygiene, safety, and operational efficiency.
- Market Context: The healthcare industry is heavily regulated, requiring strict adherence to compliance and quality standards. Environmental services play a crucial role in patient safety, infection prevention, and overall patient experience.
Company Size:
- Aramark is a large, global company with tens of thousands of employees worldwide. This scale offers stability, structured processes, and opportunities for advancement.
- Operations Implications: For an EVS worker, being part of a large organization means access to established training programs, standardized procedures, and a robust support infrastructure.
Founded:
- Aramark was founded in 1961. Its long history signifies stability and extensive experience in service delivery across various sectors.
Team Structure:
- Operations Team: The EVS team is part of the broader facilities management or operations department within the UI Health facility.
- Reporting Structure: EVS Workers typically report to an EVS Supervisor or Manager, who oversees daily operations, scheduling, and quality control.
- Cross-functional Collaboration: This role requires collaboration with nursing staff, hospital administration, maintenance teams, and other facility personnel to ensure a seamless and safe patient environment.
Methodology:
- Data-Driven Standards: While not directly data analysis, adherence to performance metrics and quality assurance checks is key.
- Process Optimization: Focus on following best practices for cleaning, sanitation, and waste management to ensure optimal efficiency and compliance.
- Automation & Efficiency: While this role is hands-on, efficiency in task execution is paramount. Understanding how to use equipment effectively contributes to overall operational efficiency.
Company Website:
π Enhancement Note: Working for Aramark within a healthcare facility like UI Health means operating within a highly structured environment focused on safety, compliance, and patient care. The company's size and history suggest a well-defined operational framework and commitment to employee development within its service lines.
π Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level:
- This position is an entry-level role within the Environmental Services (EVS) function. It requires a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and the ability to follow instructions precisely. The scope is focused on direct execution of cleaning and sanitation tasks within assigned areas.
Reporting Structure:
- The EVS Worker reports to an EVS Supervisor or EVS Manager. This structure ensures direct oversight, training, and performance management, crucial for maintaining high standards in a healthcare setting.
Operations Impact:
- The impact of an EVS Worker is significant and direct on patient safety and experience. A clean and sanitary environment is fundamental to preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), promoting patient recovery, and ensuring the comfort of patients, visitors, and staff. Their work directly supports the hospital's mission of providing quality care.
Growth Opportunities:
- Skill Development: Opportunities to learn advanced cleaning techniques, specialized equipment operation (e.g., floor scrubbers, carpet extractors), and gain deeper knowledge of infection control protocols.
- Specialization: Potential to specialize in specific areas, such as operating room cleaning or hazardous material handling, with additional training.
- Leadership Track: Progression to roles like EVS Lead Worker, EVS Supervisor, or EVS Manager is possible for individuals demonstrating strong performance, leadership potential, and a commitment to the organization.
- Cross-functional Training: Exposure to other facility management roles within Aramark could open doors to broader career paths.
π Enhancement Note: While entry-level, this role provides a solid foundation in facilities management and healthcare operations. The growth path is clear for motivated individuals, offering opportunities to advance within Aramark's extensive network, particularly within the healthcare sector.
π Work Environment
Office Type:
- This is an on-site position within a busy healthcare facility (UI Health). The work environment is dynamic, demanding, and often fast-paced, requiring the ability to work effectively under pressure.
Office Location(s):
- The specific location is within the UI Health facility in Chicago, Illinois. This is a major urban hospital setting.
Workspace Context:
- Collaborative Environment: The EVS team works closely with nursing staff, physicians, and other hospital personnel. Effective communication and a team-oriented mindset are essential.
- Tools and Technology: Access to standard EVS cleaning equipment, supplies, and potentially digital systems for work order requests or task management.
- Team Interaction: Regular interaction with fellow EVS team members and supervisors for task assignments, coordination, and problem-solving.
Work Schedule:
- This position is specifically for weekend shifts. While part-time, the nature of healthcare means that reliability and punctuality are critical for covering essential services. Flexibility within the weekend schedule may be possible but is not guaranteed.
π Enhancement Note: The work environment is characterized by the demands of a healthcare setting β high stakes, strict protocols, and constant activity. The weekend-only schedule offers a specific work-life balance benefit for those seeking flexible part-time employment.
π Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
- Initial Screening: Typically involves a review of the application and resume to assess basic qualifications and experience.
- Interview: A one-on-one interview with an EVS Supervisor or Hiring Manager. This will likely cover:
- Experience Review: Discussing past custodial or cleaning experience.
- Situational Questions: Assessing how candidates would handle specific scenarios (e.g., dealing with a spill, encountering a difficult patient, following an infection control protocol).
- Skills Assessment: Verifying understanding of safety procedures, cleaning techniques, and customer service expectations.
- Availability Confirmation: Reconfirming availability for weekend shifts.
- Onboarding & Training: If selected, candidates will undergo comprehensive onboarding and training specific to Aramark's procedures and UI Health's requirements.
Portfolio Review Tips:
- For this role, a formal portfolio is not expected. Instead, focus on articulating your experience through:
- Resume Highlights: Clearly list any previous cleaning, EVS, or customer service roles, detailing responsibilities and achievements. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Maintained cleanliness standards in X number of patient rooms daily").
- Verbal Examples: Be prepared to give specific examples of how you've followed safety protocols, handled challenging cleaning situations, or provided excellent customer service in past roles.
- Understanding of Healthcare Hygiene: Express an understanding of why cleanliness is paramount in a healthcare setting.
Challenge Preparation:
- While formal "challenges" are unlikely, be prepared for scenario-based questions. For example:
- "How would you clean a patient room that has been flagged for C. difficile precautions?"
- "What would you do if you found a spill in a high-traffic hallway?"
- "How do you prioritize tasks when you have multiple cleaning assignments?"
π Enhancement Note: The application process for this role is likely straightforward, focusing on assessing foundational skills and a candidate's fit for a demanding, service-oriented environment. Emphasize reliability, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn.
π Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
- Cleaning Chemicals and Supplies: Familiarity with various cleaning agents, disinfectants, and sanitizers, understanding their appropriate use and safety precautions.
- Cleaning Equipment: Proficiency with manual cleaning tools (mops, brooms, brushes, spray bottles) and potentially powered equipment like vacuums, floor buffers, or auto-scrubbers.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Correct and consistent use of gloves, masks, eye protection, and other required PPE.
- Waste Receptacles and Liners: Proper use of designated bins for general waste, biohazardous waste, and recyclables.
Analytics & Reporting:
- Work Order Systems: May involve using a digital or paper-based system to log maintenance requests or report issues within assigned areas.
- Checklists: Utilizing daily, weekly, or task-specific checklists to ensure all cleaning and sanitization steps are completed according to protocol.
CRM & Automation:
- Not directly applicable to this hands-on role, but understanding the importance of reporting and documentation contributes to the overall operational data managed by Aramark and UI Health.
π Enhancement Note: The technology stack for an EVS Worker is primarily focused on the physical tools and supplies used for cleaning and maintenance. Familiarity with safety data sheets (SDS) for chemicals and the proper operation of cleaning machinery are key technical skills.
π₯ Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
- Service Excellence: A core value, emphasizing providing high-quality services to patients, visitors, and staff. This translates to thoroughness and dedication in cleaning tasks.
- Safety First: Paramount in a healthcare environment. Adherence to safety regulations, proper use of PPE, and maintaining a safe physical space are non-negotiable.
- Integrity and Accountability: Taking responsibility for assigned duties, maintaining honesty, and being accountable for the cleanliness and safety of designated areas.
- Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with colleagues and other departments to achieve shared goals of a safe and clean facility.
- Respect: Treating all individualsβpatients, colleagues, and visitorsβwith dignity and respect.
Collaboration Style:
- Supportive and Interdependent: EVS team members rely on each other to cover shifts and assist with tasks. Collaboration with clinical staff is essential for coordinating cleaning schedules and understanding patient needs.
- Process-Oriented Feedback: Feedback is often given and received based on adherence to established cleaning and safety protocols.
- Knowledge Sharing: Sharing best practices for cleaning specific areas or dealing with particular types of contamination ensures consistent quality across the team.
π Enhancement Note: The culture in a healthcare EVS department is heavily influenced by the critical nature of the work. Values like safety, diligence, and teamwork are not just aspirational but essential for operational success and patient well-being.
β‘ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
- Demanding Physical Work: The role involves prolonged standing, walking, bending, lifting, and repetitive motions, which can be physically taxing.
- Exposure to Potentially Hazardous Materials: Handling cleaning chemicals and biohazardous waste requires strict adherence to safety protocols to mitigate risks.
- Fast-Paced Environment: Healthcare facilities are dynamic, requiring EVS workers to manage time effectively and respond to urgent cleaning needs.
- Emotional Resilience: Working in a healthcare setting can expose individuals to challenging patient conditions, requiring emotional maturity and professionalism.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- On-the-Job Training: Comprehensive training in cleaning techniques, infection control, safety protocols, and equipment operation.
- Certification Opportunities: Potential to obtain certifications related to healthcare environmental services, which can enhance career prospects.
- Advancement Paths: Opportunities to move into lead worker, supervisory, or specialized EVS roles within Aramark.
- Cross-Training: Gaining exposure to other facility services roles within Aramark.
π Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to the EVS role in healthcare, but Aramark's structure provides robust training and support. The growth opportunities are significant for individuals who excel in this entry-level position and demonstrate a commitment to the field.
π‘ Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
- Experience & Skills:
- "Describe your previous cleaning experience. What types of environments have you worked in?"
- "How do you ensure you are following safety procedures when using cleaning chemicals?"
- "What is your understanding of infection control in a healthcare setting?"
- "How do you prioritize your cleaning tasks when you have multiple assignments?"
- Situational & Behavioral:
- "Imagine you find a spill in a busy hallway. What steps would you take?"
- "How would you handle a request from a nurse that conflicts with your cleaning schedule?"
- "Describe a time you had to adapt to a change in your work routine."
- "How do you ensure you maintain a positive attitude when dealing with patients or difficult situations?"
- Company & Culture:
- "Why are you interested in working for Aramark and specifically at UI Health?"
- "What do you know about our commitment to cleanliness and patient safety?"
- "How do you contribute to a team environment?"
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- As mentioned, a formal portfolio isn't required. Instead, prepare to:
- Articulate Experience: Clearly describe your past responsibilities and accomplishments using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions.
- Showcase Understanding: Demonstrate your grasp of the importance of EVS in healthcare through your answers.
- Highlight Reliability: Emphasize your commitment to punctuality and consistent performance, especially for weekend shifts.
Challenge Preparation:
- Be ready for scenario-based questions that test your judgment and knowledge of procedures. Think about:
- Problem-Solving: How would you address common EVS issues (e.g., equipment malfunction, unexpected contamination).
- Protocol Adherence: How you would ensure compliance with specific cleaning standards for different areas.
- Customer Interaction: How you would professionally interact with patients, visitors, and clinical staff.
π Enhancement Note: The interview will focus on assessing your reliability, attention to detail, understanding of safety and hygiene, and customer service skills. Prepare specific examples from your past experiences to support your answers.
π Application Steps
To apply for this Environmental Services (EVS) Worker position:
- Submit your application through the Aramark Careers portal via the provided link.
- Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly highlights any relevant cleaning, janitorial, or healthcare support experience. Use keywords such as "cleaning," "sanitizing," "infection control," "safety procedures," and "customer service."
- Prepare for Scenarios: Think about common EVS tasks and challenges in a hospital setting. Be ready to discuss how you would handle them confidently and safely.
- Highlight Availability: Clearly indicate your availability and commitment to working weekend shifts as required for this role.
- Research Aramark: Familiarize yourself with Aramark's mission, values, and commitment to service, particularly within their healthcare division.
β οΈ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.
Application Requirements
Previous custodial experience is preferred, and candidates must be able to follow basic safety procedures. The role may involve physical demands such as lifting, bending, and extended walking.