Laundry Aide

SUMMARY:

Under general supervision, but according to established policies and procedures, performs the duties listed below.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Distribution:

• Assembles racks of clean linen.

• Distributes clean linen to area clinics using linen baskets.

• Takes orders for linen from personnel on units and by phone.

• Picks up soiled linen from various hospital clinics using linen baskets.

Linen Sorting:

• Using universal precautions (personal protective equipment), sorts linen into like categories for eventual washing.

Linen Folding:

• Visually inspects all clean linen for any imperfections, then folds and places in proper racks in preparation for delivery.
• Separates missed re-wash linen. Folds and places in exchange carts for delivery.
• Folds Pediatric patient linen and places in exchange carts for delivery.
• Folds patient gowns, towels, isolation gowns, and under pads using automatic folding machine.

Surgical Linen:

• Sorts linen and carefully inspects each piece for stains, tears, or any other damage.
• Patches small holes with patching machine. Refers others to sewing room for repair or condemns piece if beyond repair.
• Folds each piece of linen in a precise way and stocks shelves.
• Assembles various types of kits and surgical packs with precise numbers of surgical linen in each kit or pack.
• Takes order for linen from personnel on units and by phone.

Linen Assembly:

• Takes orders via the phone.
• Assembles exchange carts with linen for units requiring specific number and kinds of linen.
• Performs linen return and re-assembly calculations in order to accurately prep user area carts for next delivery.
• Bags washed clothes and fitted sheets going to user areas.

Ironing:

• Feeds linen into mechanical spreader, which prepares sheets to be fed into the ironer.
• Works in a team of four and rotates positions on the ironer.
• Switches ironer key pad function in order to process flat sheets, draw sheets, pillow cases, cubicle curtains and bath blankets.
• Stands at the cross folding machine, receiving folded items as they come off the ironer. Counts items and assembles carts with accurate par.
• Visually inspects items while feeding and folding. Separates those that are stained, torn, or damaged.

Sewing:

• Makes, mends and repairs such items as drapes, specialty sheets, collars and slings.
• Makes alterations for proper fit of uniforms.

Uniform Room:

• Issues uniforms to hospital employees, assuring correct size and fit.
• Prepares name tapes or other identification markers, as appropriate.
• Keeps records of uniforms issued to employees.
• Feeds lab coats and uniforms into the steam tunnel machine.
• Sorts linen items being ragged out and keeps a count by piece and type of items being removed from the system.
• Pins hems, sleeves, etc. in preparation for alterations.

BASIC KNOWLEDGE:

• Ability to follow precise instructions for folding, and counting correct number of pieces.
• Knowledge of clothes and materials when working the sewing area.
• Ability to read and write English.
• Clerical and numerical ability to maintain simple records, count inventory and take orders from linen by telephone.

EXPERIENCE:

• A minimum of one year sewing experience is required (sewing room only).

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Physical ability to lift loads of wet or dry linen, push/pull linen racks and bins of soiled linen and lift bundles.
• Physical ability to visually inspect materials.
• Physical ability to feed folding equipment and sewing machines.
• Physical ability to use brooms, etc. to maintain work area in a clean and safe fashion.
• Exposure to unpleasant odors from solid linens, lint and heat.
• Walking, standing, lifting (heavy &light loads), bending, and carrying/pushing.
• Exposure to extreme hot and cold temperatures in the work area and noise from the machines.
• Standing on safety ladders to reach uniforms and assemble linen carts.
• Walking, lifting (heavy &light) bending, carrying and pushing.
• Chance of burns and other injury while working with equipment and machines.
• Chance of injury is minimized with adherence to current safety precautions.

Pay Range:

Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.

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Driving Required:

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