Director of Environmental Services

The Director of Environmental Services at Atlantic Health System in Summit, NJ, oversees 24/7 operations of Environmental Services, managing staff and ensuring cleanliness in patient areas. Responsibilities include team management, compliance with health regulations, infection control, budget management, and collaboration with hospital departments. The role focuses on improving cleanliness scores and maintaining a safe environment for patients and staff.
Director Environmental Services, Overlook Medical Center

Responsible for 24/7,365 days per year operations of Environmental Services for the Overlook Medical Center Campus and satellite locations, managing the staff and activities of Environmental Services, including linen services and cleaning of patient rooms in a timely fashion to support the flow of patients. Coordinates, trains and evaluates direct reports and collaborate with senior management in the review, development, and monitoring of budgets. Provides track record in improving HCAHPS and Press Ganey cleanliness scores and implementing disinfecting techniques thereby reducing health acquired infections. Ensures structured training in high-level disinfection techniques and routine monitoring of the same for all EVS staff and all other staff that have responsibility for cleaning and managing the hazardous waste stream. Additionally, to provide a clean and safe physical environment for patients, visitors, and staff.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities:

Leadership and Team Management:
• Lead, supervise, and manage a team of housekeeping, EVS staff, and other support personnel.
• Conduct hiring, training, coaching, and performance evaluations for staff.
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels and manage scheduling, especially during peak times or emergencies.
• Foster a positive, efficient work environment that encourages teamwork, accountability, and professionalism.
• Works to improve and reinforce performance of others. Delegates assignments, clarifies expectations and holds others accountable for achieving results related to their area of responsibility. Works collaboratively toward solutions that accomplish organization goals.

Facility Sanitation and Maintenance:
• Oversee daily cleaning operations of patient rooms, public areas, offices, and specialized areas (e.g., operating rooms, laboratories).
• Develop, implement, and enforce cleaning protocols and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations (including OSHA and CDC guidelines).
• Ensure that all areas of the hospital meet or exceed cleanliness, hygiene, and infection control standards.

Infection Control and Safety:
• Collaborate with the infection control team to prevent hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) through effective cleaning, disinfection, and waste management practices.
• Ensure proper handling and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous waste.
• Develop and implement infection prevention and control measures in accordance with hospital policy and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct regular audits and inspections to monitor compliance with infection control standards.

Financial Stewardship and Operational Oversight:
• Develop and submit budgetary requests on or before stated deadlines. Monitor and analyze budgetary trends.
• Manage the EVS department budget, including forecasting, cost control, and resource allocation (supplies, equipment, labor).
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiencies and reduce costs without compromising quality or safety.
• Oversee the maintenance and operation of cleaning equipment, ordering supplies, and managing inventory to ensure cost-effective utilization.

Collaboration and Communication:
• Work with other hospital departments (nursing, facilities management, administration) to ensure that cleanliness and safety standards are met across the facility.
• Communicates a compelling vision and need for change that generates excitement, enthusiasm, and commitment to the process.
• Provide timely reports to hospital leadership on the status of environmental services, cleanliness audits, and other performance metrics.
• Respond promptly to emergency or special cleaning requests from hospital staff or administration.

Quality Improvement:
• Lead quality assurance programs and initiatives related to environmental services.
• Review and analyze data on cleanliness performance, customer feedback, and infection control outcomes to identify areas for improvement.
• Implement corrective actions as needed and continuously monitor progress.

Regulatory Compliance and Accreditation:
• Ensure that the department meets or exceeds hospital, local, state, and federal regulatory standards, including Joint Commission, OSHA, and CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) requirements.
• Stay up-to-date on changes in healthcare regulations related to sanitation, environmental safety, and infection control.
• Lead preparation for hospital inspections, audits, and accreditations related to environmental services.

Training and Development:
• Develop and deliver ongoing training programs to EVS staff, ensuring they understand and follow cleaning protocols, safety procedures, and infection control measures.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging staff to pursue professional development opportunities and certifications in environmental services.
• Provides staff with accurate annual performance feedback and the opportunity to set developmental goals. Encourages staff to celebrate successes, express concerns and identify opportunities for improvements. Implements strategies to improve team member satisfaction inclusive of strategies to involve team members in decision making.

Education and Experience:

Required:

1. Bachelor's degree in environmental service management or related field.

2. Five years of experience in an Environmental Services Environment including Supervisory experience or relevant area.

3. Strong knowledge of healthcare infection control practices, environmental safety, and regulatory compliance.

4. Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.