Become a Housekeeping Aid with the VA in Marion, Illinois
Are you looking for a career that combines stable, meaningful work with the opportunity to serve those who have served our country? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is currently seeking a Housekeeping Aid for its facility in Marion, Illinois. This role is essential for maintaining the high standards of hygiene and patient comfort required in a modern healthcare environment.
Job Responsibilities
As a Housekeeping Aid, your work directly impacts the patient experience. Key responsibilities include:
- Surface Sanitization: Performing floor maintenance, wall washing, and cleaning of doorframes and stairwells.
- Waste Management: Safely collecting and disposing of refuse and regulated medical waste.
- Patient Care Support: Sanitizing patient rooms, including bed-making, cleaning mattresses, and disinfecting high-touch items.
- Equipment Maintenance: Operating and maintaining industrial equipment, such as buffers, vacuums, and pressure washers.
- Supply Management: Ensuring that rest areas and clinical spaces are fully stocked with essential supplies.
Comparison: Standard Custodial vs. VA Housekeeping
| Feature | Standard Custodial | VA Housekeeping Aid |
|---|---|---|
| Scope of Work | General office cleaning | Medical-grade sanitation |
| Equipment | Basic tools | Specialized industrial machinery |
| Priority | Appearance | Patient safety and infection control |
| Impact | Facility upkeep | Direct support of Veteran healthcare |
Requirements
To be considered for this position, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen (unless otherwise permitted).
- Pass a comprehensive background check.
- Possess physical stamina for continuous standing, walking, and heavy lifting.
- Adhere to the two-page resume limit requirement.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive hourly wage between $17.78 and $20.75. In addition to salary, employees may be eligible for annual leave accrual, federal stability, and long-term career progression.
If you are a detail-oriented individual with a commitment to quality and service, the VA Housekeeping Aid position in Marion, IL, is an excellent opportunity to start a federal career. Ensure your resume highlights your reliability and ability to handle the physical demands of the job to stand out in the application process.
Why This Housekeeping Aid Job Matters
Join a mission-driven team dedicated to the I CARE values by providing vital custodial support to our nation's heroes in Marion, Illinois.
Housekeeping Aid Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Housekeeping Aid to join the Environmental Management Services team at the Marion, IL VA Health Care System. In this role, you will play a critical part in maintaining a clean, safe, and sanitary environment for patients, staff, and visitors. You will work independently or as part of a team to ensure the highest standards of cleanliness throughout the medical facility, directly contributing to the comfort and well-being of Veterans.
Requirements for Housekeeping Aid
- U.S. Citizenship (exceptions apply for non-citizens when qualified citizens are unavailable)
- Must be suitable for Federal employment, confirmed via a background investigation
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959
- Must complete an online onboarding process
- Ability to perform continuous physical tasks like walking, standing, kneeling, and lifting
- Completion of a 1-year probationary period
Preferred Qualifications for Housekeeping Aid
- Demonstrated ability to follow detailed instructions regarding cleaning and sanitation protocols
- Experience safely operating industrial cleaning equipment such as buffers and pressure washers
- Proven track record of reliability and dependability in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive hourly pay
- ✓Federal employment stability
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement
- ✓Access to a comprehensive federal benefits package
- ✓Credit for job-related non-federal or military service for annual leave accrual
💡 How to Apply Housekeeping Aid Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Housekeeping Aid Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Review the full job announcement and gather required documentation (e.g., SF-50, DD-214).
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload your documents as PDFs, ensuring files are 5MB or smaller.
- Submit your application through the USAJOBS portal before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume is no longer than two pages to remain eligible under the Merit Hiring Plan.
- Be specific and clear when describing your previous experience; do not expect the agency to make assumptions.
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your formatting aligns with federal standards.
- Save and upload your documents as PDFs for the best results.
- Double-check your application for all required supporting documents before hitting submit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the pay range for this position?
The pay rate for this Housekeeping Aid position is $17.78 to $20.75 per hour.
Is a specific amount of experience required?
While no specific length of training is required, you must demonstrate through your resume that you have the skills and ability to perform the duties of the position.
What is the new resume length requirement?
Per the Merit Hiring Plan effective September 27, 2025, all federal resumes must be two pages or less.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is guided by the core values of Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence—collectively known as "I CARE." As a member of the Environmental Management Services team, you will be an integral part of this mission, ensuring that clinical and non-clinical areas are safe for Veterans and their families.