Become an Assistant Hospital Housekeeping Officer at the VA

Are you looking for a leadership role where your work directly impacts the health and safety of America's Veterans? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is currently seeking a highly skilled and compassionate individual to fill the role of Assistant Hospital Housekeeping Officer at the VA Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois.

Job Responsibilities

As the Assistant Hospital Housekeeping Officer, you will be responsible for the strategic planning, coordination, and management of the hospital’s housekeeping operations. Your key duties will include:

Managing Environmental Sanitation: Overseeing protocols to ensure the facility meets high standards for bacteriological and visual cleanliness.
Operational Leadership: Supervising personnel, establishing work standards, and developing efficient workflows.
Laundry and Linen Services: Managing internal services and coordinating with external contractors for uniform and linen distribution.
Waste Management: Developing and maintaining programs for handling hazardous, toxic, and infectious waste.
EOC Oversight: Providing recommendations and analyzing Environment of Care (EOC) practices in both clinical and administrative areas.

Requirements

To qualify for this GS-11 position, you must meet specific federal criteria:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-09 grade level in housekeeping management, environmental sanitation, or infection control.
Education: Graduate-level education or a Ph.D. can be substituted for experience under specific conditions.
Assessments: Completion of a Supervisory Situational Judgment Test (SSJT).
Mandatory Requirements: Ability to pass a background investigation, adhere to the seasonal influenza vaccination policy, and complete a one-year probationary period.

Salary and Benefits

Feature	Details
Salary Range	$83,482 - $108,533 per year
Job Series	0673 (Hospital Housekeeping Management)
Schedule	Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm
Relocation	Not authorized

Working for the VA offers a robust benefits package, including competitive salary, excellent health benefits, and a generous leave policy. You will enjoy a stable work-life balance while contributing to a vital public mission.

Application Tips

Applying for a federal position requires meticulous attention to detail. Ensure your resume is limited to two pages and focuses on results. Use clear, concise language to detail your experience, as the hiring team cannot make assumptions about your qualifications. Always upload your transcripts if you are relying on education to meet the requirements.

If you have the experience and the drive to lead environmental management efforts for one of the nation’s most important healthcare providers, we encourage you to apply. Your leadership will ensure that our Veterans receive care in a clean, safe, and professional environment.

Why This Assistant Hospital Housekeeping Officer Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on Veteran health care by managing the environmental standards of the Chicago VA Medical Center.

Assistant Hospital Housekeeping Officer Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Assistant Hospital Housekeeping Officer to lead environmental management operations at the VA Medical Center in Chicago, IL. This role is pivotal in ensuring that our facilities remain sanitary, safe, and welcoming for the Veterans we serve. You will oversee housekeeping programs, manage laundry and linen services, and direct staff to maintain the highest standards of environmental cleanliness and infection control.

Requirements for Assistant Hospital Housekeeping Officer

U.S. Citizenship is required.
Completion of a background and security investigation.
Must be a male born after 12/31/1959 and registered with the Selective Service.
Ability to complete an online onboarding process and provide acceptable identity documentation.
Requirement to undergo a 1-year probationary period.
Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory for all Health Care Personnel.
One year of specialized experience at the GS-09 level (or equivalent) in hospital housekeeping management, infection control, or related environmental services.

Preferred Qualifications for Assistant Hospital Housekeeping Officer

Advanced education (Ph.D. or equivalent graduate work) related to environmental management or healthcare administration.
Proven expertise in managing complex hospital-wide cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization protocols.
Experience with waste management practices regarding hazardous, toxic, and infectious materials.
Strong background in personnel management, staff training, and conflict resolution in a clinical setting.
Proficiency in utilizing data-driven analytical methods to optimize facility workflows.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal salary and benefits package.
✓Generous paid time off, including annual and sick leave.
✓Predictable and flexible scheduling opportunities.
✓Professional growth and career advancement within the VA system.
✓Service credit toward annual leave accrual for qualified prior service.
✓Comprehensive health, life, and retirement insurance options.

💡 How to Apply Assistant Hospital Housekeeping Officer Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Assistant Hospital Housekeeping Officer Job

Create or update your profile on the USAJOBS platform.
Draft a resume limited strictly to two pages to comply with the Merit Hiring Plan.
Review the job announcement and gather all required documentation, such as transcripts or veteran preference papers.
Complete the online questionnaire and Supervisory Situational Judgment Test (SSJT).
Submit your complete application package via the online portal before the deadline.
Monitor your email for status updates and potential interview invitations.

💡 General Tips

Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your formatting complies with the strict two-page limit.
Clearly define your previous roles with specific dates (month/year) and number of hours worked per week.
Focus on results-oriented language that demonstrates your impact on previous organizational goals.
Submit all required documents, including transcripts and SF-50s if applicable, to avoid disqualification.
Review your resume for clarity; the VA will not make assumptions about your experience if it is not explicitly stated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the educational requirement for this role?

You must have one year of specialized experience at the GS-09 level. However, if you possess a Ph.D. or equivalent graduate education, you may be able to substitute this for the experience requirement.

Is the resume limit strictly two pages?

Yes, effective September 2025, the Merit Hiring Plan requires resumes for federal positions to be no longer than two pages.

Is the influenza vaccination mandatory?

Yes, as a Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel, you are required to receive an annual influenza vaccination or obtain an approved medical/religious exemption.

Is this a remote position?

No, this is an on-site position at the VA Medical Center in Chicago. You must live or be willing to relocate within a commutable distance.

What is the Supervisory Situational Judgment Test?

It is a 45-minute, non-timed assessment that evaluates your decision-making and leadership skills in alignment with VA core values.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a cornerstone of American service. Our mission is to fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation’s military and their families. Working at the VA is more than just a job; it is an honorable commitment to the men and women who have sacrificed for our country.