Become a Housekeeping Aid with the VA in Leeds, Massachusetts
Are you looking for a career that combines steady work with a noble mission? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking motivated individuals to serve as Housekeeping Aids at the Central Western Massachusetts VA Healthcare Center in Leeds, MA. This position is essential to maintaining the high standards of cleanliness and safety our nation’s heroes deserve.
Job Responsibilities
As a Housekeeping Aid, you are the front line of infection control and facility maintenance. Your daily tasks will include:
- General Sanitation: Cleaning patient rooms, wards, restrooms, and corridors.
- Equipment Operation: Using industrial-grade floor scrubbers, buffers, and vacuums.
- Waste Management: Safely disposing of trash, recycling, and regulated medical waste.
- Environmental Maintenance: Moving furniture, cleaning windows, and restocking dispensers.
- Patient Interaction: Maintaining a congenial and professional demeanor in patient care areas.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must pass a federal background investigation.
- Must commit to a one-year probationary period.
- Must strictly adhere to the two-page resume limit.
Salary and Comparison
This role offers competitive federal hourly wages as detailed below:
| Pay Detail | Amount |
|---|---|
| Minimum Hourly Rate | $19.36 |
| Maximum Hourly Rate | $22.57 |
| Schedule | Full-time (40 hrs/week) |
Benefits
Working for the VA provides more than just a paycheck. Employees enjoy:
- Predictable work schedules across various shifts.
- Comprehensive health, vision, and dental coverage.
- Accrual of annual and sick leave.
- Participation in federal retirement programs.
Application Tips
To maximize your chances, ensure your resume is formatted correctly. Use the USAJOBS resume builder if possible, keep it under two pages, and use clear, results-focused language. Highlight any experience you have with heavy machinery or custodial standards.
Serving as a Housekeeping Aid at the VA is a rewarding opportunity to support our Veterans. If you are a dependable individual looking for a stable federal career, apply via the USAJOBS portal today.
Why This Housekeeping Aid Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served our country by joining the dedicated environmental services team at the Central Western Massachusetts VA Healthcare Center.
Housekeeping Aid Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking dedicated individuals to join the Environmental Management Service team in Leeds, Massachusetts. These positions involve maintaining high standards of sanitation and cleanliness across patient care and administrative areas. As a Housekeeping Aid, you will play a vital role in ensuring a safe, hygienic, and welcoming environment for Veterans, staff, and visitors. This is a critical support role that contributes directly to the overall quality of healthcare delivery within our facility.
Requirements for Housekeeping Aid
- U.S. Citizenship (non-citizens may be considered only if qualified citizens are not available).
- Must be suitable for Federal employment, subject to a background investigation.
- Must complete a one-year probationary period.
- Male applicants born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Must be able to pass a drug screening if required for the position.
- Must provide valid, REAL ID-compliant identification for onboarding.
- Resume must be limited to two pages total.
Preferred Qualifications for Housekeeping Aid
- Experience in custodial, janitorial, or institutional cleaning services.
- Ability to operate industrial cleaning equipment such as buffers and floor scrubbers.
- Demonstrated reliability and the ability to work with minimal supervision.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to identify areas requiring sanitation.
- Interpersonal skills suitable for working in close proximity to patients and hospital staff.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive hourly pay rates.
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance options.
- ✓Predictable work scheduling.
- ✓Generous paid leave and vacation accrual.
- ✓Opportunities for federal career progression.
- ✓Retirement savings plans.
💡 How to Apply Housekeeping Aid Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Housekeeping Aid Job
- Review the full job announcement on USAJOBS.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Gather necessary documentation, such as SF-50s or transcripts if applicable.
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload your resume and required supporting documents.
- Submit your application package before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Focus your resume on results-oriented language and specific accomplishments.
- Ensure your resume clearly aligns with the competencies listed in the job description.
- Save your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting.
- Double-check that your resume is two pages or fewer; longer documents will result in disqualification.
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder if you are unsure how to format your document.
- Apply well before the deadline to avoid technical issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary responsibility of this role?
You will perform a full range of housekeeping duties, including cleaning patient rooms, restrooms, and common areas, as well as operating cleaning machinery and managing waste removal.
Are Veterans' preference rules applied?
Because this position is being filled under Direct-Hire Authority, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply; however, qualified veterans will receive full consideration.
Is there a page limit for the resume?
Yes, federal agencies now mandate a two-page limit for resumes. Applications with resumes exceeding two pages will not be considered.
What is the work schedule?
The facility requires coverage across days, nights, weekends, and holidays.
Will I need to lift heavy items?
Yes, the position requires the ability to handle equipment and loads exceeding 50 pounds.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. Our mission is to honor President Lincoln’s promise to provide compassionate care to those who have served in our military and their families. We operate based on our 'I CARE' core values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence.