Launch Your Career: Housekeeping Aid with the Veterans Health Administration
Are you looking for a stable career where your work directly supports those who have served our country? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a diligent and motivated Housekeeping Aid to join our Environmental Management Services team in Altoona and State College, Pennsylvania. This role is vital to our mission, ensuring that our medical centers remain safe, sanitary, and welcoming environments for our nation's heroes.
Job Responsibilities
As a Housekeeping Aid, your daily tasks will be varied and essential. You will be tasked with:
- Performing extensive floor maintenance, including sweeping, scrubbing, and buffing.
- Sanitizing clinical and non-clinical areas to prevent the spread of infection.
- Handling waste removal and ensuring proper disposal protocols.
- Managing the cleaning and maintenance of industrial cleaning equipment.
- Interacting with clinical staff and assisting in specialized cleaning for reusable medical equipment.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- Pass a background check.
- Comply with the annual influenza vaccination policy.
- Submit a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Be comfortable with physical tasks such as continuous walking, standing, and lifting equipment over 50 pounds.
Salary Overview
This position offers competitive compensation based on the Federal Wage System.
| Position Title | Hourly Pay Range |
|---|---|
| Housekeeping Aid | $18.51 - $21.56 |
Benefits
Working for the federal government provides a robust benefits package. Employees enjoy significant job security, structured salary increases, and the opportunity to serve a higher purpose. You will earn annual leave based on your length of service and have access to federal health benefits.
Application Tips
- Focus on the 2-page limit: Ensure your resume is concise and highlights your most relevant experience.
- Use the Resume Builder: This tool helps ensure you meet the federal formatting requirements.
- Be Detailed: We cannot make assumptions about your skills; describe your cleaning experience clearly in your resume.
Becoming a Housekeeping Aid at the VA is more than just a job; it is a way to contribute to the well-being of our veterans. Apply today to start your career with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Why This Housekeeping Aid Job Matters
Join the VA team as a Housekeeping Aid and make a direct, positive impact on the environment where our nation's Veterans receive life-changing care.
Housekeeping Aid Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is looking for dedicated individuals to join the Environmental Management Services Division in Altoona or State College, PA. As a Housekeeping Aid, you are essential to maintaining a clean, sanitary, and safe atmosphere for our patients and staff. This role involves a variety of custodial duties, ensuring that clinical and non-clinical areas meet the high standards of cleanliness expected in a medical facility. We are using Direct-Hire Authority to fill this vacancy quickly with motivated professionals committed to our 'I CARE' core values.
Requirements for Housekeeping Aid
- U.S. Citizenship (non-citizens may only be appointed under specific conditions).
- Must be suitable for Federal employment based on a background investigation.
- Must be willing to undergo a drug screening if required for the position.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Completion of a 1-year probationary period is required.
- Must adhere to the mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Resumes must be no longer than two pages to be considered.
Preferred Qualifications for Housekeeping Aid
- Experience in custodial, janitorial, or institutional cleaning services.
- Familiarity with operating heavy-duty industrial floor maintenance equipment.
- Proven ability to work effectively as part of a team or independently with minimal supervision.
- Demonstrated dexterity and attention to detail in maintaining sanitation standards.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive hourly pay
- ✓Stable federal employment
- ✓Career advancement opportunities within the VA
- ✓Annual leave and sick leave accrual
- ✓Comprehensive health and retirement benefits
💡 How to Apply Housekeeping Aid Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Housekeeping Aid Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload required documents such as your resume and, if applicable, your DD-214 or SF-50.
- Review your submission for accuracy and submit before the closing date.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume focused on relevant experience and ensure it does not exceed the two-page limit.
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your formatting meets federal requirements.
- Clearly describe your custodial tasks, including the equipment used and the frequency of work.
- Ensure all supporting documents are clearly named and uploaded as PDFs where possible.
- Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary responsibility of a Housekeeping Aid at the VA?
You are responsible for sanitizing and maintaining patient and non-patient areas, floor care, waste removal, and ensuring all facility spaces meet safety and hygiene standards.
Is a high school diploma required?
No specific length of training or experience is required, but you must demonstrate the ability to perform the duties of the position through your past experience or training.
What is the page limit for the resume?
Per the Merit Hiring Plan, all resumes must be two pages or less. Applications with longer resumes will not be considered.
What hours will I work?
Schedules vary by location, including early morning and evening shifts.
Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?
No, the system will not accept or consider resumes longer than two pages.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. We operate under the 'I CARE' core values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. By joining our team, you become a valued member of an organization that prides itself on compassion and professional growth.