EVS Tech Lead-Full-time Evenings - job 1 of 2

As the EVS Tech Lead at Northwestern Medicine, your main responsibilities include supervising the Environmental Services team, ensuring high-quality service standards, and being the backup for the EVS Supervisor when they're unavailable. You will motivate and train staff, facilitate good public relations, manage laundry logistics, and carry out daily checks on equipment to maintain cleanliness and sanitation standards.

To qualify for the EVS Tech Lead role at Northwestern Medicine, candidates must possess a High School Diploma or GED, or alternatively, have a minimum of 5 years’ work experience in a hospital setting. Additionally, a minimum of three years in an Environmental Services role or in a lead position within a healthcare environment is essential. Familiarity with cleaning procedures and infection control in healthcare is also required.

Training for the EVS Tech Lead at Northwestern Medicine involves onboarding sessions focused on hospital policies, environmental safety, and infection control practices. You will learn the operational procedures for various cleaning equipment and how to supervise and motivate a team effectively to ensure that the hospital maintains a pristine environment.

The EVS Tech Lead at Northwestern Medicine plays a vital role in patient care by ensuring that the hospital environment is clean and safe. By leading the Environmental Services team and maintaining high sanitation standards, you enhance the overall patient experience and help prevent healthcare-associated infections, thus directly contributing to patient safety and care.

Northwestern Medicine offers a robust support system for its employees, including tuition reimbursement, loan forgiveness, and 401(k) matching. These benefits demonstrate their commitment to the professional development and well-being of staff. The work culture fosters teamwork and support, making it a great place to build a career.

When discussing your experience in environmental services, highlight specific roles where you had direct responsibilities related to cleanliness and sanitation in a healthcare setting. Mention techniques you've used and any specific challenges you overcame. Industrial standards or certifications related to environmental services can also add significant value to your response.

In answering this question, describe your method for task prioritization—such as urgent versus important tasks. Emphasize your ability to evaluate situations quickly and delegate effectively while maintaining clear communication with your team to ensure all tasks, particularly those vital for patient care, are completed on time.

Explain your approach to team motivation by discussing techniques such as recognizing individual strengths, providing constructive feedback, and facilitating a sense of ownership among team members. Share anecdotes where your leadership inspired your team to achieve or exceed expectations.

Highlight your conflict resolution skills by outlining an approach that includes active listening, addressing issues directly, and seeking a collaborative solution. Providing a specific example of a past conflict that you resolved successfully can demonstrate your capabilities effectively.

Discuss your hands-on experience with infection control, including best practices you have followed, any training you've received, and your understanding of regulatory compliance. Mentioning specific infection control successes achieved in previous roles can bolster your answer.

To ensure compliance with cleaning standards, outline your systematic approach that includes regular audits, ongoing training for staff, and real-time adjustments to protocols when necessary. Mention any relevant policies or standards you’ve followed in previous jobs.

When sharing a past experience of implementing a new process, structure your response using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Detail why the change was necessary, how you handled the transition, and any positive outcomes that resulted from the implementation.

Discuss the specific cleaning equipment you have operated, such as carpet extractors, floor scrubbers, or any specialized cleaning machines relevant to the healthcare setting. Highlight your proficiency in using these tools effectively and maintaining them properly to ensure a safe working environment.

In your response, emphasize the importance of structured training sessions that cover both theoretical knowledge and practical applications. Share how you incorporate hands-on training, mentorship, and regular feedback to help new staff develop their skills and confidence quickly.

Convey your understanding of the EVS Tech Lead's critical role in shaping the patient experience. Explain how maintaining a clean, sanitized environment promotes safety and comfort for patients, therefore enhancing their overall experience in the healthcare facility.