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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Uniform Attendant

💰 $ - $

HospitalityHealthcareFacilitiesLaundry & Textile ServicesLogistics

🎯 Role Definition

The Uniform Attendant maintains the integrity and availability of the organization's uniform program by receiving, cleaning, inspecting, mending, tracking and distributing uniforms and related items. This role partners with departmental managers, linen suppliers and laundry teams to ensure compliance with quality, safety and inventory targets while delivering a customer-focused service. The Uniform Attendant works in a fast-paced, shift-driven environment and uses barcode/RFID or manual recordkeeping to support accurate asset management.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Laundry Attendant / Laundry Aide
  • Housekeeping Attendant or Room Attendant
  • Stock Clerk / Stockroom Associate

Advancement To:

  • Laundry/Uniform Room Supervisor
  • Uniform Services Coordinator
  • Facilities or Housekeeping Supervisor
  • Textile Services Manager / Inventory Control Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Housekeeping Supervisor / Lead
  • Inventory Control Specialist
  • Shipping & Receiving Clerk
  • Sterile Processing Technician (with additional training)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Receive and log incoming soiled uniforms, linens and PPE, verifying counts against departmental returns and delivery manifests to maintain accurate intake records.
  • Sort garments by type, color, soil level and department codes, following established infection-control and sorting procedures to prevent cross-contamination.
  • Operate industrial washers, dryers and finishing equipment safely and efficiently, selecting appropriate wash cycles, temperatures and detergents for fabric type and soil level.
  • Inspect laundered items for stains, damage, missing tags or defects and document quality issues, escalating recurring problems to the supervisor for corrective action.
  • Perform routine mending and minor repairs (sewing, button replacement, basic patching) to extend garment life and reduce replacement costs.
  • Package and label clean uniforms and linens by department and employee name/ID, preparing them for scheduled distribution or pickup.
  • Distribute uniforms and linens to employees or departments via scheduled rounds or point-of-service stations, ensuring correct allocation per employee size and departmental policy.
  • Collect and reconcile returned uniforms, conducting condition checks and recording shortages, damages or lost items in the inventory system.
  • Maintain accurate inventory records using barcode/RFID scanners, handheld devices or manual logs; perform daily reconciliation to identify discrepancies.
  • Conduct regular cycle counts and periodic full inventory audits to ensure stock accuracy and trigger reorders as needed.
  • Coordinate with suppliers and external laundry vendors for pickups, deliveries and special handling requests, ensuring vendor compliance with quality and safety standards.
  • Track and report on key metrics such as turnaround times, loss rates, repair volumes and inventory shrinkage to support continuous improvement.
  • Enforce PPE and uniform policies by confirming employees wear issued items correctly and by removing damaged or out-of-service items from circulation.
  • Label, segregate and dispose of non-salvageable garments according to established policies and environmental regulations, maintaining documentation for disposals.
  • Follow all workplace safety procedures including use of PPE, safe lifting techniques, chemical handling and adherence to OSHA or local regulatory requirements.
  • Maintain a clean, organized uniform room, laundry area and distribution carts, performing daily cleaning and scheduled deep-clean tasks to meet sanitation standards.
  • Support onboarding by preparing starter uniform kits for new hires, ensuring sizes and departmental requirements are met and recorded.
  • Provide customer service to employees and department managers by addressing fit issues, reorder requests, urgent replacements and special uniform requests in a timely manner.
  • Participate in training on new laundry equipment, inventory software or updated infection-control procedures to maintain competency and compliance.
  • Assist with the preparation and reconciliation of billing or chargebacks related to uniform issuance, repairs and replacements where the role includes transactional responsibilities.
  • Respond to emergency requests (e.g., spill-related uniform replacement, extra staffing needs) by rapidly prioritizing and fulfilling urgent distribution needs.
  • Maintain confidentiality of employee information and adhere to company policies for recordkeeping and data protection when handling employee-specific uniform assignments.

Secondary Functions

  • Support continuous improvement initiatives by suggesting workflow, layout or process changes to increase throughput and reduce handling time.
  • Assist procurement or facilities teams with vendor evaluation feedback based on service performance and product quality.
  • Help maintain spare parts and repair supplies (thread, buttons, patches) inventory and notify supervisors when restocking is required.
  • Participate in cross-training activities to cover related duties in shipping/receiving or housekeeping during peak periods or staff shortages.
  • Prepare periodic reports and documentation for managerial review, including loss/damage logs, repair logs and performance metrics.
  • Aid in onboarding and mentoring new uniform room staff by demonstrating standard operating procedures and safety practices.
  • Ensure signage, labeling and storage systems are clearly maintained to facilitate quick identification and first-in-first-out (FIFO) rotation.
  • Coordinate with infection prevention or clinical teams (in healthcare settings) to manage contaminated laundry protocols and special handling requirements.
  • Support sustainability initiatives by sorting and routing appropriate textiles for recycling or repurposing programs where applicable.
  • Participate in scheduled maintenance checks and basic troubleshooting of laundry and finishing equipment, reporting issues promptly to technical services.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Industrial laundry operation: experience operating large washers, dryers, finishing equipment, presses and steamers.
  • Inventory management: barcode/RFID scanning, manual logs and cycle counting to maintain accurate uniform inventories.
  • Basic textile care knowledge: understanding of fabric types, safe wash/dry temperatures, chemical handling and stain-removal techniques.
  • Basic sewing and repair: capability to perform hemming, stitch repairs, button replacement and patching to prolong uniform life.
  • Recordkeeping and documentation: accurate daily logs, quality reports and service tickets using paper forms or computerized systems.
  • ERP/WMS or uniform management software familiarity: exposure to Ceridian/PeopleSoft, Kronos, Toughbook-based systems, or vendor portals is a plus.
  • Safety and compliance: knowledge of OSHA, infection prevention standards, and proper handling of contaminated linens (healthcare contexts).
  • Material handling: safe lifting and use of carts, dollies and pallet jacks (training or certification if required).
  • Equipment maintenance: perform daily equipment checks, basic troubleshooting and escalate mechanical issues effectively.
  • Quality control: ability to identify fabric damage, stains, color bleeding and other quality issues and document corrective actions.

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail and quality orientation to ensure garments meet appearance and safety standards.
  • Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills for working directly with staff and department managers.
  • Time management and organizational skills to prioritize distribution schedules and manage peak workloads.
  • Teamwork and collaboration: works effectively with laundry, housekeeping and facilities teams.
  • Physical stamina and reliability: able to stand, lift, bend and handle repetitive tasks during shifts.
  • Problem-solving mindset: able to resolve discrepancies, locate missing items and respond to urgent requests calmly.
  • Clear verbal and written communication skills for logging issues and coordinating across departments.
  • Adaptability and flexibility to work varied shifts, weekends or overtime as business needs demand.
  • Integrity and discretion when handling employee-specific uniform assignments and records.
  • Initiative and continuous improvement focus to propose and implement process enhancements.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED preferred; equivalent experience in laundry, housekeeping or textile services accepted.

Preferred Education:

  • Vocational certificate or coursework in textile care, hospitality services, facilities management or related field.
  • Certifications in workplace safety, forklift or material handling (if required by the employer).

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Hospitality Management
  • Facilities Management
  • Textile Science / Apparel Technology
  • Supply Chain / Inventory Management
  • Occupational Health & Safety

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 0–3 years (entry-level roles) up to 3–5 years for mid-level Uniform Attendant roles.

Preferred:

  • 1–2 years experience in a commercial laundry, uniform services, hospitality or healthcare linen room.
  • Experience with barcode/RFID inventory systems, industrial laundry equipment and basic garment repairs preferred.
  • Prior exposure to regulated environments (e.g., hospitals) or large-scale textile programs is a plus.
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