Personal Items

DHS is not responsible for missing or broken personal items. Employees must be extremely careful about keeping personal items in the workplace. The janitorial service is not responsible for missing items.

Housekeeping Guidelines for Staff

1. Food/Drink (Liquids) – When not properly disposed, liquids and food can leak onto carpet causing stains and creating pest control problems.
   • Personal Space – If you eat/drink at your desk, take care to avoid dropping or spilling food/drink on the floor. Dispose of any waste in the restroom or break room trash receptacles, not at your desk. If an accidental spill occurs, clean it up immediately and notify the County Director. All food should be stored in sealed containers or storage bags and not left open. Avoid eating or drinking around any equipment as it could cause damage.
   • Break Rooms – Food should be properly stored to avoid pest infestation. Food should be stored in sealed containers or storage bags and not left open. Washing dishes and cleaning appliances are the responsibility of staff and should be done daily. Janitorial staff is not responsible for washing dishes or cleaning appliances.
   • Interview Rooms – No food or drinks are allowed in the interview rooms.
   • Conference Rooms – If you have luncheons, snack days, parties, etc., you must clean up after yourselves. Waste should be disposed of in the restroom or break room receptacles.
2. Walls/Doors/Windows – With the exception of authorized notices (LIHEAP, etc.) to clients, nothing will be taped or attached directly to any part of walls, doors, windows unless framed. This includes entrance and office doors, sidelights and reception windows. Seasonal or emergency notices to clients should be laminated or placed in a plastic sleeve so they can be easily removed.
3. Personal Space – Space within your cubicle/office is considered “personal space”. Nothing should be protruding outside cubicle walls or offices. Decorations should be in good taste and not overdone. Nothing should be taped or attached to outside walls of cubicles with the exception of nameplates.
4. Staff will not store cases, files, papers, personal items, etc. on the floor as it compromises confidentiality, creates a safety hazard and impedes proper cleaning by custodial staff.
5. Where recycling bins are provided, waste paper should always be disposed of in those bins and not in personal trashcans
6. Family Visitation Rooms – Food and drink is not allowed in Family Visitation Rooms. Toys must be picked up after every visit to allow custodial staff to clean. Custodial staff is not responsible for picking up toys.
7. No lit candles are permitted anywhere in the building.
8. Ceilings – Ceilings are designed to carry only certain weight, therefore, nothing should be suspended from the ceiling of the building.
9. Interior Finishes – In accordance with building codes, interior finishes (curtains, drapes, rugs, etc.) must meet certain requirements, therefore, only state-issued rugs, curtains, drapes, furniture, etc. are to be in the building unless approved by the DHS A & E Unit.