Shelter Custodian/Maintenance

The Custodian reports to the Shelter and Outreach Manager or designate and works in accordance with the mission and philosophy of The Salvation Army and its Policies and Procedures.  Duties and responsibilities include performing a variety of maintenance and repairs to buildings, grounds and equipment in one or more areas such as electrical, plumbing and painting.  The incumbent also performs a variety of cleaning duties such as sweeping, mopping floors, vacuuming, dusting, washing walls, windows and ceilings. Incumbent is responsible for maintaining the landscaping plants, grounds, and other outside areas in good condition, including smoking areas and dog run.   Weekend work is required.

HOURS:

• This position is part time (22.5 hours per week)

• Performs a variety of cleaning duties to ensure the cleanliness of the facilities including attention to toilets and bathing rooms, walls, floors, sinks, kitchen area(s), trash containers and windows through methods such as sweeping, vacuuming, washing, mopping, disinfecting and waxing. Encourages and supports clients to assist.
• Performs a variety of maintenance and repair duties by performing duties such as repairing furniture, constructing shelves, installing switches, replacing plugs and other basic appliance repairs, applying paint and other finishes, repairing drywall, disassembling and reassembling equipment, replacing sinks and toilets and applying finishing material such as linoleum. Liaison with appropriate trades for any repairs beyond scope. Prepares estimates of maintenance and repair costs for submission to supervisor.
• Performs a variety of work related to contractors including monitoring work performed by contractors, contacting external contractors and trades people to obtain quotes, and arranging for major repairs and maintenance work.
• Performs a variety of preventative maintenance duties to ensure emergency back-up systems function according to established standards by performing duties such as testing systems, replacing batteries, ensuring door alarms are on and working.
• Maintains a safe environment by performing duties such as security checks on the building exterior and interior, restricting unauthorized access to the building and liaising with the staff and if necessary with the police to report any suspicious activities.
• Maintains the landscaping plants, grounds, and other outside areas in good condition, including smoking areas and dog run. Coordinates for snow removal, and the repairs or replacements of outside furnishings as required.
• Performs a variety of garbage duties such as removing garbage from premises, emptying wall needle disposal units into bulk disposal, keeping garbage container area clear and monitoring disposal service pick-up; advises management of any problems.
• Monitors the condition and cleanliness of tenant rooms, assisting clients as needed to maintain rooms in good and clean condition, aiding tenants with minor maintenance and repair work, reporting concerns to the Building Manager.
• Maintains the exterior of the facilities and grounds by performing duties such as washing sidewalks, walls and windows, collecting litter and picking up leaves.
• Monitors maintenance and cleaning supplies by performing duties such as placing purchase orders with external suppliers, receiving supplies, checking invoices against orders and goods received, storing and distributing supplies and contacting suppliers to obtain and provide general information.
• Participates as a team member with other staff to ensure a safe and caring environment by performing duties such as responding to emergency issues and supporting others through methods such as sharing of knowledge and information. Welcomes client participation in the upkeep and maintenance of the shelter.
• Observes clients and their environments to ensure the safety of clients and the premises by performing duties such as reporting unsafe conditions, incidents and/or behaviours, interacting with clients including observing client behaviour, investigating disturbances, dealing with client emergencies in accordance with guidelines and reporting incidents to appropriate staff or authorities. Records observations for communication to other staff and Manager
• Maintains related manual and computerized records by performing duties such as completing documentation for maintenance and repairs performed and log book on client interactions.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education, Training and Experience including lifeskills:

• General familiarity with cleaning and maintenance procedures
• Grade 12 minimum education
• One year of prior related experience
• WHMIS
• Crisis Intervention Skills Training an asset

Required Skills/Physical Effort/Dexterity Required:

The performance of the job requires a frequent amount of standing, squatting, bending, carrying, pushing, and walking; moderate to considerable amounts of lifting.  The performance of the job requires frequent attention to proper maintenance and cleanliness of the facility.  Adhering to safety procedures and regulations and keeping track of proper cleaning supplies.

The incumbent is involved in minor financial matters regularly, or on a relief basis, or has responsibility for the wise use of their own resources.  They may be authorized to spend disburse, or collect small amounts of cash.

The incumbent is required to lift up to 20 pounds.

Work Environment:

The incumbent’s work environment is typically located at the Shelter Buildings, Smoke Pit, Laundry Room, Kitchen and Parking Lot.

The incumbent will work under the following disagreeable conditions:

• Noisy
• Handle garbage
• Isolation and monotony
• Odours
• Dealing with angry people
• Verbal Abuse
• Exposure to toxic chemicals
• Crowded in some cases
• Pressure with timeliness
• Washrooms (ie. human waste)

Travel may be required.

Exposure to Hazards:

The job incumbent may be exposed to the risk of moderate to severe injury or illnesses due to:

• Possible physical and verbal attacks by clients
• Exposure to toxic chemicals
• Moving objects
• Sharp objects
• Electrical hazards
• Injury from lifting
• Falling on wet/slippery floors
• Cuts and burns

Precautionary Measures:

The incumbent must take the following precautionary measures:   (in addition to health and safety rules)

• Universal Precautions
• Use of rubber mats
• Use gloves provided
• Immunization for Hepatitis B
• Vaccination against Tuberculosis

The performance of the job requires continuous monitoring of the environment and attentiveness to working safely.

• Demonstrated ability work independently.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated physical/mental ability to perform the duties of the job.
• Demonstrated ability to operate related equipment.
• Demonstrated suitability to work with disadvantaged and challenging adults in a diverse environment.
• Demonstrated ability to organize work.
• Demonstrated ability to deal with others effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to provide work direction.
• Demonstrated ability to understand and maintain client/worker boundaries.

Successful candidates, prior to hiring, may be required to provide:

• Background check consent
• A clear vulnerable sector screening
• A clean drivers abstract
• Completion of our online Armatus Abuse Training and required Health and Safety training

The Salvation Army will accommodate candidates as required under applicable human rights legislation.   If you require a disability-related accommodation during this process, please inform us of your requirements. 

In support of our commitment to a healthy and safe workplace and community, The Salvation Army (TSA) has a vaccination requirement for all employees in Canada.  The successful candidate will be made an offer of employment on the condition of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and will be required to provide proof of full vaccination, prior to their employment start date. The requirement to be fully vaccinated is subject to provincial/territorial human rights legislation. If the candidate is unable to vaccinate for a reason protected by the Human Rights Code, a request for accommodation can be submitted and written proof satisfactory to TSA will be required.

We thank all applicants, however, only those candidates to be interviewed will be contacted.

Internal Applicants, please advise your managing supervisor of your intentions prior to submitting your application.