About the Role
The Caretaker is responsible for cleaning, light maintenance, and operational support across designated properties. This role involves maintaining high standards of cleanliness and work quality, ensuring reliable performance of cleaning and maintenance tasks, and effectively communicating site conditions and issues to management. The Caretaker is expected to be a positive presence, manage multiple priorities, and respond to emergencies as needed, while working with attention to detail and self-motivation.
Responsibilities
- Perform daily and cyclical cleaning of various areas including lobbies, corridors, washrooms, and common rooms.
- Wash walls, doors, windows, and appliances.
- Maintain floor surfaces through sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, and carpet cleaning.
- Spot clean surfaces for spills, vandalism, and marks.
- Clean laundry room lint traps and exhaust fans.
- Sweep cement flooring in stairwells, mechanical rooms, and storage areas.
- Clean sinks, toilets, fresh air vents, and fire hose cabinets.
- Visually inspect common areas for tidiness, debris, and hazards.
- Clean litter and debris as required.
- Monitor parking areas and roadways for clear routes and illegal parking.
- Maintain an inventory of cleaning and safety equipment.
- Maintain cleaning equipment in working order.
- Clear snow and ice from parking areas, walkways, and entryways.
- Sand and salt areas as required.
- Collect and dispose of refuse, litter, recycling, and garbage.
- Maintain garbage disposal equipment and rooms.
- Maintain an inventory of lighting stock and replace burnt-out bulbs.
- Report damaged or inoperable fixtures.
- Maintain grounds, including litter removal, watering grass, and maintaining shrubs and gardens.
- Ensure playgrounds are maintained and equipment is safe.
- Provide access for tradespeople and inspectors.
- Thoroughly clean vacated units at point of turnover.
- Check mechanical rooms daily for equipment operation/failure.
- Maintain mechanical logs.
- Maintain parking areas and garages, including washing floors and removing oil stains.
- Check fire monitoring panel daily and perform monthly fire tests.
- Perform weekly generator tests.
- Perform appropriate entries in fire logs.
- Participate in emergency procedures and drills.
- Ensure tenant safety in all operations.
- Deal with and report vandalism, disturbances, and emergencies.
- Perform minor repairs including locks, equipment, doors, taps, toilets, sinks, walls, windows, and screens.
- Perform painting of units and common areas.
- Ensure tasks are performed within WHMIS, WSIB, OHSA, and NCH Health and Safety policy.
- Use appropriate personal protective equipment.
- Identify and recommend improvements for the Caretaker program and building operations.
- Assist in recording information in inspection reports, logs, and work orders.
- Wear Neighbours badge at all times when on site.
- Complete reports and advise of any incidents immediately.
- Document significant problems, events, or building condition issues.
- Prepare and submit timesheets and expense sheets.
- Keep the Property Services Manager updated on building conditions.
- Attend internal staff meetings and training sessions.
Requirements
- Minimum 2 years’ experience in professional cleaning and light maintenance/repairs.
- Knowledge of cleaning products and WHMIS guidelines.
- Experience operating cleaning machinery.
- Experience in lock changes and repairs, minor plumbing and household repairs.
- Experience operating equipment such as snow blowers and garbage processing equipment.
- Ability to use computer and mobile applications for e-mail, building maintenance (Yardi), and time entry.
- Competency and experience in property maintenance.
- Ability to lift and carry loads of up to 25 kilograms.
- Ability to work independently.
- Sensitivity to working with tenants who may be living with mental illness, addictions, and social isolation.
- Knowledge of relevant legislation including the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Ontario Human Rights Code, AODA, RTA, Mental Health Act, Child and Family Services Act, PHIPA, Social Housing Reform Act, and Ontario Fire and Building Codes.
- Model organizational values, policies, and professional ethics.
- Demonstrate commitment to strategic direction and organizational priorities.
- Engage in program and organizational change activities.
- Model and promote a culture of accountability.
- Identify and remove barriers to service excellence.
- Demonstrate personal commitment and culture to wellness.
- Embrace and demonstrate Neighbours values.
- Participate in a work culture of positive thinking, initiative, and creativity.
- Commitment to improve professional knowledge.
- Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with allied community agencies and professionals.
- Participate in community committees and internal Neighbours committees.
- Comply with Neighbours policies, including confidentiality of client information.
- Represent the agency in a positive manner.
- Attend regular supervision meetings.
- Successful police record check for Vulnerable Sector is required.
- Must be legally entitled to work in the country where the role is located.
Skills
- Professional cleaning
- Light maintenance
- Minor repairs
- Janitorial duties
- Snow and refuse removal
- Equipment monitoring
- Record keeping
- Posting notices
- Minor repairs and work orders
- Cleaning product knowledge
- WHMIS guidelines
- Operating cleaning machinery (buffers, steam cleaners, power washing machinery, wet and dry vacuums, floor strippers)
- Lock changes and repairs
- Minor plumbing and household repairs
- Operating snow blowers and garbage processing equipment
- Verbal communication
- Comprehension
- Written English language skills
- Reading cleaning product labels and MSDS information
- Computer and mobile application use (e-mail, Yardi)
- Property maintenance
- Safe operation of cleaning and landscaping machinery
- Lifting and carrying up to 25 kilograms
- Independent work
- Sensitivity to diverse backgrounds
- Time management
- Adaptability
- Emergency response
- Attention to detail
- Self-motivation
- Interpersonal skills
- Problem-solving
- Record keeping
- Inventory management
- Basic mechanical knowledge
- Fire safety procedures
- WSIB compliance
- OHSA compliance
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) use
Location
- Designated properties at Neighbours
Work Type
- Full-time
- 35 hours per week
- Evenings
- Weekends
Experience Level
- Minimum 2 years’ experience
Salary/Compensations
- Hiring Rate $21.39
About the Company
- Neighbours Community Homes is an organization that provides services and support to individuals living with mental illness, addictions, or experiencing social isolation.
Equal Opportunity
- Accommodations are available upon request for candidates with disabilities who are participating in the recruitment process and for those hired.
