The Caretaker is accountable for cleaning, light maintenance and operational support across designated properties at Neighbours. This includes responsibilities such as janitorial duties, snow and refuse removal, equipment monitoring, record keeping, posting notices and executing minor repairs and work orders. The role is responsible for maintaining high standards of cleanliness, work quality and timeliness to meet prescribed guidelines.
This position reports to the Manager, Property Services and is part of a team assigned to a portfolio of buildings and where team members are expected to foster an organized and efficient maintenance environment. The Caretaker ensures that all cleaning and light maintenance activities are performed reliably and that the Property Services Coordinator and Manager, Property Services are well-informed at all times on site conditions, maintenance issues and security concerns. The Caretaker is required to identify and resolve site-specific issues related to building cleanliness and general upkeep and ensure that all interactions with others respect the diverse backgrounds of our community, including those living with mental illness, addictions or experiencing social isolation.
The Caretaker is expected to be a positive and dynamic presence across all assigned properties, and to manage multiple priorities, adapt to varying workloads, respond to emergencies as needed and often work under tight timelines to support the operational excellence. The position requires a high degree of self-motivation and an ability to work independently and with attention to detail.
Work Experience/Education/Certifications- Minimum 2 years’ experience in all aspects of professional cleaning and light maintenance / repairs.
Competencies/Skills/Attributes- Knowledge of cleaning products and their appropriate application and WHMIS guidelines.
- Experience operating cleaning machinery such as buffers, steam cleaners, power washing machinery, wet and dry vacuums, floor strippers, etc.
- Experience in lock changes and repairs, minor plumbing and household repairs, operation of equipment such as snow blowers and garbage processing equipment.
- Strong verbal, comprehension and written English language skills for effective communication and interaction with all staff, contractors and community members; Ability to read and comprehend cleaning product labels and MSDS information.
- Ability to use computer and mobile applications for e-mail communication, building maintenance (Yardi), and entering work hours.
- Competency and experience in property maintenance, including the safe operation of various cleaning and landscaping machinery.
- Perform minor repairs due to wear and tear and vandalism.
- 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.
OPERATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES- Daily and cyclical cleaning of lobbies, corridors, stairwells, site offices, public washrooms, elevator cabs, meeting and common rooms, mechanical and storage rooms, caretakers’ closets, garages, with tasks including:
- Washing of all walls, doors, door frames, glass and partitions, windows, laundry appliances, common area fridges and stoves, and outdoor ashtrays.
- Maintenance of floor surfaces by sweeping and damp mopping, vacuuming and / or steam
cleaning carpets, and stripping and polishing flooring.
- Spot cleaning all surfaces due to spills, finger marks, vandalism, etc.
- Cleaning lint traps and exhaust fans in laundry rooms.
- Sweeping cement flooring in stairwells, mechanical rooms and storage areas.
- Cleaning sinks and toilets in common area washrooms.
- Clean fresh air vents, fire hose cabinets, elevator door tracks.
- Visually inspect common areas of the grounds and building on a daily basis to ensure all areas are tidy and free of debris, vandalism and slip, trip and fall hazards, and that all equipment is working properly.
- Clean litter and debris as required.
- Monitor all parking areas and roadways to ensure fire and travel routes are clear and address/ report illegal parking.
- Maintain an inventory of cleaning, safety and personal protective equipment and inform supervisor when stock needs to be re-ordered
- Maintain cleaning equipment in working order and report repairs as require;
o Clear snow and ice from parking areas, roadways, walkways, stairwells and entry ways as required. Sand/salt these areas as required and maintain a log of such activities.
o Collect and dispose of refuse, litter, recycling, abandoned furniture and garbage and prepare for regular refuse and recycling pickup. Maintain clean and deodorized garbage disposal equipment, garbage/disposal rooms, compactors and report faulty equipment.
- Maintain an inventory of lighting stock and replace burnt-out bulbs as required. Report damaged or inoperable fixtures and stock replacement requirements to the Manager, Property Services or designate.
- Maintain grounds including litter removal, watering and cutting grass, maintaining shrubs and gardens. Ensure playgrounds are maintained in a neat and tidy condition and equipment is in safe operating condition.
- Provide access for appropriate trades people, government inspectors and representatives to common areas and units in accordance with Neighbours policy and as directed by Manager, Property Services or Property Services Coordinator.
- Thoroughly clean vacated units at point of turnover prior to occupancy including: removal of litter and garbage, vacuum unit, wash kitchen and bathroom floors, strip/wax floors, clean window coverings, clean appliances and fixtures, clean interior and exterior of cupboards, caulk bathtub, spot clean or steam clean carpet, replace burnt out lights, clean windows, minor repairs to walls and ceilings, painting and clean all vents.
- Check mechanical rooms daily for equipment operation / failure. Ensure that appropriate mechanical logs are maintained by contractors. Report mechanical failures to supervisor. Maintain equipment logs required by Neighbours.
- Maintain parking areas and underground garages so that they are suitable for parking including removing debris, washing floor surfaces and removing oil stains.
- Check fire monitoring panel daily and perform monthly fire test. Perform weekly generator test. Perform appropriate entries in fire logs. Participate in all emergency procedures and drills as directed by Manager, Property Services.
- Ensure tenant safety in all operations and participate in training and education on safety as directed by Neighbours.
- As required, deal with and report all vandalism, disturbances and emergencies to appropriate Neighbours staff as soon as possible.
- Perform minor repairs including locks and passage sets, equipment, doors and closures, taps, toilets,
- sinks and hardware, walls, windows and screens and minor repairs in units.
- Perform painting of units and common areas as required and directed by Manager, Property Services.
- Ensure that tasks are performed within WHMIS, WSIB, OHSA and NCH Health and Safety policy.
- Use appropriate / required personal protective equipment when performing all duties.
- Identify and make recommendations for the improvement of the Caretaker program and building operations.
Administrative Duties:- Assist in accurate and timely recording of information in inspection reports, logs, work orders, inventory, etc.
- Wear Neighbours badge at all times when on site.
- Complete reports and advise of any incidents immediately and complete incident reports as required.
- Document any significant problems, events, changes to services, building condition issues, etc.
- Prepare and submit timesheets by the required date.
- Prepare and submit travel and expense sheets on a monthly basis.
- Keep the Property Services Manager up to date on building conditions and problems, as applicable.
- Attend internal staff meetings and participate in workshops / training related to the position.
ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES- Knowledge of relevant legislation including the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), Residential Tenancies Act (RTA), Mental Health Act, the Child and Family Services Act, Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA), Social Housing Reform Act, and Ontario Fire and Building Codes.
- Model the organizational values, policies, and professional ethics and demonstrate commitment to the strategic direction.
- Demonstrate active support for organizational direction and priorities in own actions. Proactively engage in program and organizational change activities as directed.
- Model and promote a culture where everyone is accountable for making sure decisions and goals are met and projects/tasks are completed.
- Demonstrate active support for the organizational direction and priorities in own actions. Proactively engage in program and organizational change activities as directed.
- Proactively engage in program and organizational change activities.
- Model and promote a culture where everyone is accountable for making sure decisions and goals are met and projects/tasks are completed.
- Identify and remove barriers to service excellence.
- Demonstrate personal commitment and culture to wellness.
- Embrace and demonstrate Neighbours values in your actions.
- Participate in a work culture of positive thinking, initiative and creativity.
- Commitment to improve professional knowledge to recognize trends and issues and deal with them effectively.
- Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with allied community agencies and professionals and participate in community committees and internal Neighbours committees as required. Ensure that conduct is in accordance with the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the governing body of their profession, and that all applicable legislation is adhered to.
- Comply with the policies of the Neighbours including those pertaining to the confidentiality of client information.
- Represent the agency in a positive manner with clients, colleagues and the community at large.
- Attend regular supervision meetings with the Support Manager for the purpose of reviewing work expectations and performance evaluation.
WORKING CONDITIONS- Exposure to household pests, bodily fluids, individuals experiencing crisis, individuals who may be under the influence of substances, cleaning chemicals and some smoking environments.
- Requirement to travel between assigned buildings in personal vehicle or on public transit.
- Work hours are 35 hours per week.
- Work evenings and weekends as required.
As a condition of employment, a successful police record check for Vulnerable Sector is required. Candidates must be legally entitled to work in the country where this role is located.
Neighours’ may use AI-based tools to assist in screening and assessing applicants for this position. These tools may help us identify candidates whose skills and experience align with Neighbours’ objectives by analyzing information provided in resumes and applications. Our use of AI does not replace human decision-making.
Accommodations are available upon request for candidates with disabilities who are participating in the recruitment process and for those hired.
Hiring Rate: $21.39 per hour.
