Shelter Custodian - The Hope Centre

Make a meaningful impact by ensuring a clean and welcoming environment, providing comfort and dignity to those in need.

ABOUT US

Since 1974, The Hope Centre has helped to build and strengthen Welland by supporting the most vulnerable in our community with food security, housing stability and wellness programs. We offer a wide range of services that help individuals and families in Welland that are facing challenges related to poverty, including mental health, addictions, food insecurity, and housing instability.

Our mission is to assist, support, empower and advocate for the most vulnerable members of our community. We do this by providing essential services including homelessness prevention, housing-focused shelter, emergency food bank, daily lunches, counselling and more. Our vision is a community where every person has their basic needs met through support and compassion.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Shelter Manager, the Shelter Custodian plays a crucial role in the operation of the Housing Focused Shelter by maintaining the cleanliness of the building and surrounding grounds through janitorial and housekeeping duties. This position is responsible for cleaning and sanitizing the shelter to ensure a safe and welcoming environment. Additionally, the Shelter Custodian supports staff with meal preparation, serving, and washing dishes, equipment, and food preparation areas.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Vacuum and wipe down furniture.
• Empty and clean garbage and recycling receptacles.
• Dust furnishings and around doorways, frames, lights, air vents and ducts.
• Clean, sanitize, wash, and disinfect:
  • Tabletops, chairs, food service and preparation areas, and shelves.
  • Bathrooms, including toilet bowls, sinks, mirrors, and change tables.
• Clean and disinfect the entranceways, foyers, sleeping areas, eating areas, kitchen, offices, staff rooms and other areas depending on location.
• Maintain floors through regular (i.e. daily) duties such as: sweeping, mopping, washing, cleaning spills, vacuuming, etc.
• Maintain an adequate supply of cleaning supplies and materials and inform Supervisor when inventory is low.
• Attend training sessions as required.
• Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting during Public Health advised outbreak.
• Store and handle cleaning supplies in accordance with WHMIS legislation.
• Purchase required supplies for repairs as approved by the Supervisor.
• Set up furniture and equipment at various locations as required.
• Move and rearrange furniture as required for special functions such as meetings, events, etc.
• Keep entryways and walkways clear of snow and ice (i.e. sand, salt, shovel, etc) as needed.
• Complete work orders and daily work checklist.
• Use email system and other systems for information and communication purposes.
• Maintain inventory, supplies, materials, and equipment.
• Attend training sessions as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Secondary School Graduation Diploma (OSSGD), required.
• Minimum of 1-3 months experience in commercial cleaning, janitorial or housekeeping in a shelter, congregate care, institutional environment, or similar setting.
• WHMIS training, or willingness to be certified, required.
• Current CPR and First Aid, preferred.
• Current Safe Food Handling, preferred.
• Experience working with homeless or other vulnerable populations, preferred.
• Knowledge of client-centered, trauma-informed approaches, harm-reduction practices, and Housing First principles, preferred.
• Naloxone certification, Trauma-Informed approaches, and Nonviolent Crisis Intervention training, preferred.

KEY CANDIDATE COMPETENCIES

• Must possess working knowledge of commercial cleaning equipment and tools.
• Good computer skills to complete computerized work orders, word processing, and email (Microsoft Office).
• Must be able to work without direct supervision.
• Excellent verbal & written communication, problem solving and customer service skills, and strong interpersonal skills to build relationships with clients.
• Well organized and good time management skills and acceptable pace to meet schedules.
• High standards of cleanliness, quality, and organization of supplies and equipment.

OUR EMPLOYEE PROMISE

• A supportive, friendly and dedicated team environment.
• Potential for growth within company.
• A chance to make a positive impact in your community through meaningful work.

HOW TO APPLY

If you think your experience, skills and career aspirations are aligned with this opportunity – please send your resume to careers@hroffsite.ca with “The Hope Centre – Shelter Custodian” in the subject line.

We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from all qualified individuals. We are committed to providing a safe, healthy, and inclusive work environment where every employee feels valued and respected. We will consider accessibility accommodations to applicants upon request.