Housekeeper

The Salvation Army is an international Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible; its ministry is motivated by love for God and the needs of humanity.

Mission Statement The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Core Values The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda has four core values:

Hope: We give hope through the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Service: We reach out to support others without discrimination.
Dignity: We respect and value each other, recognizing everyone’s worth.
Stewardship: We responsibly manage the resources entrusted to us.

Position Purpose Summary:  

The Housekeeper is responsible for the general cleanliness and upkeep of Sarah’s Place and/or grounds. They are responsible for daily housekeeping operations by maintaining cleanliness of all offices, common areas, and residential floors; completing of laundry and dish duties as required.

This is a fixed-term, part time position at 10 hours per week. The term runs until March 31, 2025, with potential renewal pending funding.

Schedule may vary according to operational requirements; flexibility is required; may include afternoon and evening shifts.

General Cleaning & Sanitization:

• Regularly clean floors in all assigned areas, ensuring they are free of dust, debris, and stains.
• Dust furniture, surfaces, fixtures, and equipment, and polish them when necessary to maintain a neat appearance.
• Clean windows, mirrors, and glass surfaces, ensuring they are spotless and streak-free.
• Clean and sanitize toilets, sinks, and other fixtures; restock supplies like soap, paper towels, and toilet paper.
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as door handles, light switches, and countertops to maintain hygiene standards.
• Empty trash bins, replace liners, and ensure proper disposal of waste, including recyclables.
• Ensure resident’s rooms are cleaned when vacated including changing linens and doing laundry.
• Ensure fridge and stove in common area are cleaned weekly and wash dishes as needed.

Maintenance and Organization:

• Report or perform minor repairs such as changing light bulbs, tightening loose screws, etc.
• Monitor cleaning supplies and request restocking as needed to avoid shortages.
• Properly maintain and store cleaning equipment and report any malfunctions.
• Checks doors and windows to ensure building and resident security; secures the facility as needed.

Other Tasks:

• Perform deep cleaning tasks as scheduled or requested, such as carpet shampooing, waxing floors, or washing walls.
• Assist with setting up and cleaning after events, including arranging furniture and equipment as needed.
• Ensure the general upkeep of external property such as sweeping walkways, cleaning entrances, or maintaining outdoor trash receptacles as well as keeping sidewalks and entrances clear of snow and ice, including salting.

Education, Qualifications and Certifications:

• The successful job applicant will have completed High School.
• Alternative combination of education and experience may be considered.

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements

• A minimum of three (3) months prior related experience, including general familiarity with cleaning and maintenance procedures.
• Valid WHMIS a requirement

Skills and Capabilities:

• Adhere to standards that are consistent with the values & philosophy of The Salvation Army
• As required and as applicable, make suggestions that will improve efficiency, working conditions or procedures to Management.
• Participate in regular direct supervision with immediate supervisor and comply by attending to noted areas needing improvement to ensure maximum job performance. Participate in yearly formal evaluation.
• Represent the organization in a positive, professional, and engaging manner.
• Be punctual and work all hours scheduled, advising immediate supervisor anytime this is not possible.
• Participate in staff development as required.
• Work as an effective member of the Sarah’s Place team, whether staff members or volunteers.
• Must be physically able to stand and/or walk for long periods of time.
• Able to lift, push, and pull various items such as custodial equipment, furniture, and other items, up to 50 lbs.
• Able to climb, and work from, ladders at heights of up to 15 feet.
• Attention to detail, problem solving and analytical skills.
• Self-directed and able to take initiative.
• Able to communicate and work well with people.
• Must comply with all Salvation Army policies, procedures, and associated legislation.
• Provide an original copy of a Background Check screening that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required. The screening is secured either through the national Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) or through a local police detachment.
• Screening through The Salvation Army Abuse Registry.
• Ability and willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• The incumbent’s work environment is typically in the entire facility and property designated.
• The performance of the job requires moderate to high attention when handling hazardous chemicals and using non-motorized/general cleaning equipment.
• The performance of the job requires operating industrial cleaning equipment and tools, mopping/sweeping, bending/twisting/lifting, occasional ladder work and fine motor skills.
• Exposed to weather as work is done indoors and outdoors in all seasons.
• Moving furniture, pushing, and pulling, as well as lifting items up to 50 lbs.
• Climbing and working from ladders at heights of up to 15 feet.
• Handles garbage and cleans up human waste and biohazard substances.
• Exposure to odours, toxic chemicals, electrical hazards, and infectious diseases.
• May deal with aggressive people and may experience verbal, and less likely, physical attacks.
• Risk of needle pricks, back injuries, and repetitive strain injuries.

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

• Background check consent
• Education verification

The Salvation Army offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment process.  If you are contacted to participate in an interview or screening process, please advise us if you require accommodation.

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

Internal Applicants, please advise your supervisor of your intentions as soon as you know your application is being considered- normally at the stage where you are being interviewed.