Cornerstone - Custodian

Connective is a dynamic non-profit organization that provides innovative programming in the social services sector. We strive to create safe, healthy, and inclusive communities for all.

Position Title: Custodian

Start Date: April 29th 2024

Reports to: Shift Leads, Program and Building Managers

Wage Grid: $22.75-$25.75/hour

Hours/Week: 24 hours per week

Connective Support Society:

Connective Support Society is a social services nonprofit operating in BC and the Yukon to create safe, healthy, and inclusive communities for all. Our organization’s story began nearly 60 years ago as the Nanaimo Region John Howard Society. In 2022, we launched our new brand identity as Connective in order help differentiate our growth and support our expansion into service areas driven by the needs of diverse communities. The Connective approach is person-centered, holistic, and inclusive – we provide programs and services with essential supports to vulnerable and marginalized community members, including those involved in the criminal justice system, experiencing homelessness, employment barriers, problematic substance use, mental health challenges, developmental disabilities, or spectrum disorders.

Program Description:

Cornerstone is a newly constructed supportive housing building that provides accommodation and support services for individuals at risk of experiencing or currently experiencing homelessness in the Nanaimo region. Located on the traditional and ancestral lands of the Snuneymuxw First Nation, the 51-unit modular building has 24/7 staffing and is operated by Connective Support Society Nanaimo, in partnership with BC Housing and the City of Nanaimo. Cornerstone functions with the principles of Housing First at its forefront, with the goal of promoting long-term health and well-being for both the residents and the overall community. By providing a safe, secure place to live for those individuals with multiple barriers to housing, residents are more likely to experience an improved quality of life and foster self-sufficiency. 

Summary of Position:

This position involves cleaning and maintaining building areas, including walls, windows, ceilings, floors, carpets, and washrooms using various cleaning methods and equipment. It also includes collecting and disposing of refuse, performing spot clean-ups, and maintaining cleanliness in parking lots and sidewalks. The role may extend to minor maintenance tasks, such as unplugging sinks, replacing tap washers, and setting up furniture for functions. Additionally, the position involves record-keeping, inventory management, and ordering janitorial supplies. Building security measures, such as arming alarms and locking doors, are also part of the responsibilities. The individual may be required to perform other related duties as needed.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Cleans, washes, and disinfects building areas such as walls, windows, ceilings, floor, carpets, air vents, furniture, mattresses, blinds, and washrooms by methods such as dusting, polishing, vacuuming, sweeping, wet mopping, shampooing, waxing, buffing, using various manual and power cleaning equipment.
• Collects and disposes of refuse and maintains clean refuse areas; performs spot clean-ups as required.
• Maintains and cleans parking lots and sidewalks using hand and powered brooms, rakes, shovels and other equipment to remove dirt, leaves, snow and other refuse; performs minor gardening tasks such as mowing and trimming lawn, weeding, watering.
• In coordination with the Facilities Manager and Program Manager, performs minor maintenance on buildings, grounds, furniture, electrical fixtures, and plumbing, such as unplugging sinks and toilets, replacing tap washers, light bulbs.
• Sets up furniture for functions and meetings.
• Maintains various logs, key registers, and other records.
• Assists in taking inventory; orders and maintains janitorial supplies.
• Secures the building by arming alarms, locking doors and windows, as required.
• Assists in de-icing and snow removal when required.
• Refills and monitors paper towel, toilet paper and soap dispenser.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications:

• Custodial experience (Minimum 1 year)
• WHIMIS Certification
• Food Safe Certification
• Trained in proper lifting techniques
• Experience working with diverse populations an asset

Working Challenges:

When working with a vulnerable population, there can be exposure to adverse environmental working conditions. These can include verbal and physical aggression, which require safety precautions and a calm perspective in approaching the situation. Although there are challenges involved with this role, guidelines and policies are in place to support the employee in the workplace.

Conditions of Employment:

1. Criminal Record/Vulnerable Sectors Check (RCMP)
2. Naloxone Training
3. First Aid Certificate – Standard and CPR
4. Successful reference check

Employee Benefits:

1. Accrue up to a maximum of eighteen paid days for Sick Leave
2. Three weeks paid vacation; increased to four weeks paid vacation after five consecutive years of employment.
3. Comprehensive benefits package after 3-month probation period, including medical, prescription, wellness, dental, and vision benefits.
4. Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) Contribution Program
5. Ongoing, paid staff development opportunities.

*Eligible employees must work a minimum of 24 hours per week to qualify for benefits.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Connective is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. To build a strong and representative workforce, we welcome applications from individuals who identify as or belong to the following: BIPOC, LGBTQ2S+, immigrants, people with disabilities or neurodiversity, and other marginalized communities.

Acknowledgement and Agreement:

The above list of key duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive. This position will require flexibility in scope, as required by organizational and/or program objectives and as directed by the Director of Housing.

WHAT WE OFFER?

• Committed Living Wage Employer
• 2022 Canadian Nonprofit Employer of Choice Aware from NEOC
• 2023 High-Performance Culture Award from SupportingLines
• Competitive benefits package, including health, wellness, and pension plan
• Career and personal development, with the ability to grow in a diverse range of programs and departments
• Access to a range of staff mental health supports, including an in-house counsellor, Employee Family Assistance Program, and Critical Incidents Stress Management
• Access to On-Demand Pay to withdraw earned wages before payday
• Connective is part of a portability program where employees moving from a CSSEA-member employer to Connective will port their service hours for vacation and wage purposes (within last 12 months)

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

At Connective, we value and accommodate unique differences to ensure that our staff have the opportunity and are supported to thrive. To build a strong and representative workforce, we strongly encourage applications from BIPOC, LGBTQ2S+ people, immigrants, and people with disabilities or other marginalized communities.