Maintenance Assistant

Job Summary: 

Responsible for assuring a safe, clean, sanitary, and attractive living and working environment for residents and employees through a standardized program of preventive maintenance and upkeep for the building, grounds, and building systems and equipment. This position is 50/50 Maintenance and housekeeping. 

Job Duties/Responsibilities Maintenance:  

• Develop or follow preventive maintenance schedules, performing all required preventive maintenance tasks according to these schedules, for example:

• • Lubricate all appliance motors, exhaust fans, pumps, etc.
  • Check floor drain clean-outs and grease trap.
  • Inspect and change sump pump if applicable.
  • Inspect and repair sewage lift stations.
  • Inspects and replaces filters as needed and cleans all vents and trap lines periodically.
  • Check pressures gauge of generator and sprinkler systems.
  • Test corridor fire doors for proper closure on a frequent basis and correct/repairs as needed.
  • Evaluate the combustion chamber on dryers periodically and assure no lint build-up behind dryers.
  • Monitor hot water temperatures in essential locations to assure compliance with safety standards, and adjust as needed.
  • Check window screens for repairs/replacement needs, and wash window exteriors
• Track Environmental Services inventory and maintain the security of miscellaneous repair parts and tools.
• Inspect and repair all damage to hallways, walls, ceilings, floors, baseboards, doorjambs, handrails, etc.
• Make minor repairs to equipment such as belts, cords, etc. and practice lockout/tagout procedures to prevent electrical injury.
• Check/replace outdoor lighting and exit lights when needed.
• Monitor daily lint removal from dryers by laundry staff according to fire prevention policy.
• Ensure community grounds are upkept, either internally, or by contract. 
• Perform exterior upkeep such as painting and staining, cleaning gutters, etc. as scheduled or directed. Assure timely removal of snow and ice from all entrances and exits during the winter
• Clean and polishes lighting fixtures, surfaces, and trim.
• Move and set up tables and chairs in various areas as needed or requested.
• Help housekeeping move a resident from one room to another when furniture is moved, helps new residents move in, hang pictures, etc., and evaluate resident personal furniture or appliances for safety.
• Transport small equipment and tool between departments; and store and account for tools properly.
• Take trash to disposal areas and keep dumpster area orderly and dumpster lid closed.
• Inspect building for signs of rodents or pests and implements effective pest control/elimination systems or services.
• Follow safety policies and use safe work practices required for using solvents, cleaning chemicals, ladders, electrical tools and equipment, and for lifting and transporting supplies and equipment.
• Secure unattended and potentially harmful items, tools, or substances to prevent accidental access by residents.
• Be trained in and implement all OSHA requirements concerning facility environment management and employee safety.
• Provide services in a manner that minimizes the disruption of resident privacy and quality of life.
• Protect and respect resident privacy and personal property and keep information about them confidential.
• Immediately report maintenance and equipment problems to the Administrator and notifies the Environmental Services Director. 

Job Duties/Responsibilities Housekeeping: 

• Perform Environmental Services duties according to shift assignment and daily, weekly, and monthly schedules, as well as special assignments or requests as directed, for example:
• Empty waste baskets, bags and takes to trash disposal area.
• Replenish paper products and other supplies in public restrooms.
• Wash windows and furniture; and dust and polish surfaces as scheduled.
• Remove dust and cobwebs from windowsills, ceilings, behind furniture, drapery rods, light fixtures, etc.   
• Spot clean/mop and shampoo carpeted areas as needed or scheduled. 
• Spot clean upholstered furniture in lounges. 
• Follow safety rules and precautions for mixing and handling cleaning chemicals properly, use warning signs during mopping, and store/secure cleaning carts and chemicals while unattended to prevent resident accidents, and remove lint from dryers.
• Keep door to janitor’s closet locked at all times to prevent resident access.
• Report fire hazards and unsafe conditions, practices, or equipment to the Maintenance Services Director.   
• Complete any recordkeeping associated with duties. 
• Perform laundry duties if necessary
• Operate laundry equipment according to instructions, including safety precautions.
• Follow department policy and procedures for handling unmarked, lost, found, or damaged clothing.
• Keep door to soiled laundry area locked at all times to prevent resident access.
• Follow OSHA mandates and infection control procedures for handwashing, Universal Precautions, and for handling items potentially soiled with blood-borne pathogens.
• Know location of  Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for department chemicals in case of exposure, and reports accidental injury on proper report.
• Follow appropriate usage and dilution rates for all chemical/cleaning solutions used.
• Wear appropriate gloves or other personal protective equipment as needed or directed. 
• Clean and put away equipment after each use.
• Posts wet-floor or other warning signs when floors pose a fall hazard.
• Keep equipment cords out of walkways.
• Report floor repairs needed by location and room number to the Envrionmental Services Director.  
• Assists with extraction of water if a water emergency occurs.
• May be required to back-up housekeeping or laundry staff, when necessary to maintain resident services.

Education/Qualifications/Skills:   

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED). 
• One year of experience in institutional maintenance department preferred
• Ability to read, write, and make simple mathematical calculations.  
• Ability to understand and carry out instructions that are provided in written, oral, or diagram form.  
• Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Ability to work independently to accomplish assigned tasks, recognize areas in need of maintenance, attention, and safety concerns. 
• Ability to get along well with diverse personalities; be tactful, mature and flexible.
• Have a valid license. 
• Ability to maintain good attendance and attends mandatory in-service meetings. 
• Average knowledge of fire alarm and sprinkler systems and of chemicals. 
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedures manual.