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.

Responsibilities

• Develop or follow preventive maintenance schedules, performing all required preventive maintenance tasks according to these schedules
• 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
• Inspect and replace 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/repair 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 polish 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 tools 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 implement 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 notify the Environmental Services Director
• Empty waste baskets, bags and take 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 report 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
• Post 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 Environmental Services Director
• Assist 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

Qualifications

• 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 attend 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