Maintenance Support Staff at Franciscan Outreach – Chicago, Illinois

Position Description
Franciscan Outreach’s mission is to provide healthy meals, safe shelter, and critical services that affirm the dignity of men and women who are marginalized and homeless and empower them to gain the stability they need to transition into permanent housing.

Franciscan Outreach will serve as a critical hub for homeless individuals to access emergency shelters and supportive services in the City of Chicago. Under the direction of the Facility Manager, the Maintenance Support Staff is responsible for providing general maintenance and janitorial services to all the Franciscan Outreach facilities, ensuring a clean and safe environment for clients and staff. This includes performing various maintenance tasks, stocking and receiving, transporting equipment and materials, and assisting with other facility-related activities.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities
-Perform routine maintenance tasks, such as cleaning, repairing, and replacing equipment, fixtures, and furniture.
-Perform groundskeeping duties, including trash removal, lawn care, and snow removal (seasonal).
-Responsible for ordering and receiving maintenance supplies
-Maintains a list of cleaning supply inventory and keeps storage areas well-organized
-Assist with setup and teardown of nightly cots, events, meetings, and training sessions.
-Provide general facility support, including escorting clients to shelter rooms or other areas of the building.
-Clean high-traffic areas, restrooms, kitchenettes, and other facilities.
-Restock toilet paper, paper towels, soap, and other supplies as needed.
-Report any safety hazards or security concerns to supervisors or designated authorities.
-Assist with securing the facility after hours or during inclement weather.
-Work cooperatively with the Facility Manager in the determination of facility needs
-Keeps the facility clean, tidy, and orderly by completing tasks such as mopping floors, cleaning bathrooms, setting up furniture, removing garbage, etc.
-Assist with the moving of office equipment or furniture
-Performs maintenance and repair projects as needed
-Ensure that the facility is meeting fire safety requirements (e.g., smoke detectors are operating, fire alarm system is operable, fire extinguishers have been certified, emergency exit signs are working, exit doors are not blocked, monthly evacuation drills are taking place and documented, etc.)
-Develop and carry out a program of preventive maintenance for the facility and equipment
-Ensure that the pest control and insect infestation prevention policy is adhered to and implemented
-Monitor and replace light bulbs as needed
-Provide general security of the shelter facility when present
-Monitors the activities of clients to ensure the safety of guests, volunteers, and staff
-Perform security-oriented duties, including periodic checks of the facility and surrounding property
-Maintains overall cleanliness and sanitation of the shelter
-Complete documentation for in-kind donations as needed
-Treat guests in a culturally sensitive manner
-Participate in program, department, and agency meetings and relevant training
-Adhere to agency policies, procedures, and professional code of ethics
-Completes accurate work time sheets every week
-Performs all duties as assigned, including other duties as required

Skills
-Demonstrates an understanding and commitment to the organization’s mission, vision, and core values
-Ability to establish and maintain professional boundaries in working with guests
-Ability to work effectively in a constantly changing and sometimes demanding high paced and stressful environment
-Ability to work with a diverse population, with sensitivity to differences in culture, religion, sexual orientation, race, age, and physical and mental illness
-Ability to manage multiple projects with demanding and competing deadlines, superior organizational skills, and the ability to maintain quality work
-Ability to work independently or in a team
-Knowledge and practical experience in the elements of building and facilities maintenance (e.g., HVAC, electrical systems, and plumbing)
-Knowledge of OSHA and related safety practices, as well as state and local safety, fire, construction, and public access regulations
-Demonstrates a positive attitude, self-motivation, organization, and resourcefulness while maintaining a reputation through proven action of being team and guest-oriented and willing to assist where/when needed.
-Ability to negotiate different personalities and work under competing priorities
-Ability to assess emergencies and respond effectively.
-Ability to work with individuals who are experiencing homelessness
-Ability to remain alert and on duty throughout shifts
-Ability to effectively use conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques
-Ability to communicate well both orally and in written form, and follow detailed instructions
-Ability to accurately record information for required guest and staff documentation
-Ability to apply policies fairly and consistently
-Physical ability to lift 50 pounds, sit, stand, bend, reach, and perform cleaning duties

Qualifications
-High school diploma or GED
-Knowledge and skills in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, Plumbing, Electrical, and Pneumatic systems
-Basic computer skills, including the use of the Windows Office Suite programs
-May be required to become First Aid/CPR certified
-May be required to become certified in overdose prevention and administer Naloxone
-Knowledge of Housing First, Trauma-Informed Care, and Harm Reduction principles
-Pass a criminal background check

Health and Safety Requirements:
- COVID-19 vaccination is mandatory for all employees. Accommodation requests will be considered in compliance with applicable laws

Additional Requirements:
All staff are expected to abide by the policies of Franciscan Outreach, including, but not limited to, rules governing ethics, confidentiality, dual relationships, honesty, and integrity. All staff are expected to always act in good faith and in keeping with the mission and values of Franciscan Outreach. Staff must have a commitment to serving the guests of Franciscan Outreach and to contributing to a positive, respectful, and accepting environment.

Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. This description provides a summary of the major duties and responsibilities and is not an exhaustive list of the duties and responsibilities. The employee holding this position may be required to perform additional duties to meet the needs of the organization.

Franciscan Outreach provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, military service and/or marital status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Franciscan Outreach is an Equal Opportunity Employer