Residential Aide Cleaner and Maintenance

Classification: Full-time

Reports to: Director of Program Operations

Location: Ozone Park, Queens

Hourly Rate: $23.07 - $24.72

Position Type: This is a full-time position. The exact schedule will be determined by the needs of the shelter. Lantern staff may be asked to alter their work schedule depending on the operational needs of the site.

Objective: Lantern Community Services is seeking a Cleaner and Maintenance Residential Aide for our Men’s Mental Health Homeless Shelter, Laurel Hall. Our facilities provide structured, therapeutic, safe, and substance-free environments for homeless individuals. The Shelter Maintenance Worker plays a critical role in ensuring the cleanliness of the shelter.

Essential Functions:

• Perform and oversee daily cleaning of common areas, restrooms, hallways, stairwells, and building exteriors.
• Floor care (sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, waxing, buffing) and surface sanitation according to shelter protocols.
• Conduct minor repairs, painting, patching, and general upkeep of facility interiors and exteriors.
• Clean residential units and all associated elements such as stoves and refrigerators to prepare them for incoming clients.
• Assist with moving furniture, supplies, and client belongings; support intake and client discharge as needed.
• Maintain exterior grounds (snow/ice removal, trash collection, landscaping, storm. etc.).
• Ensure proper disposal of trash and recyclables in accordance with health and safety standards.
• Identify, document, and report all maintenance issues through established work order systems.
• Respond promptly to emergency facility needs or weather-related incidents.
• Replace and repair minor plumbing, electrical, lighting, and hardware components.
• Maintain inventory and restock hygiene and cleaning supplies as needed.
• Follow all safety protocols, including the use of protective equipment and posting of appropriate signage.
• Maintain professional boundaries and uphold client confidentiality.
• Fulfill other duties as assigned by the site manager

Required Education and Experience: Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 3 years of maintenance experience in facilities management, maintenance, or custodial services, preferably in a residential or shelter setting.
• Certificate or certification in a building trade, maintenance, building systems or building equipment repair.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, complete work orders, and document maintenance activities.
• Must be able to lift p to 50lbs and carry items, perform physical labor, and operate basic tools and cleaning equipment.
• Flexibility to work various shifts, including weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed.
• Strong organizational skills, and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bilingual (English/Spanish or other languages) a plus.
• First Aid/CPR certification or willingness to obtain.
• Certification in overdose prevention or willingness to obtain.
• Basic knowledge of plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and carpentry preferred.

Work Environment: This job operates in a homeless shelter and works with a population who may experience mental illness, substance use, disability, HIV/AIDS, and other chronic illnesses.

Physical Demands : This role requires frequent physical activity, including standing, walking, bending, reaching, lifting, and carrying materials or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. Duties may involve operating hand and power tools, using cleaning equipment such as vacuums, buffers, and mops, and working in various postures including kneeling or crouching. Tasks are performed both indoors and outdoors and may involve exposure to dust, cleaning chemicals, noise, and varying temperatures.

Employees must be able to navigate stairs, work on ladders or elevated surfaces when needed, and respond to urgent maintenance or cleaning issues quickly. Visual and auditory acuity are essential for safety and quality control. Personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required for certain tasks. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Other Duties: May be required to respond to emergency facility issues outside of scheduled hours.

Note: Lantern Community Services provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Lantern Community Services (Lantern) values the diversity of all our clients, staff, Board of Directors, and partners. By bringing diverse individuals and viewpoints together, we create more vibrant, healthy and just communities. Lantern welcomes individuals of all backgrounds and experiences regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, political belief, pregnancy, religion, immigration status, veteran status, class, creed, mental or physical disability, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state, and local law.