Custodian - Head Start

Every Child Deserves a Head Start

We are looking to hire Custodians to support our Jersey City and Paterson-based Head Start Program.

Greater Bergen Community Action's (GBCA) Head Start Preschool program is a rewarding setting for individuals interested in making a positive impact by ensuring a clean, safe environment. Our mission is to provide a quality, comprehensive educational program that prepares children and their families for kindergarten and life beyond. With its origins in the War on Poverty, Head Start is one of the longest-running federally funded programs in the United States. The Head Start model has been praised and emulated throughout the country.

At GBCA, our Head Start Preschool program collaborates with local school districts to provide quality education. We offer a supportive work environment that recognizes the value of every employee, and our focus is continually on staff wellness.

If you are interested in joining our Buildings & Grounds Team to provide a clean and safe environment for our children and families, please forward your resume for consideration. We welcome the opportunity to meet you. Come make a difference the Head Start way.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent (Preferred)
• English Fluency – Speak, read, and write
• Knowledge of safety hazards and proper use of various cleaning and sanitizing solutions.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Must be observant and report suspicious activity to security personnel and the supervisor.
• Must be able to physically perform the job, which includes prolonged periods of standing and the ability to lift, bend, stoop, climb, reach, and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to perform basic repairs and operate tools or equipment used in routine maintenance. Ability to interact with staff, students, parents, and visitors at school in a professional, polite, and courteous manner.
• Must be a team player willing to cover other Building & Grounds functions on an as-needed basis.

Responsibilities include:

• Ensure that Head Start/Early Head Start (HS/EHS) schools, agency-owned and rented properties, and spaces are cleaned and maintained following agency, local, and state health standards. General daily responsibilities include, but are not limited to, mopping, disinfecting, dusting, washing windows, retrieving and removing trash, and vacuuming.
• Ensure that the daily cleaning checklist has been reviewed and completed as required. The daily cleaning checklist may be specific to the assigned HS/EHS school or property.
• Maintain a neat and orderly custodian's room or closet, ensuring that cleaning and bathroom supplies are readily available and stocked.
• Assist in inspecting the HS/EHS schools for safety hazards and report any deficiencies to the Building and Grounds Supervisor.
• Perform minor repairs and maintenance tasks, such as replacing light fixtures, unclogging pipes, and painting.
• Perform limited grounds maintenance tasks, including mowing and trimming lawns and hedges, as well as cleaning snow from sidewalks.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Greater Bergen Community Action, Inc. offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage. Additional benefits include life insurance equal to one year's annual salary, participation in tax-advantaged savings plans and retirement accounts, paid vacation, holidays, and a floating holiday.

Schedule: Monday–Friday; 40 hours per week

Individuals offered a position must provide a medical certification and successfully complete background checks (fingerprinting & child abuse registry), provide references, and proof of education before their first day of work.

EEO Statement

Greater Bergen Community Action, Inc. 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, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.