Custodian

Job Description

Job Description

About Company:

About Us

The Grand Rapids Housing Commission (GRHC) administers affordable housing programs that serve low-income households in Kent and Ottawa County. The GRHC operates eight low-income housing developments and administers federal rental subsidy programs as well as a Rapid Re-Housing program. As an organization, we are committed to offering quality affordable housing, essential resources through advocacy and partnerships, and promoting self-sufficiency to strengthen communities. 

Our organization creates HOMES by:

• H ousing: We believe that everyone deserves a place to call home
• O pen communication: We share our ideas in a collaborative setting by building trust through clear and consistent communication, valuing every voice.
• M utual Respect: We honor and value each individual, fostering a culture where every voice is heard and respected. 
• E xcellence: We strive for excellence in everything we do, by promoting a culture of accountability and continuous growth.
• S upportive Communities: We create communities that emphasize wellbeing and offer wholistic support motivating individuals and families to thrive.

We are proud of the individuals that we help and serve, and we’d love you to join us!

About the Role:

The custodian plays a vital role in maintaining a clean, safe, and orderly environment within the facility. This position ensures that all assigned areas are properly cleaned and maintained to meet health and safety standards, contributing to the overall well-being of employees, visitors, and occupants. The custodian is responsible for performing routine janitorial duties, including sweeping, mopping, dusting, and waste removal, while adhering to established safety protocols. The custodian cleans and sanitizes office building, bathrooms, hallways, community rooms, laundry facilities and community room kitchens, and vacant units in accordance with Housing Commission standards. This role requires attention to detail and the ability to follow both oral and written instructions to complete tasks efficiently and effectively. Ultimately, the custodian supports the smooth operation of the facility by creating a welcoming and hygienic atmosphere.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED and one (1) year of experience in cleaning and maintenance of building and grounds resulting in the ability to fulfill the essential job duties of the position.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain a good driving record.
• May be required to work after office hours on the on-call work schedule.
• Must work with the highest degree of confidentiality.
• Must complete required training hours.
• Must pass employment drug screening and criminal background check.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience working as a custodian or janitor in a commercial or institutional setting.
• Familiarity with environmentally friendly cleaning products and practices.
• Certification in workplace safety or hazardous materials handling.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively to complete tasks within scheduled hours.
• Strong communication skills to interact professionally with team members and facility occupants.

Responsibilities:

• Perform daily cleaning tasks such as sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, dusting, and polishing floors and surfaces.
• Empty trash receptacles and dispose of waste in accordance with safety and environmental guidelines.
• Clean and sanitize restrooms, replenishing supplies as needed to maintain hygiene standards.
• Follow safety rules and procedures to handle cleaning chemicals and equipment properly.
• Read and interpret work orders, schedules, and safety instructions to complete assigned tasks accurately.
• Report any maintenance issues or safety hazards to the appropriate personnel promptly.
• Remove snow and ice from sidewalks, driveways, and entrances of assigned areas; apply salt as necessary. Maintain grounds around outside of buildings to keep free of trash and debris including around dumpster areas. Update and maintain the snow removal and salt log.
• Assist with setup and breakdown of furniture or equipment for events or meetings as required.

Skills:

The required skills such as balancing, reaching with hands and arms, and performing repetitive motions are essential for physically executing cleaning and maintenance tasks safely and efficiently. Reading and interpreting documents, along with following oral and written instructions, ensures that custodial duties are completed accurately according to facility standards and safety protocols. Basic math skills are used to manage supplies and perform tasks that require measurement or inventory tracking. Knowledge of safety rules is critical to prevent accidents and handle cleaning chemicals responsibly. Preferred skills like effective communication and time management enhance daily work by facilitating coordination with team members and ensuring timely completion of responsibilities.