Maintenance Technician

Job Description

Job Description

ABOUT LA CHEIM
La Cheim has been providing a robust continuum of care for nearly 50 years to help children and adults who were previously unreachable. Our non-public school, community mental health center, therapeutic behavioral services program, and Short-Term Residential Treatment Program offer educational and mental health services throughout Alameda and Contra Costa County.

Our team is made up of teachers, art therapists, counselors, psychiatrists, psychologists, RNs, social workers, MFTs, and mentors who are known for their caliber and compassion. They create life-changing experiences for those they serve. All La Cheim programs embrace and apply a Trauma-Informed approach to addressing emotional and behavioral issues.

By joining La Cheim you will be part of a supportive community serving an inspiration mission. You will enjoy rich benefits, valuable training and wellness opportunities, close support, and room to grow.

POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Maintenance Technician is responsible for maintaining the physical integrity, safety, and functionality of the organization’s three facility locations throughout the East Bay.

The ideal candidate will have strong general building and facilities maintenance skills, handyman experience, and knowledge of light contracting and repair work. The candidate should be reliable, skilled, organized, and detail-oriented.

Key responsibilities include performing routine repairs and preventative maintenance, supporting ongoing building improvements and upgrades, assisting with site logistics and furniture/equipment movement, and completing specialized facility renovation projects as needed.

The Maintenance Technician is expected to independently manage assigned maintenance tasks, communicate project status and facility concerns in a timely manner, and maintain accurate documentation of completed and outstanding work.

This position works in environments serving youth, adults, and other vulnerable populations and therefore requires professionalism, discretion, appropriate boundaries, and awareness of program operations at all times.

WORK SCHEDULE
This is a part-time, on-site position scheduled for approximately 20 hours per week. Work hours and days may vary
based on facility needs, projects, repairs, and coordination across Agency locations. Any schedule changes or additional hours must be coordinated and approved in accordance with Agency procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

A. Experience: Minimum 3–5 years of hands-on experience in facilities maintenance,building maintenance, general carpentry, light contracting, or professional handyman work.
B. Technical Proficiency: Skilled in the safe use of hand and power tools, basic plumbing/electrical repairs, wall patching/painting, and metal fixture installation.
C. Physical Demands: Ability to lift and carry up to 75 lbs, stand, bend, kneel, reach, climb ladders, and perform manual labor throughout the shift.
D. Organizational Skills: Strong attention to detail with an eye for cleanliness, neatness, safety, and structured storage systems.
E. Work Ethic: Highly self-motivated, dependable, and capable of prioritizing tasks independently across multiple locations.
F. Communication: Ability to communicate maintenance concerns, project status, timelines, and vendor needs clearly and professionally with supervisors and other Agency staff.
G. Technology: Ability to use email and basic electronic systems or applications to receive assignments, document work, and communicate project status.
H. Transportation: Valid California Driver's License and car insurance, reliable transportation, and ability to travel regularly a clean driving record to travel between program sites in El Sobrante, Richmond, and Oakland.
I. Clearance Requirements: Ability to pass a pre-employment health screening, TB clearance, and Live Scan background check (DOJ/FBI) required for working around youth and vulnerable populations.

PROFESSIONAL ATTRIBUTES
A. Functions as a “team player,” prioritizing the organization’s best interests
B. Proactively identifies opportunities for improvement and ways to contribute
C. Exhibits creativity, adaptability, openness, and a high level of professionalism
D. Possesses strong organizational and interpersonal skills
E. Maintains confidentiality with discretion
F. Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills
G. Works effectively independently and pays close attention to detail
H. Collaborates well with other agency staff
I. Outstanding organizational and time management abilities.
J. Exhibit a strong professional commitment and represent La Cheim effectively while engaging with the community.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
This position requires regular travel between Agency locations and involves work indoors and outdoors. The employee may be exposed to dust, cleaning products, paints, maintenance materials, varying temperatures, noise, and other conditions typically associated with building maintenance work. The position regularly requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, reaching, climbing ladders, using tools, and moving equipment or materials.
The following is the extent of the specific activity required for this position:
A. Stairs – climbing stairs up to 50-100 – up to 2-4 hours, not continuously.
B. Sitting – up to 2 hours, not continuously; standing – up to 4 hours, not continuously
C. Walking – up to 2 hours, not continuously; bending over – up to 1 hour, not continuously.
D. Crawling – up to 0 hours; climbing – up to 0 hours, reaching overhead – up to a few minutes.
E. Crouching – up to ½ hour, not continuously; kneeling – up to a few minutes
F. Balancing – up to 0 hours; pushing or pulling – up to a few minutes.
G. Lifting or carrying – 25 pounds or less; repetitive use of feet – up to 0 hours
H. Repetitive use of hands – up to 0 hours
I. Grasping – with one or both, simple and firm, for up to 1 hour, not continuously
J. Fine dexterity - either hand up to 1 hour, not continuously Auditory and visual acuity – 8 hours within normal limits and maybe with glasses, contact lenses or hearing aids.
K. Driving cars and vans; Exposure to uneven concrete and blacktop
L. Exposure to normal dust, heat, and noise
M. Exposure to emotionally disturbed students who may be physically and verbally violent and require safe physical management.
N. Frequent exposure to office equipment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES
General Maintenance & Daily Repair Work
A. Inspect facility premises regularly to identify and address maintenance needs.
B. Diagnose and complete general repairs, including minor plumbing (unclogging drains, fixing minor leaks), light electrical (replacing light switches, changing ballasts), and hardware repairs.
C. Replace burnt-out lightbulbs and transition existing lighting fixtures to energy-efficient systems.
D. Perform drywall patching, spackling, sanding, and touch-up painting to keep interior and exterior walls in excellent condition.
E. Safely mount TVs, whiteboards, shelving, wall decor, and safety-compliant curtains.
F. Immediately report maintenance conditions that may create a health, safety, security, or operational concern, including significant leaks, electrical concerns, broken locks or doors, structural damage, trip hazards, or other unsafe conditions.
G. Identify repairs that require a licensed or specialized contractor and promptly communicate those needs to the supervisor rather than performing work outside the employee's authorized or qualified scope.
Facility Renovation & Improvement Projects (Group Home Focus)
A. Install protective heavy-duty metal wainscoting along hallway and bedroom walls to prevent damage.
B. Prepare, sand, and repaint bedroom with durable, high-quality finishes.
C. Install and align replacement commercial metal doors and related hardware.
D. Buff out scratches and surface wear on stainless steel refrigerators and commercial appliances.
E. Perform post-renovation deep cleaning across properties to ensure spaces are spotless, sanitized, and ready for use.
F. Coordinate assigned facility improvement projects with the supervisor and provide updates regarding progress, anticipated completion dates, materials needed, delays, and outside vendor support.

Site Logistics & Organization
A. Move, reconfigure, assemble, and disassemble desks, furniture, storage shelving, and boxes across all three program sites as needed.
B. Maintain clean, organized tool storage, supply closets, mechanical spaces, and garages.
C. Conduct routine safety audits, including testing smoke alarms, checking fire extinguishers, and replacing HVAC air filters.
D. Assist with seasonal grounds maintenance, bulk waste disposal, and escorting external contractors when specialized trade work is required.
E. Assist with receiving, transporting, organizing, and distributing facility supplies, furniture, and equipment between Agency locations as assigned.
F. Perform other facility-related duties as assigned.

Work Orders, Documentation & Communication
A. Maintain an organized system for tracking assigned maintenance requests, completed repairs, outstanding work, materials needed, and project status.
B. Prioritize maintenance requests based on safety, urgency, program needs, and direction from the supervisor.
C. Provide timely updates regarding work in progress, delays, repairs that cannot be completed internally, and anticipated completion timelines.
D. Document completed maintenance and repairs as required by Agency procedures.
E. Notify the supervisor when materials, replacement equipment, vendor services, or additional authorization are required to complete an assignment.
F. Purchase maintenance materials or supplies only in accordance with Agency purchasing procedures and required approval levels.

Safety, Security & Professional Expectations
A. Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and confidentiality when working in areas occupied by students, clients, residents, families, and staff.
B. Perform maintenance activities in a manner that minimizes unnecessary disruption to client services, educational activities, residential operations, and employee work areas.
C. Safeguard Agency keys, access cards, access codes, tools, equipment, and other security-related information or property.
D. Immediately report lost keys, access devices, damaged locks, security concerns, or other conditions that could compromise facility security.
E. Follow Agency safety procedures and manufacturer instructions regarding the safe operation and storage of hand tools, power tools, ladders, equipment, chemicals, paints, and maintenance supplies.
F. Maintain professional and respectful conduct when interacting with students, clients, residents, employees, families, visitors, vendors, and contractors.
G. Maintain appropriate boundaries with clients and youth and avoid unnecessary involvement in programmatic or clinical matters outside the responsibilities of the position.
H. Comply with applicable La Cheim policies, safety requirements, confidentiality expectations, and site-specific procedures.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Complete all required trainings as assigned
B. Attend all mandatory meetings
C. Meet regularly for individual oversight with supervisor(s)
D. Other duties may be required as La Cheim continues its development. Employees are expected to be flexible and responsive to changes in the scope of duties.
E. Understand and embody La Cheim's philosophy, organizational culture, and communication channels by practicing a collaborative approach.
F. Complete any additional tasks assigned by the Supervisor, Department Head, and/or CEO