Helper A (Union) - Logan Square

Hispanic Housing Development Corporation; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The Hispanic Housing Development Corporation is seeking a dedicated A Janitor to maintain residential properties in Chicago, IL. Responsibilities include keeping public areas and vacant units clean, performing light repairs, and assisting with maintenance projects.

Candidates must possess maintenance skills, have a high school diploma, and ideally have customer service experience. The role requires a 24-hour on-call schedule and includes working in various conditions and environments.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years equivalent experience, preferably in maintenance and repair.
• Must obtain UPCS Inspections certification.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds regularly.

Responsibilities

• Perform janitorial duties and scheduled maintenance on equipment.
• Assist in maintenance projects and housing inspections.
• Participate in emergency schedules for evening and weekend coverage.

Skills

Maintenance skills

Customer service

Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Safety awareness

Education

High school education

Tools

Hand tools

Job description

The Helper A Janitor is a union represented position responsible for keeping exteriors, public areas, vacant units, sidewalks, and alleyways of the property clean and safe. The A Janitor performs timely work order service, quality make‑ready programs, cost-effective inventory control, and assists in basic maintenance such as grounds, janitorial duties, and other tasks as needed. The position requires a rotational “24‑hour on call” schedule.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Complete tasks as assigned by the Head or Assistant Head Janitor or the property manager.
• Participate in a stand‑by emergency schedule for evening, weekend, and holiday coverage.
• Perform scheduled maintenance on all equipment, following manufacturer recommendations and operating manuals.
• Inspect all units, buildings, and public areas periodically and perform repairs and janitorial assistance as needed.
• Check and replace outside and hallway lights, as well as public area lighting.
• Know water and gas meter cutoffs, all apartment fixture cutoffs, and sewer cleanouts.
• Maintain a clean and orderly condition of office, maintenance room, hallways, porches, public areas (laundry room, basement), backyard, and exterior building.
• Perform minor and routine painting, plumbing, electrical wiring, and related maintenance using hand tools.
• Cleans and replaces air conditioner filters.
• Ensure storage areas and entrances are locked and adequately lit.
• Assist in apartment move‑in and move‑out inspections and unit turnover.
• Repair forced‑air furnaces and minor repairs to steam and hot‑water systems.
• Participate in all maintenance projects.
• Perform light electrical repairs on items such as appliances, fixtures, switches, outlets, circuits, etc.
• Perform light plumbing work such as clearing stoppages, replacing fittings, etc.
• Replace broken glass, tile, carpet, screens, garbage disposals, fixtures, appliances, draperies, and locks.
• Paint interior and exterior surfaces.
• Perform carpentry work such as fitting doors, freeing windows, installing shelves, sanding, and refinishing wood.
• Assist in custodial work cleaning public areas by sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, emptying trash, cleaning windows, etc.
• Assist in grounds work when necessary: snow removal, lawn care, and gardening.
• Repair concrete, masonry, roof, fencing when required.
• Perform limited extermination services when required.
• Notify concerns to immediate supervisors.
• Perform, and report on, all work according to the safety standards of the company, OSHA, and health codes; perform daily work area clean‑up.
• Assist on other properties as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• None, except when filling in for the Head or Assistant Head Janitor, direct maintenance staff, or contract workers.

The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The Helper A Janitors perform their work in a residential apartment setting and will be working outdoors, indoors, office, and field/grounds while performing the essential functions of this job. Must be willing and able to work in cold, hot, wet, humid, smelly, dirty, and clean work environments, including garden, alley parking lots, basement, roof, and office areas. Position experiences interruptions and shifting priorities and may be required to deal with difficult people; expected to handle residents and visitors with calmness, diplomacy, and good social skills.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Required to stand, walk, use hands and reach with hands and arms; ability to lift, bend, squat, climb, and crawl repeatedly throughout the day and effectively communicate. The employee must lift and/or move up to 50 pounds on a regular basis. The employees will be using a variety of hand and power tools, chemicals, and paints. Regular, predictable, and punctual attendance are required. This position also requires evening and weekend work as dictated by the on‑call rotation schedule. Travel required to purchase emergency supplies when needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school education or equivalent.
• Sufficient experience to provide strong working knowledge of maintenance and repair practices and techniques.
• Minimum of 3 years of equivalent level experience, preferably in a similar setting.
• At least one year of customer service‑related industry experience and one year of apartment maintenance experience combined.
• Must have or obtain UPCS Inspections certification.
• Personable and trustworthy.
• Show concern for a work safety program.
• Ability to aid in and work in areas other than strictly repair maintenance (janitorial, custodial, gardening, painting, etc.).
• Must have or be able to attain/maintain union certifications as required by the position and the bargaining agreement.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish may be required depending on resident demographic needs.
• Provide your own hand tools.
• Vehicle, insurance, and safe driving record.
• Must be willing to travel to various locations if needed.

UNION REPRESENTATION

This position is represented by a collective bargaining agreement between the company and the SEIU Local 1 union.

SUCCESS FACTORS

• Exhibits knowledge of safety policies through work.
• Provides excellent customer service and maintains respect and professionalism when interacting with tenants and coworkers.
• Prioritizes work efficiently to complete work orders in a timely fashion.
• Exhibits timeliness by arriving on time for work as scheduled and can work well with minimal supervision.
• Collaborates well with coworkers to meet a common goal.
• Shows sensitivity to diverse cultures.
• Attends eight (8) hours of continuing education annually.
• Can defuse a complicated issue between employees/residents.