Helper A (Union) - Logan Square

HHDC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

HHDC in Chicago is hiring a Helper A Janitor to maintain cleanliness in residential areas and assist with maintenance tasks. Responsibilities include completing assigned tasks, participating in emergency schedules, and performing light repairs.

The ideal candidate will have a strong maintenance background, customer service skills, and be able to lift 50 pounds. This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and requires a commitment to safety and professionalism.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years equivalent experience in maintenance.
• Personable and trustworthy with a focus on safety.
• Must obtain UPCS Inspections certification.

Responsibilities

• Complete tasks assigned by supervisors.
• Perform scheduled maintenance based on manufacturer's recommendations.
• Assist in move-in and move-out inspections.

Skills

Maintenance and repair knowledge

Customer service

Ability to lift 50 pounds

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

High school education or equivalent

Tools

Hand tools

Job description

Summary

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. It performs timely work‑order service, quality make‑ready programs, and cost‑effective inventory control. The position also assists in basic maintenance such as grounds and other janitorial duties when necessary. Required to be on a rotational “24 hour on call” schedule.

Essential Job Functions

• Complete tasks assigned by the Head, Assistant Head Janitor, or property manager.
• Participate in a stand‑by emergency schedule for evening, weekend, and holiday coverage.
• Perform scheduled maintenance on all equipment based on manufacturers’ recommendations and operating manuals.
• Inspect 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.
• Possess knowledge of water and gas meter cutoffs, all apartment fixture cutoffs, and sewer cleanouts.
• Keep office, maintenance room, hallways, porches, public areas (laundry room, basement), backyard, and exterior building clean and orderly.
• Perform minor and routine painting, plumbing, electrical wiring, and other maintenance activities using hand tools.
• Cleans and replaces air conditioner filters.
• Ensure storage areas and entrances are locked and adequate lighting is maintained.
• Assist in apartment move‑in and move‑out inspections and unit turnover.
• Repair forced air furnaces and perform minor repairs to steam and hot water systems.
• Participate in all maintenance projects.
• Perform light electrical repairs on appliances, fixtures, switches, outlets, circuits, etc.
• Perform light plumbing work such as clearing stoppages and replacing fittings.
• Replace broken glass, tile, carpet, screens, garbage disposals, fixtures, appliances, draperies, and locks.
• Paint interior and exterior surfaces.
• Carry out carpentry work such as fitting doors, freeing windows, assembling 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, and fencing when required.
• Perform limited extermination services when required.
• Notify concerns to immediate supervisors.
• Perform and report on all work according to safety standards, OSHA, and health codes; maintain 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 or contract workers.

Working Environment

Helper A Janitors work in a residential apartment setting, including outdoors, indoors, office, and field/grounds. Must be willing and able to work in cold, hot, wet, humid, smelly, dirty, and clean environments such as gardens, alley parking lots, basements, roofs, and office areas.

The position experiences interruptions and shifting priorities. May be required to deal with difficult people; expected to handle residents and visitors with calmness, diplomacy, and good social skills.

Travel required for emergency supply purchases when needed.

Physical Demands

Lifting, bending, squatting, climbing, and crawling are routine. The employee must lift and/or move up to 50 pounds regularly and use various hand and power tools. Effective communication and attendance are required.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school education or equivalent.
• Strong working knowledge of maintenance and repair practices and techniques.
• Minimum of 3 years of equivalent experience, preferably in a similar setting.
• At least one year in customer service and one year in apartment maintenance combined.
• Must have or obtain UPCS Inspections certification.
• Personable and trustworthy.
• Show concern for a work safety program.
• Ability to assist in janitorial, custodial, gardening, painting, and other areas beyond strict repair maintenance.
• Must have or be able to obtain union certifications as required.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Possibly bilingual English/Spanish depending on resident demographics.
• Provide own hand tools.
• Possess vehicle, insurance, and a safe driving record.
• Willing to travel to various locations if needed.

Union Representation

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

Success Factors

• Exhibits safety knowledge in practice.
• Provides excellent customer service and maintains professionalism.
• Prioritizes work to complete work orders promptly.
• Arrives on time and works well with minimal supervision.
• Collaborates effectively with coworkers.
• Sensitive to diverse cultures.
• Attends at least eight hours of continuing education annually.
• Can defuse complicated issues between employees and residents.