Operations Associate

La Casa Norte; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off: 14 vacation days per year

Health Insurance options available

Retirement Savings plan

Sick leave

Health insurance

Dental & vision insurance

403(b) retirement savings

Life insurance

Disability insurance

FSA

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

A community service organization located in Chicago seeks a full-time Operations Associate to maintain facilities and provide logistical support. The role involves cleaning, minor repairs, preparation for events, and assisting with supply transport. Candidates should possess a high school diploma, a year of relevant experience, and strong communication skills. Bilingual candidates will be prioritized. The ideal candidate should be willing to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, and must have a valid driver's license and insurance.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of experience in facilities, custodial, logistics, or maintenance work.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and work in various weather conditions.
• Comfortable using basic hand tools, cleaning equipment, and simple AV equipment.
• Valid driver’s license and insurance required.
• Bilingual Spanish/English a plus.
• Willingness to work evenings, nights and weekends as needed.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine cleaning of facilities including offices and kitchens.
• Conduct minor repairs and support emergency response.
• Assist with ordering and distribution of supplies across sites.
• Transport donations between sites and provide internal courier services.
• Set up meeting rooms and events, including AV support and cleanup.
• Assist with on-site vendors, volunteers, and maintenance providers.

Skills

Basic building maintenance

Time management

Bilingual (Spanish/English)

Donations transport

Bilingual Spanish/English

Valid driver’s license

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Basic hand tools

Cleaning equipment

AV equipment

Job description

La Casa Norte’s mission is to serve youth and families confronting homelessness. We provide access to stable housing and deliver comprehensive services that act as a catalyst to transform lives and communities. La Casa Norte’s mission and philosophy of service is to impact the social issues of homelessness at the individual and community levels.

The Operations Associate plays a critical role in maintaining the safety, cleanliness, and functionality of La Casa Norte’s facilities. This full-time, union-represented position provides hands‑on support across multiple sites, completing light repairs, cleaning tasks, event set up and take down, donation transport, and emergency response as needed. The Operations Associate ensures all LCN spaces are welcoming, safe, and ready to serve staff, youth, families, and community members. Eligible applicants must be available to work evenings, nights and weekends as needed.

Key Responsibilities

Facility Maintenance and Repair

• Perform routine cleaning of offices, program spaces, restrooms, kitchens, and residential units
• Conduct minor repairs including, but not limited to painting, patching drywall, re‑caulking, assembling furniture, or changing lightbulbs
• Prepare rooms and apartments for resident move‑in/move‑out, including cleaning and turnover work
• Conduct seasonal exterior maintenance, including, but not limited to snow shoveling, ice clearing, sweeping entryways, and light landscaping
• Conduct routine daily, weekly, and monthly facility and system inspections and report identified issues
• Perform basic preventative and corrective maintenance on facilities and equipment, and support emergency response as needed

Site and Equipment Support

• Assist with ordering, purchasing, and distribution of office, janitorial, and household supplies across sites
• Support tracking and restocking of maintenance supply inventory; notify supervisor when restocking is needed
• Assist in coordinating and overseeing on‑site vendors, volunteers, and contracted maintenance providers, ensuring they have appropriate access and reporting issues to the supervisor
• Maintain tools, cleaning equipment, and supplies in good working order
• Troubleshoot basic system issues (e.g., leaks, locks, minor appliance issues, etc.) and elevate complex issues appropriately

Logistics and Deliveries

• Pick up and transport donations, including food, furniture, clothing, and supplies, between sites
• Provide internal courier service between locations for supplies, paperwork, and small equipment
• Assist with small moves, room setups, and rearranging furniture for programs and events
• Support food pantry or shelter supply delivery, unloading, and distribution

Event and Program Support

• Set up meeting rooms and event spaces, including tables, chairs, AV support, and clean‑up
• Assist with basic setup and testing of AV equipment (projectors, speakers, microphones)
• Support preparation of orientation or workspace materials for new hires
• Assist with periodic client moves between housing units or program locations

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred
• Minimum 1 year of experience in facilities, custodial, logistics, or maintenance work
• Experience with basic building maintenance tasks (e.g., painting, caulking, minor repairs) preferred
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, bend, climb ladders, and work in various weather conditions
• Comfortable using basic hand tools, cleaning equipment, and simple AV equipment
• Strong time management and ability to work independently
• Willingness to work across multiple sites as needed.
• Willingness to work flexible hours as needed and have impeccable attendance.
• Vehicle, Valid driver’s license and Insurance Required
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) a plus
• Professional and respectful communication skills when working with clients, staff, and visitors

Compensation and Benefits Package Includes:

• Paid Time Off:14 vacation days per year.
• Personal Days:7 personal days per year (may be carried over into the following year but must be used by December 31 of that year).
• Holidays:10 paid holidays annually.
• Sick Leave:6 sick days per year (up to 20 hours of unused sick time may be carried over year to year).
• Health Insurance:Medical coverage through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (HMO or PPO options available).
• Dental and Vision Insurance:Comprehensive coverage options available.
• Retirement Savings:403(b) retirement savings plan.
• Life Insurance:$25,000 in basic term life insurance (provided at no cost to the employee).
• Disability Insurance:Long‑term disability insurance (provided at no cost to the employee).
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA):Options for pre‑tax savings on eligible healthcare, transit, and dependent care expenses.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP):Confidential support and resources for employees.

Bargaining Unit Status:

• This position is represented by the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU), Local 39.

La Casa Norte is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, or disability. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear, sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, stand, walk, walk up and down stairs, lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.