Shelter Custodian

Shelter Custodian Job Description

Summary

The Shelter Custodian is responsible for maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment throughout New Life Center facilities. This role demonstrates a commitment to excellence in the spaces where guests find rest, dignity, and hope by combining hands-on custodial work, basic maintenance, and assisting with the grounds. The shelter custodian helps create an environment that reflects dignity while upholding the highest standards possible.  

At New Life Center, our work is rooted in our Christian faith and driven by our mission to guide people experiencing homelessness or addiction toward holistic transformation through the love of Jesus. Every role contributes to this ministry and advances our shared vision. Our team members are followers of Jesus Christ, affirm our Statement of Faith, and demonstrate our BEACON values—Bring Your Best, Engage with Empathy, Act in Unity, Choose Humility, Offer Hope, and Never Stop Growing—in the way they serve guests, support one another, and represent New Life Center each day. 

Essential Functions

Essential Function 1: Custodial Duties

• Perform daily cleaning tasks as assigned by the facilities manager including sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, dusting, disinfecting, trash removal, restroom cleaning, etc. 
• Maintain floors, windows, and surfaces in a sanitary and presentable condition. 
• Monitor and restock cleaning supplies, paper products, and hygiene items throughout the shelter. 
• Follow proper procedures for handling cleaning chemicals and equipment and using proper lifting techniques. 
• Maintain cleaning equipment and storage areas in orderly condition. 
• Assist with and help direct volunteer groups with various projects. 
• Maintain cleanliness standards that align with health codes, safety guidelines, and ministry excellence.  

Essential Function 2: Light Duty Maintenance/Grounds 

• Perform basic repairs such as replacing light bulbs, clearing clogged drains, replacing air filters, etc. 
• Monitor building systems and report major maintenance issues to the facilities manager. 
• Assist in maintaining the grounds throughout the year such as mowing, trimming and snow removal. 

Essential Function 3: Team Collaboration and Ministry Support

• Serves as backup support for supervising guests assigned to work therapy, providing task-based instruction and oversight to maintain safe and effective operations. 
• Work alongside other staff and volunteers to maintain a mission-centered environment. 
• Maintain clear communication with the facility manager regarding work priorities. 
• Treat guests, volunteers, and staff with dignity, compassion, and respect. 
• Set up and tear down rooms for meals, events, or programming. 
• Performs other related duties as assigned. 

Essential Function 4: Safety and Compliance

• Follow all safety protocols, including proper handling of cleaning chemicals and equipment. 
• Ensure floors, entrances, and walkways are free from hazards. 
• Respond promptly to spills and cleaning needs to maintain a safe environment. 
• Follow all OSHA and health department standards. 
• Use proper PPE appropriately. 
• Follow infection control and bloodborne pathogen procedures. 

ADA & Reasonable Accommodation

New Life Center complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Qualified individuals are considered for positions based on their ability to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with applicable law unless doing so would cause undue hardship or pose a direct threat to safety.  

Position Reports to Edward Jacob, Facilities Manager

This Job Description identifies the major responsibilities of this job.  It does not include all aspects of the position such as the potential additional duties assigned by the Operations Director, the requirement for flexibility in helping others, or the highly valued team-oriented approach used for the overall benefit and success of New Life Center.

Personal:

• Personal, evident, and growing relationship with Jesus Christ.  
• Compassionate heart for those in need.  
• Willingness to serve others.  
• Desire to see the lost transformed through the love of Christ.   

Required Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED.   
• Knowledge of simple maintenance practices and procedures.  
• Knowledge of caring for and maintaining vegetation.  

Additional Eligibility Requirements:

• Ability to pass pre-employment drug test and background check.
• If in recovery, a minimum of one year of sustained recovery with active participation in a 12-step program is required; two or more years is preferred.  

Skills:

• Strong communication and leadership skills.  
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.  
• Must exhibit good judgement, sensitivity, and compassion.  
• Must be able to work well with others and exhibit a positive, professional, and friendly disposition.  
• Must demonstrate a strong work ethic with consistent attendance and punctuality.  
• Must be able to problem solve alone as well as with others.  
• Must have the ability to work as a team.  
• Ability to multitask efficiently.  
• Adapts positively to continuous change and maintain flexibility.  
• Willingness to learn.  
• Ability to take constructive criticism.  
• Ability to organize and prioritize duties.  
• Commitment to completing tasks with excellence. 

Work Environment:

• Must be in good physical condition.  
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time as well as kneel, crouch, crawl, etc.  
• Ability to walk up and down flights of stairs multiple times during work shift.  
• Able to climb a ladder and work at heights of up to 35’.   
• Ability to lift up to 75 lbs.  
• Ability to work in extreme weather conditions, hot or cold.  

Religious Bona Fide Occupational Qualification

New Life Center is a faith-based Christian ministry. Consistent with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, alignment with New Life Center’s Statement of Faith and values may be considered a bona fide occupational qualification (BFOQ) for this position. Employees are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the organization’s Christian mission, beliefs, and code of conduct. 

Salary : $17