Cleaner

Cleaner

Job Title: Cleaner

Reports To: Shelter Property Manager

Status: Part-Time (15–25 hours per week)

Compensation: $25/hourLocation: Bridgewater, Nova Scotia

Position SummaryThe Cleaner plays an essential role in maintaining a safe, sanitary, and dignified environment at The Shelter. This position ensures that all spaces, including bathrooms, sleeping areas, common rooms, and administrative spaces, are consistently cleaned and properly sanitized to reduce the spread of illness and support overall health and wellbeing. Because the shelter environment serves individuals who may be experiencing trauma, crisis, and housing instability, this role is grounded in a trauma-informed approach. The Cleaner contributes to a calm, respectful, and predictable physical environment where guests can feel safe, supported, and treated with dignity. Working under the direction of the Shelter Property Manager, this role supports infection prevention, environmental health standards, and the overall comfort of both guests and staff.

At SSODA, we are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace where staff can grow professionally while making a meaningful difference in the community.

Our shelter is community-based, low-barrier shelter focused on safety, dignity, and respect for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Working with SSODA means being part of a dedicated team focused on providing safe, appropriate, and supportive housing solutions across the South Shore.

We offer:

• A collaborative and mission-driven work environment
• Opportunities for professional development and training
• Flexible work arrangements where possible
• Opportunities to contribute to innovative housing solutions and community impact

SSODA actively encourages applications from individuals who identify as Indigenous, African Nova Scotian, Black, racialized, newcomers to Canada, persons with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and people with lived experience related to housing insecurity.

We recognize that systemic barriers can impact access to employment opportunities. As part of our commitment to equity, we welcome applicants whose skills and experience may have been developed through community work, lived experience, or non-traditional career paths.

SSODA is committed to providing accessible and inclusive hiring practices. If you require accommodations during any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Key ResponsibilitiesCleaning, Sanitation & Infection Control

• Thoroughly clean and sanitize high-touch surfaces daily, including door handles, railings, light switches, counters, and shared equipment
• Clean and disinfect bathrooms, showers, and washroom fixtures to ensure safe and hygienic conditions
• Sweep, mop, and vacuum all shelter flooring regularly, with attention to high-traffic areas
• Clean and sanitize sleeping areas, including mattresses, bed frames, and surrounding spaces according to shelter protocols
• Ensure dining areas are cleaned and sanitized to health standards after each use
• Remove garbage and recycling and maintain cleanliness in disposal areas
• Replenish hygiene and cleaning supplies (soap, paper towels, disinfectant, toilet paper, etc.)

Trauma-Informed Environmental Care

• Maintain a calm, predictable, and respectful presence while working in shared living spaces
• Approach all cleaning tasks with awareness that guests may be present in their personal or shared environments
• Respect guest privacy, belongings, and personal space while completing duties
• Avoid unnecessary disruption and communicate respectfully when entering occupied areas
• Support a physically and emotionally safe environment through consistent cleanliness and order

Health & Safety

• Follow all infection prevention and control procedures, including proper use of disinfectants and cleaning products
• Use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required
• Identify and report any hazards, maintenance issues, or safety concerns to the Shelter Property Manager
• Ensure cleaning supplies are stored safely and used according to WHMIS guidelines (training provided if needed)

Facility Support

• Assist with scheduled deep cleaning tasks and seasonal cleaning projects
• Support organization and tidiness of supply and storage areas
• Work collaboratively with shelter staff to coordinate cleaning around daily programming and guest needs
• Ensure spaces are consistently maintained to a standard that supports dignity, comfort, and accessibility

Professional Conduct

• Interact with guests and staff in a respectful, non-judgmental, and compassionate manner
• Maintain confidentiality and respect the privacy of individuals accessing shelter services
• Follow all SSODA policies, procedures, and workplace safety standards
• Work independently while maintaining clear communication with the Shelter Property Manager

Education

• No formal education required
• WHMIS certification considered an asset (or willingness to obtain)

Experience

• Previous cleaning, janitorial, or housekeeping experience in institutional settings is required
• Experience in healthcare, shelter, supportive housing, or similar environments is an asset
• Training will be provided for candidates with strong reliability and willingness to learn

Skills & Competencies

• Strong attention to detail, particularly in sanitation and hygiene practices
• Understanding of or willingness to learn infection control and cleaning protocols
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively
• Physical ability to perform repetitive cleaning tasks in a shelter environment
• Trauma-informed approach: respectful, calm, and non-intrusive presence in shared spaces
• Commitment to maintaining dignity, safety, and wellbeing for all shelter guests
• Clear Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check required

Working Conditions

This position is based in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia and is primarily on-site and includes:

• 4% vacation pay
• 6 sick days
• Health and dental benefits
• RRSP matching
• Some evenings, must be available weekends and holidays
• Meaningful work in a supportive, community-focused environment
• Paid training and onboarding
• Opportunities for ongoing learning and professional development- we prioritize promoting current employees before posting a job publicly.

Pay: $25.00 per hour

Work Location: In person