Maintenance - School

For over 30 years, Gersh Autism has empowered students on the autism spectrum to reach their full potential. Serving individuals aged 5-21 across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, our network of K-12 schools provides personalized education tailored to each student’s unique learning style. We offer comprehensive therapeutic services—speech, physical, occupational therapy, and more—along with vocational training for older students. Our dedicated team collaborates with families to ensure academic, social, and emotional growth, preparing students for success beyond the classroom.

At Gersh Autism, we are committed to helping individuals on the autism spectrum lead fulfilling, independent lives.

Maintenance will be responsible for cleaning and securing the school building daily while proactively identifying and solving facilities related issues to ensure a safe and fun environment.

This position is full-time $19 hourly, Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Support the cleaning and maintenance of the building.

• Complete daily cleaning check lists for each assigned room and deep cleaning schedules

• Notify managers concerning the need for major repairs or additions to building operating systems.

• Secure the building daily by shutting off lights, and performing a walk-through of the entire building to ensure all windows and doors are closed and secured at the end of shift.

• Follow procedures for the use of chemical cleaners and power equipment to prevent damage to floors and fixtures. 

• Responsible for basic electrical, plumbing and handyman repairs, such as painting, re-lamping of light fixtures, furniture assembly & repair, and light carpentry.

• Monitor inventory levels of maintenance materials and supplies.

• Requisition supplies or equipment needed for cleaning and maintenance duties. 

• Coordinate classroom and building moves which require moving heavy furniture, equipment, and supplies. 

• Responsible for performing all work in accordance with established health and safety standards.  Report all health and safety hazards to management.

• Work with minimal direct supervision and operate effectively within a team.

• Clear walkways and steps of building and surrounding areas in the event of inclement weather.  Spread rock salt, sand or other materials to ensure staff and student safety.  Snow removal as needed.

• Event set up and breakdown; arrange, or remove decorations, tables, chairs, ladders, or scaffolding to prepare facilities for events, such as banquets or meetings. 

• Ability to communicate effectively with employee’s contractors and vendors.

• Must have the ability to pivot priorities quickly as there are many interruptions throughout the day.

• Ability to be on your feet for extended periods of time.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: 

• High School Diploma or GED

• Minimum one-year experience cleaning / custodial / janitorial
• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment requirements, including a background check, conducted in accordance with applicable laws.

Working Conditions:

• Location: Queens, NY but will need to visit and support West Hempstead, and Hempstead.

• Must be able to work outdoors with exposure to seasonal weather conditions 

• Monday – Friday / 11:00am – 5:00pm with some variation

• Key holder 

• Occasional work before and after school hours as needed.

• Must have a valid driver’s license and a safe driving record consistent with the responsibilities of the role.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to keep students safe from themselves and others and, in some cases, may need to implement CPI (therapeutic holds) procedures. 
• Must be able to remove oneself from potentially harmful situations and, in some cases, be able to lift a child. 
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and move throughout the workday
• Ability to lift (at least 50-65 pounds), assist, and/or physically support students, which may include lifting or guiding students of varying sizes
• Ability to physically intervene when required to ensure safety (per CPI training)
• Ability to remove oneself and/or others from unsafe situations quickly
• Ability to maintain attention and focus in a dynamic, high-stimulation environment
• Ability to multi-task and shift priorities quickly
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and decision-making, particularly in high-pressure or safety-sensitive situations
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and maintain professional relationships
• Ability to perform duties under stress, including during behavioral escalations

Benefits for Full Time Employees

Gersh Autism offers a competitive compensation package, including comprehensive health and retirement benefits, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment committed to your personal and professional growth. 

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k matching)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Training & Development