Laborer Dispatcher

PHA is seeking for a Laborer Dispatcher to provide unskilled and diversified duties in connection with the general maintenance and repair of buildings, grounds and equipment. Tasks involve basic repairs, cleaning, landscaping, washing, moving appliances and heavy manual labor. Provides general assistance to other staff. Performs dispatch and telephone answering tasks in conjunction with the 24-hour service

Essential Tasks of the Position:

Performs unskilled tasks in the maintenance of properties and grounds

• Cleans units before and after vacancy, removes trash, washes/vacuums floors, cleans windows, walls, floors and fixtures

•  Mows, weeds, prunes shrubbery, waters plants/lawns and fertilizes grounds

•  Plows, shovels, sands and removes snow and ice

•  Lifts, loads and moves heavy objects, stoves, refrigerators, furniture, building materials and supplies

•  Sweeps and picks up common areas, parking lots and grounds

•  Drives agency vehicles delivering/removing supplies, materials and trash

•  Digs trenches and holes in preparation of other work

•  Performs minor plumbing tasks such as unclogging drains, changing tank bulbs, overflow tubes, guide wire, and repairing faucets

•  Performs minor electrical tasks including resetting circuit breakers and fuses, changing plate covers on switches and outlets and replacing light bulbs and globes

•  Uses a variety of hand tools and implements for custodial and grounds work

•  Assists residents and contractors in pest control and applies/installs gel bait, mouse and ant traps, glue boards, rat bait bags, and uses household bug sprays and similar products that do not require a license to use, as directed

Performs general cleaning, custodial and routine upkeep of properties, grounds and common areas as assigned

•  Assumes responsibility for the safe, sanitary and attractive maintenance of grounds, common areas within assigned locations

•  Performs custodial tasks throughout agency properties, common areas (community rooms), offices and maintenance shops

•  Responds to work orders issued for minor repairs and general upkeep of assigned areas

•  Accounts for basic supplies, materials, tools and equipment stored at areas of assignment

•  Operates agency vehicles (up to 2 ton capacity), as assigned

Performs dispatch services and coordinates all action required to bring satisfactory services and information to residents, staff, police, fire departments, and the general public

•  Receives and accurately records all incoming calls

•  Responds through prompt and accurate action in order to bring effective coordination of appropriate personnel, i.e., PHA personnel, police, fire, or other outside agencies in accordance with agency policies, practices, and procedures

•  Records all calls, work orders, inquiries, and information received and files accordingly

•  Coordinates the activities of maintenance and/or administrative personnel throughout shifts assigned

•  Monitors the energy management computer

Position Description

•  Accepts telephone requests for maintenance services, operates the automated work order system, and records and closes work orders into the system

•  Covers for dispatch personnel on leave, vacation, unfilled vacancies including shift changes, as assigned

•  Maintains a high degree of confidentiality, as mandated

Secondary Tasks of the Position:

•  Performs duties as assigned

Position Requirements and Qualifications:

Education Level

•  Ability to understand English language to an acceptable level for productivity standards, required

•  High school diploma, required

•  Ability to speak Spanish, preferred

Experience in Related Field

•  1-2 years’ experience in maintenance or construction, preferred

•  Prior experience working in public housing setting, preferred

•  Previous clerical experience, preferred

Knowledge, skills, abilities, licenses and certifications

•  Rhode Island (Class 2) driver's license unrestricted except for corrective lenses

•  Ability to maintain confidentiality in all assignments as mandated

•  Ability to work harmoniously with other agency personnel

•  Ability to relate to and interact with elderly/disabled and family residents in low and moderate income housing settings

•  Ability to be flexible and perform work under time pressure

•  Ability and willingness to learn appropriate skills, accept responsibility and to complete assignments, as directed

•  Working knowledge of word processing, preferred