Cleaner/Porter - Union (Plaza Borinquen)

As a Cleaner/Porter at WinnCompanies Plaza Borinquen, your main responsibilities include cleaning common areas such as windows, floors, and stairwells, as well as managing trash and recycling in compliance with city regulations. You'll also perform snow and ice removal during winter months and occasionally clean vacant units. Every task you take on helps ensure the property maintains its cleanliness and appeal, aligning with our commitment to providing affordable housing.

To apply for the Cleaner/Porter role at Plaza Borinquen with WinnCompanies, you need less than a year of relevant work experience and a basic understanding of computer systems, especially Microsoft Office. Excellent customer service skills are essential, as well as the ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 25 pounds. An understanding of English, both spoken and written, is also necessary, along with the ability to work effectively with a diverse group of people.

The pay range for the Cleaner/Porter position at Plaza Borinquen is between $17.60 and $19.00 per hour. Your actual salary will depend on factors like job responsibilities, geographic location, and relevant experience. Additionally, as this is a union position, you will also be eligible for various benefits provided by the union.

While prior experience with specific cleaning equipment is not explicitly stated as a requirement for the Cleaner/Porter position at Plaza Borinquen, familiarity with standard cleaning practices and a willingness to learn how to use necessary equipment is beneficial. Your ability to handle various cleaning tasks effectively will be key to your success in this role.

A typical day for a Cleaner/Porter at Plaza Borinquen involves a mix of cleaning tasks, including maintaining common areas, emptying trash, and ensuring that environments are welcoming for residents. You'll also handle specific requests that may arise during the day, engage with residents and team members positively, and adapt to ensure the property remains in excellent condition throughout your shift.

When discussing your preferred cleaning methods in an interview for the Cleaner/Porter position, focus on showcasing your understanding of effective and safe cleaning practices. Mention environmentally friendly cleaning solutions if applicable and emphasize your ability to utilize different methods tailored to various surfaces or situations to ensure a comprehensive clean.

Discuss your approach to time management and prioritization. You might say, 'I assess the most urgent and impactful tasks first, such as high-traffic areas or resident requests, and ensure they are handled promptly, all while maintaining flexibility for any unexpected duties that arise.' This shows your organizational skills and commitment to residents.

Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to provide a thorough response. Mention how you handled any complaints or challenges, focusing on customer service skills and your ability to stay calm and professional under pressure, especially in a housing environment where resident satisfaction is key.

Explain your methodical approach to problem-solving. You can mention that you report issues to your supervisor promptly, ensuring minimal disruption to the cleaning schedule. This highlights your communication skills and adherence to company protocols while emphasizing your proactive stance on issues.

Talk about the importance of being approachable and friendly. You might say that you make an effort to greet residents whenever you see them and am always ready to assist or answer questions. This showcases your excellent customer service skills and commitment to building a strong community atmosphere.

Identify potential challenges such as high workloads or diverse resident needs. You might say, 'I anticipate busy days and will stay organized and focused to manage my time efficiently, while always being willing to adapt to changing needs.' This shows your awareness and readiness to tackle responsibilities head-on.

Discuss your thoroughness in this task. Explain that your approach involves assessing the unit first, prioritizing areas like kitchens and bathrooms, and ensuring you achieve a high standard of cleanliness to make the unit ready for the next resident. This shows your attention to detail and quality of work.

Personalize your response with specifics about the company's values or mission that align with yours. You could say, 'I admire that WinnCompanies focuses on creating quality homes for people, and I want to contribute to that mission by ensuring the community remains beautiful and welcoming for residents.' This reflects your alignment with the company's goals.

Discuss key aspects of safety, such as wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), following proper lifting techniques, and adhering to safety protocols. You will want to demonstrate your awareness and diligence in maintaining a safe working environment for yourself and others.

Share that you view feedback as valuable for personal and professional growth. You might respond by stating, 'I appreciate constructive feedback and see it as an opportunity to improve my work and better serve residents.' This shows your openness to learning and desire for continuous improvement.