About This Work Opportunity
The Ministry of the Solicitor General is seeking an experienced Hospital Housekeeper to work at the Hamilton-Wentworth Detention Centre in Hamilton, Ontario. This is a permanent position focused on providing comprehensive cleaning and general housekeeping services within a correctional facility environment.
The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining clean, safe, and hygienic premises while following institutional security requirements, workplace health and safety standards, and infection prevention and control practices.
This position also involves supervising and instructing selected inmate helpers or workers who assist with cleaning activities. The successful candidate must therefore be comfortable providing clear instructions, monitoring work, identifying hazards, and maintaining appropriate security procedures.
Position Summary
The Hospital Housekeeper will perform a wide range of physical cleaning and general service duties throughout the Hamilton-Wentworth Detention Centre.
The role requires experience with different cleaning methods and industrial cleaning equipment. Duties include mopping, vacuuming, dusting, cleaning offices and corridors, washing woodwork and tiles, operating heavy-duty cleaning equipment, and performing other assigned housekeeping tasks.
In addition to cleaning responsibilities, the position involves maintaining records and security of cleaning supplies, monitoring inventory, identifying equipment problems, and requesting replacement supplies when necessary.
Daily Tasks and Duties
- Perform physical cleaning services throughout assigned areas of the facility.
- Operate heavy-duty industrial cleaning equipment.
- Operate platform lifts when required and appropriately trained.
- Clean, mop, vacuum, and dust offices and corridors.
- Wash woodwork, tiles, floors, and other surfaces.
- Perform general housekeeping and cleaning duties using appropriate cleaning solutions and methods.
- Maintain cleanliness and hygiene standards throughout assigned areas.
- Supervise selected inmate helpers or workers performing cleaning duties.
- Provide clear instructions to inmate helpers regarding assigned tasks.
- Monitor cleaning work to ensure tasks are completed safely and correctly.
- Separate recyclable materials according to established procedures.
- Unload cleaning and other supplies from delivery trucks when required.
- Maintain records relating to cleaning materials and supplies.
- Maintain security and proper storage of cleaning supplies.
- Identify shortages of cleaning materials and request replacement supplies.
- Recognize equipment problems and report maintenance requirements.
- Determine appropriate cleaning agents for different cleaning tasks.
- Identify daily cleaning priorities and organize work accordingly.
- Report workplace hazards and safety concerns promptly.
- Perform other reasonable housekeeping duties as assigned.
Cleaning and Infection Control
The position requires strong knowledge of cleaning methods and infection prevention and control practices. The successful candidate must understand how to select and use appropriate cleaning products and methods for different surfaces and environments.
Employees are expected to follow established cleaning procedures and use cleaning agents, equipment, and solutions safely and appropriately.
Attention to detail is important because the role involves maintaining cleanliness and hygiene within a facility where safety, infection prevention, and environmental standards are particularly important.
Supervision and Team Responsibilities
A key responsibility of this position is supervising selected inmate helpers or workers who assist with cleaning tasks.
- Assign and explain cleaning duties.
- Provide instructions regarding safe cleaning practices.
- Monitor work performed by inmate helpers.
- Ensure cleaning agents and equipment are used appropriately.
- Caution workers about wet floors and other hazards.
- Report safety or security concerns promptly.
- Maintain appropriate institutional procedures when working with inmate helpers.
The successful candidate must be able to communicate clearly and professionally while maintaining the security and safety requirements of the correctional environment.
Skills, Education and Experience
The ideal candidate should have extensive knowledge and practical experience with different cleaning methods and industrial cleaning equipment.
- Extensive knowledge of commercial or institutional cleaning methods.
- Experience operating industrial cleaning equipment such as floor polishers and vacuum cleaners.
- Knowledge of infection prevention and control practices.
- Knowledge of workplace health and safety requirements.
- Understanding of WHMIS requirements.
- Knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
- Ability to follow institutional security policies and procedures.
- Ability to supervise and instruct workers.
- Strong communication skills.
- Ability to maintain written records of cleaning materials and supplies.
- Good organizational skills.
- Ability to determine daily work priorities.
- Strong attention to safety and security hazards.
- Good problem-solving skills.
Physical Requirements
This is a physically demanding housekeeping position requiring regular movement and the use of industrial cleaning equipment.
Employees may be required to stand, walk, bend, lift, push, pull, mop, vacuum, dust, wash surfaces, operate cleaning machinery, and perform other physical cleaning tasks throughout their shifts.
The position may also require operating heavy-duty equipment and platform lifts. Candidates should be physically capable of safely performing the duties associated with institutional housekeeping work.
Work Schedule
This is a permanent position with an irregular on-call schedule.
- Shift: Afternoon
- Hours: 1:00 PM to 9:30 PM
- Weekly Hours: 0–40 hours per week
- Overtime: Opportunity available
- Schedule: Irregular / On-Call
Actual working hours may vary based on operational requirements and the applicable work schedule.
Pay and Career Growth
The advertised salary for the Hospital Housekeeper 1 position is $1,095.78 to $1,228.46 per week. The salary is listed according to the applicable OPSEU Collective Agreement.
This position provides experience in institutional housekeeping, industrial cleaning, infection prevention, workplace safety, inventory management, team supervision, and correctional-facility operations.
Workplace and Location Details
The position is based at 165 Barton Street East, Hamilton, Ontario, within the Hamilton-Wentworth Detention Centre.
This is a correctional facility environment, so employees must follow institutional security procedures and workplace policies at all times. The successful candidate will work around staff, inmate helpers, and other facility personnel.
Workplace Health and Safety
Workplace health and safety is a major part of this position. Employees are expected to understand and follow applicable safety legislation, WHMIS requirements, and institutional procedures.
- Identify and report workplace hazards.
- Warn others about wet floors and cleaning-related obstructions.
- Follow safe procedures when handling cleaning agents and solvents.
- Use cleaning equipment safely.
- Report equipment problems and maintenance requirements.
- Follow workplace health and safety policies.
- Follow infection prevention and control procedures.
- Maintain safe working conditions for staff and inmate helpers.
Security Responsibilities
Because the position is located within a correctional facility, employees must understand and comply with institutional security policies and procedures.
The successful candidate must maintain awareness of security risks, follow established protocols, and promptly report security or workplace hazards. Security procedures apply when working with inmate helpers and when handling cleaning supplies and equipment.
Cleaning Supplies and Inventory
The Hospital Housekeeper will help maintain appropriate supplies for daily cleaning operations. This includes maintaining records, monitoring available inventory, securing cleaning materials, and requesting replacements when supplies become low.
Employees must also understand the safe use, care, and storage of cleaning agents and solvents and communicate relevant safety information to workers assisting with cleaning duties.
Analytical and Problem-Solving Responsibilities
The position requires employees to make practical decisions during daily cleaning operations.
- Determine which cleaning agent is appropriate for a specific task.
- Determine daily cleaning priorities.
- Identify shortages in cleaning supplies.
- Recognize equipment problems.
- Identify when equipment requires maintenance.
- Recognize workplace and security hazards.
- Take or recommend appropriate corrective action.
Who This Job Is Best For
This position may be particularly suitable for experienced cleaners or housekeeping professionals who are comfortable working with industrial cleaning equipment and following strict workplace procedures.
- Experienced institutional or commercial cleaners.
- Housekeepers with industrial cleaning experience.
- Candidates familiar with infection-control procedures.
- Individuals experienced with floor polishers and industrial vacuum equipment.
- People with knowledge of WHMIS and workplace safety.
- Workers comfortable supervising and instructing others.
- Individuals who can work within a structured and security-focused environment.
- People with strong attention to detail and safety awareness.
Security and Screening Requirements
Because this position is located within a correctional facility, employment screening and security checks apply.
The position details indicate requirements including a Vulnerable Sector Check, Credit History Check, Local Police Databases Search, and other applicable institutional screening processes.
A criminal or other federal offence record does not automatically disqualify an applicant. Screening decisions are evaluated according to the responsibilities and requirements of the position.
Applicants who have lived outside Canada for six or more consecutive months during the previous five years, or who are not Canadian residents, may be required to provide an out-of-country police clearance certificate.
Application Process
Applicants must apply online for this position. The application should include a customized cover letter and resume demonstrating how the candidate meets the qualifications listed in the job advertisement.
The combined cover letter and resume should not exceed five pages. Applicants should provide specific examples demonstrating their cleaning experience, equipment knowledge, safety awareness, communication skills, and ability to perform the responsibilities of the position.
The application deadline listed for this position is Monday, September 14, 2026 at 11:59 PM EDT.
Language Requirements
The position language is English. Ontario Public Service external job advertisements may be posted in both English and French, but candidates for this role are assessed in English.
If a position is designated as bilingual, additional French-language proficiency requirements may apply. Applicants should review the official position details for the applicable language requirements.
Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility
The Ontario Public Service is committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities it serves. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
The hiring process is designed to be accessible and consistent with applicable Ontario human rights and accessibility legislation. Accommodation may be available for applicants who require support during the recruitment process.
Important Job Information
- Position: Hospital Housekeeper 1
- Employment Type: Permanent
- Location: Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Workplace: Hamilton-Wentworth Detention Centre
- Address: 165 Barton Street East, Hamilton, ON
- Salary: $1,095.78 – $1,228.46 per week
- Hours: 0–40 hours per week
- Shift: Afternoon, 1:00 PM – 9:30 PM
- Schedule: Irregular / On-Call
- Overtime: Available
- Language: English
- Category: Corrections and Enforcement
- Experience: Cleaning and industrial equipment experience preferred
- Application Deadline: September 14, 2026 at 11:59 PM EDT
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