In many small social-care facilities, resident staff carry out minor maintenance themselves, or call someone out for the bigger jobs. However, larger social-care organisations are now hiring staff in full-time positions who can manage such jobs.
As such, caretaker positions regularly become available in this sector. Besides handling maintenance issues, these members of staff might also be required to carry out cleaning duties, as well as refuse disposal.
Specialist qualifications are rarely required for these positions, yet practical skills and reliability are essential. Communication skills are also well-regarded, given that caretakers will need to carefully follow any instructions given by site management. Good references and experience are highly sought-after, while a police clearance certificate is also required by many employers.
Some positions are available on a live-in basis, meaning that accommodation is provided as part of the overall package. Caretakers in Toronto come off best, earning a little less than C
$30,000 on average. However, this falls as far as C
$22,000 for those working on Prince Edward Island.