Job Description

Job Summary: 

The Housekeeper ensures a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for the senior priests residing at the St. John Paul II Residence for Priests. This position plays an essential role in supporting the dignity and well-being of the priests who have devoted their lives to serving the Church. By maintaining clean living quarters and common areas, the Housekeeper helps create a peaceful, respectful, and comfortable home that aligns with the mission of the Residence. The Housekeeper reports directly to the Director of the Residence and operates under supervision with latitude for the use of independent judgment and initiative. This full time position requires 30-32 hours per week.

Ministerial Character

The Bishop is the visible principle and foundation of unity in the particular Church (the diocese) entrusted to him. In a unique and visible way, he makes Christ’s mission present and enduring as Shepherd of the Christian Community. In order to fulfill his mission, the Bishop employs suitable, chosen collaborators (clerics, religious, or lay people). He shares with them the apostolic mission and entrusts various responsibilities to them.

Each position employed in the Diocese of Austin helps to extend the ministry of the Bishop in particular ways as outlined in the job description. Therefore, the employee in this position is closely connected to and assists the Bishop in the performance of his ministry and thereby engages in ministry for the church.

Essential Job Duties:

• As an integral part of your ministry for the Church as carried out in this position, support and uphold the philosophy of Catholic ministry and the mission of the Diocese of Austin in both your professional and personal life.

• Act as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church.

• Continuously grow in your ministry by participating in religious ceremonies, training sessions, and reflection activities as directed.

• Clean resident apartments weekly (dusting, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, bathroom/kitchen cleaning, etc.).

• Maintain cleanliness of common areas daily, including the chapel, dining room, hallways, shared bathrooms, workout room, director’s office, and conference room.

• Perform deep cleaning tasks on a rotating schedule (e.g., baseboards, ceiling fans, windows).

• Clean and prepare guest rooms following visits from clergy or other guests.

• Launder and maintain facility linens including tablecloths, cloth napkins, placemats, and cleaning cloths.

• Coordinate with kitchen staff regarding timely cleaning and rotation of dining linens.

• Monitor and restock cleaning supplies; report inventory needs to the Director.

• Report maintenance or safety issues promptly.

• Respect resident privacy and maintain discretion when working in personal spaces.

• Support hospitality efforts for clergy guests and events when needed.

• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the structure and basic teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.

• Knowledge of proper cleaning techniques, sanitation, and safety standards.

• Knowledge of basic household and commercial cleaning tools and supplies.

• Ability to provide excellent customer service and work effectively with clergy.

• Ability to organize, prioritize, and utilize effective time management techniques.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.

• Ability to balance multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

• Ability to speak, read, and write in English to ensure effective communication and accurate documentation.

• Professional, respectful, and discreet demeanor in a residence setting.

• Willingness to uphold the dignity of priest residents and maintain a prayerful environment.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Trainings:

• High school diploma or GED required.

Experience:

• At least two (2) years of professional housekeeping or janitorial experience, preferably in a residential or hospitality setting. 

Language Requirement:

• English (proficient in conversing, reading, and writing).

• Spanish preferred but not required.

Catholic Requirement:

• Not required.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Valid Texas driver’s license.

• Must maintain compliance with the Diocese of Austin Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) policies throughout the employment period.

Working Conditions:

• All employees of the Diocese of Austin are engaged in ministry and closely tied to the Bishop in the exercise of his ministry and obligations to the church. 

• The Diocese of Austin is an at-will employer.

• All buildings and vehicles owned by the Diocese of Austin are tobacco-free.

• Working in a fast-paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly.

• Working on weekends, evenings and some holidays may be required.

• Due to the nature of the business, paid time off and holiday benefits will differ. Established holidays for this role are as follows: 

o New Year’s Day

o Memorial Day

o Independence Day

o Labor Day

o Thanksgiving Day

o Christmas Day

• Will be exposed to religious ceremonies, conduct, and speech including Catholic Christian prayer and liturgical celebrations. 

• Will be required to adhere to established dress codes, and conduct standards.

• May be required to use personal or diocesan vehicles to drive to parishes or other off-site locations.

• Traveling within and outside the diocese to meetings and other events may be required, and travel may include overnight lodging.

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