Cleaner

Role overview

The Education Authority in Northern Ireland is looking for a Cleaner to join the team in Belfast. The postholder will work with colleagues to keep designated areas of the premises clean and tidy, following instructions from the line manager.

What the role involves

• Carry out floor cleaning tasks such as sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, dry buffing, spray cleaning, spray waxing, machine scrubbing, stripping, and re-polishing using the correct equipment.
• Treat stains on soft floor coverings such as carpets and mats with the appropriate cleaning technique.
• Clean toilet and shower facilities, including all fixtures and fittings.
• Wash, dust, and wipe ledges, walls, fixtures, fittings, and internal surfaces up to 3.35 metres.
• Polish furniture where required.
• Empty and clean indoor bins and take waste to the assigned collection points.

Health, safety, and working rules

• Follow all duties in line with the Health and Safety at Work (NI) Order 1978, relevant Acts, Statutory Instruments, regulations, other legal obligations, the COSHH Regulations, and applicable codes of practice.
• Work in the normal conditions associated with this type of job.
• Support colleagues when they are absent through sickness, following Education Authority procedure.
• Report absence according to the Authority’s process and ensure the required forms are completed and signed by the Building Supervisor.
• Wear issued protective clothing or workwear while cleaning.
• Use flat-soled, closed-toe footwear during cleaning duties.
• Handle issued cleaning equipment safely and properly, and report any faults immediately.
• Complete all required paperwork.
• Be prepared to take on duties at the same grade, provided they are within the employee’s competence.

Training and flexibility

• Accept training for higher-graded work where required, with pay only applying if the Authority requires those higher-level duties to be performed.
• Accept training needed to carry out duties up to and including the current grade.
• Training includes induction and refresher sessions.
• The job description may be updated as circumstances change and should be treated as guidance rather than a rigid list.
• Other similar tasks suitable for the grade may be assigned from time to time.

Equality and safeguarding

The successful candidate is expected to support good relations, promote equality of opportunity, and respect equality legislation in line with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

If the post involves regulated activity, an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background will be required. The successful applicant will be responsible for the cost of the Enhanced Disclosure Certificate, and payment instructions will be provided before employment starts.

Applicant guidance

• Applicants must clearly explain on the application form how they meet each required criterion, or they may not be shortlisted.
• This applies to both essential and desirable criteria where relevant.
• Evidence must be provided by the closing date unless the criteria state otherwise.
• Shortlisting will primarily be based on the essential criteria listed in Section 1 using the application form.
• The panel may shortlist only the strongest matching candidates.
• If there are too many applications, desirable criteria from Section 3 may also be used at shortlisting, in the order listed.
• For this reason, applicants should also show clearly how they meet any desirable criteria.

Essential criteria

• Proven paid experience working as a cleaner in a commercial or public building.
• Mandatory training must be completed before starting employment to satisfy health and safety legal obligations; details will be shared with successful candidates.
• Knowledge of the duties expected of a school cleaner.
• Understanding of cleaning methods and machinery.
• Awareness of health and safety requirements relevant to the role, including COSHH.
• Effective communication skills.
• Ability to work well as part of a team.
• Strong organisational ability and the capacity to work independently, complete tasks on time, and meet required standards.

Desirable criteria

• At least three months of paid experience in a cleaning role.
• Experience using a variety of commercial cleaning equipment, such as buffing machines.

Benefits and further information

The employer notes that further information about the terms and conditions for this post is available through the job materials, and additional guidance notes are provided for applicants. The Education Authority describes itself as an equal opportunities employer.