Cleaner - 6 posts

Role overview

This position sits within the Education Authority (Northern Ireland) and reports to the Cleaning Supervisor, or another person authorised to oversee the work. The role is part of a team responsible for cleaning designated areas within the premises as assigned by the line manager.

Core duties

• Carry out a range of floor-cleaning tasks, including sweeping, vacuum cleaning, mopping, dry buffing, spray cleaning, spray waxing, machine scrubbing, drying, stripping and re-polishing using suitable equipment.
• Treat soft floor coverings such as carpets and mats by removing stains with the correct cleaning method.
• Clean toilets and shower areas, including fixtures and fittings.
• Wash, dust and clean ledges, walls, fittings, fixtures and internal surfaces up to 3.35 metres; polish furniture where appropriate.
• Empty and clean internal waste bins and move waste to the designated collection points.

Working standards and compliance

• All duties must follow applicable health and safety laws, statutory requirements, the COSHH regulations and relevant codes of practice.
• Work is to be completed in the usual conditions associated with the role.
• Cover for colleagues on sick leave may be required in line with the Education Authority procedure.
• Any absence must be reported according to procedure, and the relevant forms must be completed and signed by the Building Supervisor.
• Issued protective clothing or workwear must be worn while cleaning.
• Flat-soled, enclosed-toe footwear must be worn during cleaning duties.
• Any equipment provided must be used safely and cared for properly, and faults must be reported immediately.
• All required documentation must be completed.
• Duties may extend to other work at the same grade, provided the employee is competent to do it.

Training and development

• Employees must be willing to take on training for higher-graded duties, with additional payment only applying when the authority requires those higher-level tasks to be performed.
• Employees must also complete training that supports work within their own grade, including induction and refresher training.
• The successful applicant must undertake any health and safety training required by the EA Cleaning Service.

Equality, safeguarding and checks

The post-holder is expected to uphold equality of opportunity, promote good relations and comply with equality legislation in line with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 at all times.

Because the role is based in an educational setting, it falls under safeguarding requirements. The successful candidate will need an enhanced disclosure check, which currently costs £33. Payment arrangements for this check will be provided with the contract of employment.

Where the post involves regulated activity, the Education Authority will arrange an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. The candidate will be expected to pay for the Enhanced Disclosure Certificate, and payment instructions will be issued at the pre-employment stage.

Application guidance and selection notes

• Applicants must clearly explain on the application form how they meet each required criterion, or they may not be shortlisted.
• Evidence must be provided by the closing date unless the criterion specifically states otherwise.
• Shortlisting will be based on the essential criteria in Section 1 using the application form.
• The panel may choose only those candidates it considers strongest against the role criteria.
• If there are too many applicants, desirable criteria from Section 3 may also be used at shortlisting, in the order listed.
• For the role, the applicant should show evidence of alignment with the organisation’s ethos and values, including commitment to equality and service excellence.
• The organisation states that it is an equal opportunities employer.

Essential criteria

• Understanding of the duties expected of a school cleaner.
• Knowledge of cleaning methods, equipment and machinery.
• Awareness of health and safety requirements relevant to the role, including COSHH.
• Ability to use initiative and work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to understand and respond to instructions in English.
• Good organisation and planning ability.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Flexible approach to work and willingness to follow instructions.
• Evidence that experience and working style reflect the employer’s ethos and values.

Desirable criteria

• At least three months of cleaning experience outside the home environment.
• Proven experience using a range of commercial cleaning equipment, such as buffing machines.

Additional information

The employer notes that the work may include duties at the same grade as the post holder’s role, provided they are within competence. Guidance notes for applicants and summary terms and conditions are available from the employer.