Cleaner

Job Description

The Education Authority (Northern Ireland) is seeking a Cleaner to join their team in Portadown. The successful candidate will be responsible for undertaking cleaning duties within designated areas of the premises as part of a team, reporting to a Cleaning Supervisor or other authorized personnel. This is a full-time, onsite position.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive cleaning of all designated areas, including sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, dry buffing, spray cleaning, spray waxing, machine scrubbing, and drying floors using appropriate equipment.
• Address and remove stains from carpeted and matted floor surfaces using effective cleaning techniques.
• Maintain cleanliness of toilet and shower facilities, including fixtures and fittings.
• Clean, wash, and dust ledges, walls, fixtures, fittings, and internal surfaces up to a height of 3.35 meters, including polishing furniture where necessary.
• Empty and clean internal litter bins and transport refuse to designated collection points.

General Conditions

• All duties must be performed in strict compliance with the Health and Safety at Work (NI) Order 1978, relevant Acts of Parliament, Statutory Instruments, Regulations, and other legal requirements, including COSHH Regulations and applicable Codes of Practice.
• Work will be carried out under the normal working conditions inherent to the role.
• Employees are expected to cover for colleagues on sick leave according to Education Authority procedures.
• Absences must be reported promptly and relevant forms completed and signed by the Building Supervisor.
• Mandatory use of issued protective clothing or work wear is required during cleaning duties.
• Enclosed-toe, flat-soled footwear must be worn while performing cleaning tasks.
• All issued cleaning equipment must be used and maintained safely, with any defects reported immediately.
• Completion of all necessary paperwork is required.
• Employees may be assigned duties up to and including those in the same grade, provided they are within their competence.

Training

• Employees will be required to accept training for jobs graded at a higher level than their own. Payment for higher-level duties will only be made if the authority requires them to be carried out.
• All employees must accept training to perform duties up to and including their own grade, which may include Induction and Refresher Training.

Equality and Safeguarding

• In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post-holder must promote good relations, equality of opportunity, and adhere to equality legislation.
• This post involves working in educational institutions and is subject to the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (NI) Order 2007. An enhanced disclosure check will be required, the cost of which will be communicated with the contract of employment.

Applicant Guidance Notes

• Clearly demonstrate on your application how you meet each essential and desirable criterion. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.
• Demonstrate how you meet criteria by the closing date, unless otherwise specified.
• Criteria will be assessed at different stages as outlined. Shortlisting will be based on essential criteria.
• The Selection Panel may use desirable criteria for shortlisting if there is a high volume of applications.

Person Specification - Essential Criteria

• Willingness to undertake necessary training as provided by the EA cleaning service to meet statutory Health and Safety obligations.
• Knowledge of the requirements of a School Cleaner.
• Familiarity with cleaning methods and machinery.
• Understanding of Health and Safety requirements relevant to the role, including COSHH.
• Ability to use initiative and work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to understand and follow instructions in English.
• Strong organizational and planning abilities.
• Capacity to work effectively as part of a team.
• Flexibility and willingness to follow instructions.
• Demonstrate alignment with EA's ethos and values.

Person Specification - Desirable Criteria

• Possession of three months' cleaning experience outside the home environment.
• Demonstrable experience using a range of commercial cleaning tools and machinery, such as buffing machines.

Additional Information

• The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
• Information on the summary of terms and conditions, applicant guidance notes, and benefits of joining the Education Authority are available via provided links.
• Disclosure of criminal background: For posts involving 'regulated activity', an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate will be required, and the applicant will be expected to cover the cost.