Cleaner

Role overview

The Education Authority (Northern Ireland) is hiring a Cleaner to work as part of a team and keep designated areas within the premises clean to the standard required by the line manager. This post reports to the Cleaning Supervisor, or another authorised person, and is based in Lurgan, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.

Main duties

• Carry out floor cleaning and maintenance using the correct equipment and methods, including sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, dry buffing, spray cleaning, spray waxing, machine scrubbing, stripping and re-polishing.
• Treat soft floor coverings such as carpets and mats by removing stains and cleaning them with suitable techniques.
• Clean toilet and shower facilities, including all associated fixtures and fittings.
• Wash, dust and clean ledges, walls, fixtures, fittings and internal surfaces up to 3.35 metres, and polish furniture where appropriate.
• Empty, clean and service internal litter bins and take waste to the designated collection area.

Working conditions and general requirements

• All work must be completed in line with the Health and Safety at Work (NI) Order 1978, relevant Acts of Parliament, Statutory Instruments, regulations, legal duties, the COSHH Regulations and approved codes of practice.
• The role is carried out under the usual conditions expected in this type of cleaning position.
• You may be asked to cover colleagues who are absent due to sickness, following Education Authority procedure.
• Any absence must be reported according to Education Authority rules, and the required forms must be completed and signed by the Building Supervisor.
• Any issued protective clothing or workwear must be worn while doing cleaning work.
• Flat-soled, enclosed-toe footwear is required while on cleaning duties.
• Cleaning tools and equipment issued for the job must be used safely, cared for properly and any faults reported without delay.
• All necessary records and paperwork must be completed.
• You may also be asked to perform duties at the same grade, provided they are within your competence.

Training and development

• Employees must accept training for higher-graded work if required, although pay for those duties will only apply where the authority requires them to be carried out.
• Training will also be provided to support duties at and up to the employee’s own grade, including induction and refresher training.
• To meet health and safety obligations, the successful applicant will need to complete any necessary training provided by the EA cleaning service.

Equality, safeguarding and background checks

The post-holder is expected to support good relations, equality of opportunity and compliance with equality legislation in line with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. Because this role involves work in educational settings, it falls under safeguarding requirements and the successful applicant will need an enhanced disclosure check. The current cost of this check is £33, and details about payment will be issued with the employment contract. If the appointment involves regulated activity, an enhanced disclosure of criminal background will be required and the candidate will be expected to pay for the enhanced disclosure certificate. Payment instructions will be provided at the pre-employment stage.

Application guidance

• Applicants must clearly explain on the application form how they meet each required criterion, including essential and desirable points where relevant.
• Criteria must be demonstrated by the closing date unless stated otherwise.
• Shortlisting will be based on the essential criteria listed for the role, using the information provided in the application form.
• The panel may shortlist only the applicants it considers most closely matched to the role.
• If there are too many applications, desirable criteria may also be used at shortlisting, in the order listed, so applicants should show how they meet these points too.
• The employer is an equal opportunities organisation.

Essential criteria

• Applicants must show, through the application or interview process, that they understand the duties of a school cleaner, cleaning methods and machinery, and health and safety requirements relevant to the job, including COSHH.
• They should also be able to work on their own initiative, handle pressure and deadlines, communicate clearly in English, take instructions, organise and plan effectively, work well in a team, and remain flexible and willing to follow direction.
• Candidates must be able to demonstrate values and working style that fit the Education Authority’s ethos, including equality and strong service delivery.

Desirable criteria

• At least three months of cleaning experience outside the home environment is preferred.
• Experience using a range of commercial cleaning equipment, such as buffing machines, is also desirable.

Values

The Education Authority looks for candidates whose personal values support equality and excellence in service delivery, with a focus on removing barriers to learning and ensuring fair access to high-quality education services for all children and young people.

Additional information

The role is with the Education Authority (Northern Ireland) in Lurgan. There are 3 vacancies available. The employer is an equal opportunities employer.