Cleaner

Role overview

This role sits within the Education Authority (Northern Ireland) and reports to the Cleaning Supervisor or another delegated officer. The post involves working as part of a team to clean areas within the premises assigned by the line manager.

Key duties

• Carry out floor cleaning tasks using suitable equipment and methods, including sweeping, suction cleaning, mopping, dry buffing, spray cleaning, spray waxing, machine scrubbing, drying, stripping and re-polishing.
• Remove marks and dirt from soft floor finishes such as carpets and matting using the appropriate technique.
• Clean toilets and shower facilities, including all associated fixtures and fittings.
• Wash, dust and wipe ledges, walls, fixtures, fittings and internal surfaces up to 3.35 metres, and polish furniture where needed.
• Empty, clean and maintain internal waste bins and move litter to the required collection point.

Working conditions and duties

• All work must follow the Health and Safety at Work (Northern Ireland) Order 1978, relevant legislation, statutory regulations, codes of practice and COSHH requirements.
• The post is carried out under normal conditions associated with this type of work.
• Colleagues may need to be covered during sick leave in line with Education Authority procedures.
• Absences must be reported according to procedure, and the required forms must be completed and signed by the Building Supervisor.
• Issued protective clothing or workwear must be worn while performing cleaning duties.
• Flat-soled, closed-toe footwear is required when working.
• Any cleaning equipment issued must be used safely, kept in good condition, and faults must be reported without delay.
• All required paperwork must be completed.
• Duties may include tasks at or below the same grade, provided the employee is competent to do them.

Training

• Employees must be willing to take training for higher-graded work where required by the authority; extra payment applies only when the authority requires those higher-level duties to be performed.
• Training also includes induction and refresher sessions to support work up to and including the employee’s grade.
• To meet health and safety obligations, the successful applicant will complete training as needed and provided by the EA cleaning service.

Essential criteria

• Understanding of the responsibilities involved in a school cleaner role.
• Knowledge of cleaning methods, machinery and equipment.
• Awareness of health and safety requirements relevant to the job, including COSHH.
• Ability to work on own initiative and remain effective under pressure and to deadlines.
• Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to understand instructions and communicate in English.
• Good organisation and planning ability.
• Capability to work well as part of a team.
• Flexible attitude and willingness to follow instructions.

Desirable criteria

• At least 3 months of experience cleaning in a setting outside the home.
• Practical experience using a variety of commercial cleaning equipment, such as buffing machines.

Selection and application notes

• Applicants must explain clearly in the application form how they meet each relevant criterion; incomplete answers may result in rejection at shortlisting.
• Criteria must be demonstrated by the closing date unless stated otherwise.
• Shortlisting is based on the essential criteria in the application form, with interview assessment also used where relevant.
• If there are too many applications, desirable criteria may also be used at shortlisting, applied in the order listed.

Equality, safeguarding and background checks

• The post-holder is expected to support good relations and equality of opportunity in line with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 and to follow equality legislation at all times.
• Because the role is within an educational setting, it is subject to safeguarding requirements under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007.
• The successful candidate will need an enhanced disclosure check, currently costing £33, and payment arrangements will be confirmed with the employment contract.
• Where the role involves regulated activity, an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background will be required and the candidate is expected to pay for the certificate; payment instructions will be provided before appointment.

Additional notes

The employer states that it is an equal opportunities organisation and that candidates should align with its values, including equality and excellence in service delivery. Guidance notes and a summary of terms and conditions are available from the employer.