Cleaner

Role overview

The Education Authority in Northern Ireland is seeking a Cleaner for an on-site post in Omagh. The successful person will work as part of a team to keep assigned areas within the premises clean and well maintained, under the direction of the line manager or another authorised person.

What the job involves

• Carry out floor cleaning tasks such as sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, drying, buffing, spray cleaning, spray waxing, machine scrubbing, stripping and re-polishing, using suitable equipment.
• Treat and clean soft floor coverings such as carpets and matting using the correct method for each surface.
• Clean toilet and shower areas, including all fixtures and fittings.
• Wash, dust and clean ledges, walls, fixtures, fittings and internal surfaces up to 3.35 metres, with furniture polished where appropriate.
• Empty and clean indoor litter bins and take waste to the designated collection points.

Job requirements and working conditions

All work must be completed in line with health and safety requirements, relevant legislation and codes of practice, including the Health and Safety at Work (NI) Order 1978 and COSHH regulations. Duties are to be performed in the normal conditions associated with this type of role.

You will also be expected to cover colleagues during sickness absence in line with Education Authority procedures, report any absence correctly, complete the required forms, and ensure they are signed by the Building Supervisor. Protective clothing or workwear provided must be worn, along with flat-soled, enclosed-toe footwear while cleaning.

Any equipment issued must be handled safely and maintained properly, with defects reported immediately. All required paperwork must be completed, and you may also be asked to carry out duties at the same grade where you are competent to do so.

Training and statutory duties

The successful applicant must be willing to complete any necessary training provided by the EA cleaning service in order to meet health and safety obligations. This includes induction training and refresher training, and may also include training connected with higher-graded work where required by the authority.

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

Selection criteria

Applicants must clearly show on the application form how they meet the required criteria, as shortlisting will be based on the information supplied. Both essential and, where relevant, desirable criteria should be addressed by the closing date. The panel may shortlist only those who most strongly match the role, and if there are too many applications, desirable criteria may also be used at shortlisting in the order listed.

Essential criteria assessed at application stage include the willingness to complete required training, as well as the ability to satisfy the job’s statutory and safety-related obligations. Additional essential criteria assessed at interview include knowledge of school cleaning duties, cleaning methods and machinery, and health and safety requirements relevant to the role, including COSHH.

Applicants should also demonstrate the ability to use initiative, work under pressure to meet deadlines, communicate effectively in English, stay organised, plan work well, work cooperatively as part of a team, and take instructions while remaining flexible. Evidence that your working style and experience reflect the Education Authority’s ethos and values will also be considered.

Desirable experience

Preferable experience includes at least three months of cleaning experience outside the home environment and practical use of commercial cleaning equipment such as buffing machinery.

Safeguarding and criminal record check

Because the role is in an educational setting and may involve regulated activity, the successful applicant may be required to undergo an enhanced criminal background disclosure. The cost of the Enhanced Disclosure Certificate must be met by the applicant and is currently £33. Payment details will be provided at the pre-employment or contract stage as applicable.

Equal opportunities

The Education Authority is an equal opportunities employer and expects candidates to align with its commitment to equality and excellent service for children and young people, removing barriers to learning and ensuring fair access to education.

Additional information

Applicants are directed to the available guidance notes and the summary of terms and conditions for this post.