Cleaner

Job Purpose

The Cleaner will be responsible for undertaking cleaning duties within designated areas of the premises as part of a team, under the direction of the Cleaning Supervisor or an authorized person.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive floor care, including sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, dry buffing, spray cleaning, spray waxing, machine scrubbing, and drying.
• Strip and re-polish floors using appropriate equipment and methods.
• Clean and effectively remove stains from carpeted and matted floor surfaces using suitable techniques.
• Thoroughly clean toilet and shower areas, including all fixtures and fittings.
• Clean, wash, and dust ledges, walls, fixtures, fittings, and internal surfaces up to a height of 3.35 meters.
• Polish furniture as required.
• Empty and clean internal litter bins, transporting 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 following Education Authority procedures, with 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; any defects must be reported immediately.
• Completion of all necessary paperwork is required.
• Duties may extend to roles of the same grade, provided they are within the employee's competency.

Training

• Employees are required to accept training for jobs graded at a higher level than their own. Payment for such training will only be made if the authority requires the higher-level duties to be performed.
• Employees must accept training to facilitate the undertaking of duties up to and including their own grade. This training includes Induction Training and Refresher Training.

Person Specification and Application Guidance

Applicants must clearly demonstrate on their application form how and to what extent they meet the essential and desirable criteria. Failure to do so may result in not being shortlisted. Criteria will be assessed at different stages as outlined. The Selection Panel reserves the right to shortlist based on essential criteria and may apply desirable criteria if the applicant pool is excessive.

Section 1 - Essential Criteria (Shortlisting)

• Willingness to undertake necessary training as provided by the EA cleaning service to meet statutory Health and Safety obligations.

Section 2 - Essential Criteria (Interview/Selection Stage)

• Experience: Knowledge of the requirements of a School Cleaner.
• Qualifications/Evidence of Knowledge: Understanding of cleaning methods and machinery. Knowledge of Health and Safety requirements relevant to the role, including COSHH.
• Skills/Abilities: Ability to work independently and under pressure to meet deadlines. Effective communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to understand and follow instructions in English. Strong organizational and planning skills. Ability to collaborate effectively as part of a team. A flexible approach to work and willingness to follow instructions.
• Values Orientation: Demonstrated alignment of experience and work approach with EA's ethos and values, including commitment to equality and excellence in service delivery.

Section 3 - Desirable Criteria (Potential Shortlisting)

• Three months of cleaning experience outside the home environment.
• Demonstrable experience using a range of commercial cleaning tools, such as buffing machinery.

Our Values

The selection process will assess alignment with EA's values, emphasizing commitment to equality and excellence in service delivery to meet the needs of all children and young people.

Disclosure of Criminal Background

For posts involving 'regulated activity' (working directly with children or in specified places), an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background check will be required. The successful applicant will be expected to cover the cost of this certificate, with payment details provided at the pre-employment stage.

Additional Information

• The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
• Posts involving work in educational institutions are subject to the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (NI) Order 2007.
• An enhanced disclosure check costs £33, with payment details issued with the contract of employment.
• Summary of terms and conditions for this post is available.