Cleaner - 3 posts

Role overview

The Education Authority in Northern Ireland is recruiting three full-time cleaners in Carrickfergus. The role is based on site and involves working as part of a team to keep designated areas within the premises clean and well maintained.

Job purpose

You will support the cleaning of areas assigned by the line manager and carry out routine cleaning tasks to the required standard. The position reports to a Cleaning Supervisor, or another authorised person.

Main duties

• Use the correct equipment and techniques to sweep, vacuum, mop, dry buff, spray clean, spray wax, machine scrub, strip and re-polish floors.
• Remove marks and clean soft flooring such as carpets and matting using suitable methods.
• Clean toilet and shower facilities, including fixtures and fittings.
• Wash, dust and clean ledges, walls, internal surfaces, fixtures and fittings up to 3.35 metres, and polish furniture where appropriate.
• Empty and clean indoor waste bins and take rubbish to the designated collection point.

Working conditions and general requirements

• All work must comply with health and safety legislation, including the Health and Safety at Work (NI) Order 1978, relevant laws and regulations, COSHH requirements, and applicable codes of practice.
• Duties are expected to be completed in the normal working conditions associated with this type of role.
• You may be required to cover colleagues who are absent due to sickness, following Education Authority procedures.
• Absence must be reported according to the organisation’s process, and the required forms must be completed and signed by the Building Supervisor.
• Any protective clothing or workwear provided must be worn while carrying out cleaning duties.
• Flat-soled, enclosed-toe footwear must be worn for cleaning work.
• Issued cleaning equipment must be used safely and maintained properly, and any faults must be reported immediately.
• All required paperwork must be completed.
• You may also be asked to carry out duties at the same grade, provided they are within your competence.

Training

• You must accept relevant training for higher-graded work where required by the authority, with payment only made if higher-level duties are actually required.
• You must also accept any training needed to perform duties up to and including your own grade.
• Training may include induction and refresher sessions.

Essential criteria

For shortlisting, applicants must show evidence of at least three months’ practical experience in a cleaning role. You must also be willing to complete any necessary training to meet health and safety obligations.

At interview, you may be assessed on your understanding of school cleaning duties, cleaning methods and machinery, and health and safety requirements for the role, including COSHH.

You should also demonstrate the ability to use initiative, work well under pressure and meet deadlines, communicate clearly in English, take instructions, organise and plan work effectively, work well in a team, and remain flexible and willing to follow instructions.

Applicants are also expected to show how their approach and experience reflect the Education Authority’s ethos and values.

Desirable criteria

It is advantageous to have around one year of cleaning experience outside the home environment. Experience using commercial cleaning equipment such as buffing machines would also be beneficial.

Values and equality

The Education Authority seeks candidates whose values align with its commitment to equality and excellence in service delivery. The organisation aims to support all children and young people equally by removing barriers to learning and ensuring fair access to high-quality education services so every child can reach their full potential.

The post holder is expected to uphold equality of opportunity, promote good relations, and consider equality legislation at all times in line with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. The Education Authority is an equal opportunities employer.

Safeguarding and criminal background disclosure

Because posts in educational settings are covered by safeguarding legislation, the successful applicant will need an enhanced disclosure check under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 if the role involves regulated activity. The applicant will be expected to pay the current cost of the enhanced disclosure certificate, which is £33. Payment details will be provided with the contract of employment and further information is available through NI Direct or the Department of Justice.

Applicant guidance and additional notes

• On your application form, you must clearly explain how you meet each required criterion, including both essential and desirable points where relevant.
• You must demonstrate that you meet the criteria by the closing date unless a different deadline is stated.
• Shortlisting will primarily be based on the essential criteria listed in Section 1 using your application form.
• The selection panel may shortlist only the candidates it considers strongest for the role.
• If there are too many applications, desirable criteria from Section 3 may also be used at shortlisting in the order listed, so you should explain those carefully as well.

Summary terms and conditions are available for this post, and applicant guidance notes can also be viewed separately.

The role is subject to standard employment and safeguarding requirements for work in educational institutions.