Cleaner

Role Overview

Education Authority (Northern Ireland) is hiring a Cleaner to work as part of a team and support the upkeep of areas within the premises assigned by the line manager. The role reports to the Cleaning Supervisor or another authorised representative.

What the Job Involves

• Carry out floor-care tasks such as sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, dry buffing, spray cleaning, spray waxing, machine scrubbing, stripping and re-polishing with suitable equipment.
• Remove marks and clean soft floor coverings such as carpets and matting using the appropriate method.
• Sanitise toilets and shower areas, including all fixtures and fittings.
• Wash, dust and clean ledges, walls, fittings, fixtures and internal surfaces up to 3.35 metres; polish furniture where needed.
• Empty and clean indoor waste bins and take refuse to the designated collection areas.

Working Conditions and Standards

• All work must follow applicable health and safety laws and guidance, including the Health and Safety at Work (NI) Order 1978, COSHH requirements, relevant legislation, statutory instruments, regulations and codes of practice.
• Normal workplace conditions associated with cleaning work will apply.
• You may be required to cover colleagues who are absent due to sickness, in line with Education Authority procedures.
• Absence must be reported using the correct Education Authority process, and the required forms must be completed and signed by the Building Supervisor.
• Issued protective clothing or workwear must be worn while working.
• Flat-soled, enclosed-toe footwear is required during cleaning duties.
• Any equipment provided must be used safely and maintained properly; defects should be reported without delay.
• All required 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

• You will be expected to take part in training needed for duties at your own grade, including induction and refresher training.
• If asked to train for higher-graded duties, you must participate; additional pay applies only where the authority requires those higher-level duties to be carried out.
• Training required to meet statutory health and safety obligations will be provided by the EA cleaning service as necessary.

Equality, Safeguarding and Background Checks

The post-holder is expected to support good relations and equality of opportunity and to comply with equality legislation at all times under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

Because the role involves work in an educational setting, it is subject to safeguarding rules under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (NI) Order 2007. The successful applicant will need an enhanced disclosure check, which currently costs £33. Payment arrangements will be explained with the employment contract and at the pre-employment stage for any regulated activity post.

Application and Selection Notes

• Applicants must clearly explain in the application form how they meet each required criterion; failing to do so may affect shortlisting.
• Evidence must be provided by the closing date unless a criterion states otherwise.
• Shortlisting is based on the essential criteria in Section 1 and may also involve desirable criteria if there is a large number of applications.
• The panel may shortlist only the candidates it considers strongest for the role.
• You must show clearly how you meet any desirable criteria as well, since these may be used to reduce the candidate pool.

Person Specification

Essential knowledge and experience: understanding of the duties involved in school cleaning, cleaning methods and machinery, and health and safety requirements relevant to the role, including COSHH.

Essential skills and abilities: ability to use initiative, work under pressure to deadlines, communicate clearly in English, follow instructions, organise work effectively, work well in a team, and remain flexible and willing to follow directions.

Values: candidates should show that their working style reflects the Education Authority’s ethos, including equality and a commitment to excellent service.

Desirable Criteria

• At least three months of experience cleaning in a setting outside the home.
• Proven use of a range of commercial cleaning equipment, such as buffing machines.

Additional Information

The Education Authority is an equal opportunities employer. Applicants are directed to the organisation’s guidance notes and benefits information where available, and the role will be filled in line with the authority’s values and service expectations.