Cleaner

Role overview

This role sits within the Education Authority (Northern Ireland) and reports to the Cleaning Supervisor, or another approved representative. The post holder will work as part of a team to clean assigned areas within the premises, as directed by the line manager.

Main duties

• Carry out floor cleaning tasks such as sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, dry buffing, spray cleaning, spray waxing, machine scrubbing, dry polishing, stripping and re-polishing using the correct equipment.
• Remove marks and clean soft flooring such as carpets and matting using suitable methods.
• Clean toilets and shower rooms, including fixtures and fittings.
• Wash, dust and clean ledges, walls, fixtures, fittings and internal surfaces up to 3.35 metres, and polish furniture where required.
• Empty and clean indoor waste bins and take rubbish to the designated disposal points.

Working conditions and general requirements

• All tasks must be completed in line with the Health and Safety at Work (NI) Order 1978, other applicable legislation, statutory requirements, the COSHH Regulations and relevant codes of practice.
• Duties are to be performed in the normal conditions associated with the role.
• The successful candidate may be asked to cover absent colleagues in accordance with Education Authority procedures.
• Any absence must be reported using the Education Authority process, with the required forms completed and signed by the Building Supervisor.
• Issued protective clothing or workwear must be worn while carrying out cleaning duties.
• Flat, enclosed footwear with no heel should be worn for cleaning work.
• Any equipment issued must be used safely, maintained properly and any faults reported without delay.
• All required records and paperwork must be completed.
• Employees may be asked to carry out duties at the same grade, provided they are within their competence.

Training and development

• The post holder must accept training needed for higher-graded duties when required by the Authority; payment only applies where the Authority requires those higher-level duties to be performed.
• Training required to carry out duties at and up to the employee’s grade must also be accepted, including induction and refresher training.
• To meet health and safety obligations, the successful applicant will receive training as needed and provided by the EA cleaning service.

Equality, safeguarding and background checks

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

Because this role is based in an educational setting, it falls under safeguarding requirements for specified work. The successful applicant will need an enhanced disclosure check, which currently costs £33. Payment arrangements for this check will be confirmed with the employment contract. If the appointment involves regulated activity, the Authority will require an enhanced criminal background disclosure and the candidate will be expected to cover the cost of the certificate. Payment details will be provided at pre-employment stage.

Applicant guidance and selection notes

• Applicants must clearly explain, against each question, how and to what extent they meet the required criteria; failure to do so may prevent shortlisting.
• Evidence must be shown by the application closing date unless a criterion states otherwise.
• Shortlisting will initially be based on the essential criteria in Section 1 using the application form.
• The panel may shortlist only those candidates it considers to be the strongest match for the role.
• If there are too many applications, desirable criteria from Section 3 may also be used at shortlisting, in the listed order, so candidates should also demonstrate these clearly.

Essential criteria

The candidate must show knowledge of the requirements of a school cleaner, cleaning methods and machinery, and health and safety requirements relevant to the role, including COSHH. Additional essential criteria are assessed at interview and aligned to the EA’s Game Changing People Model.

Essential skills and abilities

• Ability to use initiative and work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to understand and follow instructions in English.
• Good organisation and planning ability.
• Capability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Flexible attitude and willingness to follow instructions.
• Evidence that the candidate’s approach and values match the EA ethos.

Desirable criteria

• At least 3 months’ experience cleaning in an environment outside the home.
• Proven experience using a variety of commercial cleaning equipment, such as buffing machines.

Values and employer expectations

The Education Authority looks for candidates whose personal values reflect commitment to equality and excellence in service delivery. The organisation aims to remove barriers to learning, provide equal access to quality education services, and support every child and young person to reach their full potential. The Education Authority is an equal opportunities employer.

Additional notes

Successful candidates must be prepared to undertake any additional training required to comply with statutory health and safety obligations. All duties remain subject to the usual conditions inherent in the role.