Cleaner

Role overview

The Education Authority (Northern Ireland) is looking for a Cleaner to work onsite in Greenisland. Reporting to the Cleaning Supervisor, or another delegated officer, the postholder will work with the team to keep designated areas of the premises clean and in good order.

Main duties

• Carry out floor cleaning tasks such as sweeping, vacuum cleaning, mopping, buffing, spray cleaning, spray waxing, machine scrubbing, and stripping and re-polishing floors with the right equipment.
• Remove marks and clean soft flooring such as carpets and mats using suitable methods.
• Clean toilets and shower areas, including all associated fixtures and fittings.
• Wash, dust, and wipe ledges, walls, fittings, fixtures, and internal surfaces up to 3.35 metres, and polish furniture where needed.
• Empty indoor waste bins, clean them, and move waste to the designated collection locations.

General conditions

All work must be performed in line with the Health and Safety at Work (NI) Order 1978, relevant Acts of Parliament, Statutory Instruments, regulations, other legal obligations, COSHH requirements, and applicable Codes of Practice. The role must be performed under the normal working conditions expected for this type of job.

• Provide cover for colleagues who are absent due to sickness, following Education Authority procedures.
• Report absence in line with the Authority’s process and ensure the required forms are completed and signed by the Building Supervisor.
• Wear any protective clothing or workwear issued while carrying out cleaning work.
• Use flat-soled, closed-toe footwear during cleaning duties.
• Handle all issued cleaning equipment safely and appropriately, and report defects immediately.
• Complete all required paperwork.
• Be prepared to carry out duties for roles at the same grade where those tasks are within your competence.

Training

• Accept training for roles at a higher grade when required; payment for higher-level duties is only made if the Authority requires those duties to be performed.
• Take part in training needed to support work up to and including your own grade.
• Training may include induction training and refresher training.

Equality, safeguarding, and disclosure

The postholder must promote good relations, equality of opportunity, and compliance with equality law at all times in line with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

Because this role is based in an educational setting, it falls under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007. The successful candidate will need an enhanced criminal record disclosure, currently costing £33, and payment arrangements will be confirmed with the employment contract. For regulated activity roles, the Authority will require an enhanced disclosure certificate, and the candidate is expected to pay for it at the pre-employment stage.

Application guidance

• Applicants must explain clearly in the application form how they meet each required criterion, as failure to do so may affect shortlisting.
• The criteria must be demonstrated by the closing date unless stated otherwise.
• Shortlisting will first be based on the essential criteria in Section 1 using the application form.
• The panel may choose to shortlist only the candidates they believe best match the role.
• If the number of applications is too high, desirable criteria from Section 3 may also be used at shortlisting, in the order shown.

Essential criteria

The candidate should show knowledge of the work of a school cleaner, cleaning methods and machinery, and the health and safety requirements relevant to the job, including COSHH. The Authority also requires successful applicants to complete any training needed to meet statutory health and safety obligations.

At interview, the Authority will look for evidence of the ability to use initiative, work under pressure to deadlines, communicate clearly in English, follow instructions, plan and organise work effectively, work well in a team, and adapt flexibly to changing needs. Candidates should also show that their experience and approach reflect the Authority’s ethos and values.

Desirable criteria

Preference may be given to candidates with at least three months of cleaning experience outside the home environment and experience using commercial cleaning equipment such as buffing machinery.

Values and employer information

The Education Authority is an equal opportunities employer. It will also assess whether candidates’ personal values align with its commitment to equality and excellent service, with the aim of removing barriers to learning and supporting every child and young person to reach their full potential.