Cleaner

Role overview

The Education Authority in Northern Ireland is hiring five full-time cleaners in Maghera. The role is based on site and involves working as part of a team to clean designated areas within the premises under the direction of the line manager or another authorised person.

Main duties

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

Essential knowledge and capabilities

Applicants should be able to show awareness of the duties of a school cleaner, familiarity with cleaning methods and machinery, and understanding of health and safety requirements relevant to the post, including COSHH.

Candidates should also demonstrate the ability to use initiative, remain effective under pressure and to deadlines, communicate clearly in English, follow instructions, plan and organise work, work well in a team, and stay flexible in approach.

Application and selection guidance

• You must explain clearly on the application form how you meet each required criterion, including both essential and desirable points where relevant.
• The closing date is the point by which you must meet the stated criteria unless a specific criterion says otherwise.
• Shortlisting will be based on the essential criteria in Section 1 using only the information you provide in the application form.
• The panel may choose to shortlist only applicants who most strongly match the role requirements.
• If applications are very numerous, desirable criteria from Section 3 may also be used at shortlisting, in the order listed, so you should address those too.

Desirable experience

• Three months of cleaning experience outside the home environment is preferred.
• Experience using a variety of commercial cleaning equipment, including buffing machines, is also desirable.

Training and working conditions

The successful candidate must complete any training needed to meet health and safety obligations, and this training will be provided by the EA cleaning service. Employees are expected to accept induction and refresher training, including for duties up to and including their own grade, and higher-grade training where required by the authority.

Work must comply with the Health and Safety at Work (NI) Order 1978, all relevant legislation and regulations, COSHH rules, and applicable codes of practice. Duties are carried out in the normal conditions associated with the job. Staff may be asked to cover colleagues on sick leave under EA procedure. Absences must be reported according to procedure, with the required forms completed and signed by the Building Supervisor.

Protective clothing or issued workwear must be worn while cleaning, and flat-soled, closed-toe footwear is required. Any equipment issued must be used safely and maintained properly, with defects reported immediately. All required paperwork must be completed. The post-holder may also be asked to perform duties at the same grade, where within competence.

Disclosure and equality requirements

Roles in educational settings are subject to the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007. If the appointment involves regulated activity, an enhanced criminal background disclosure will be required. The candidate is expected to pay the cost of the enhanced disclosure certificate, currently £33, with payment instructions provided at pre-employment or with the contract, as applicable.

The post-holder is expected to uphold Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 by promoting good relations, supporting equality of opportunity, and considering equality legislation at all times. The employer is committed to equal opportunities and values equality and excellence in service delivery.

Additional notes

Selection also considers alignment with the organisation’s values, including commitment to equality and providing excellent service so that all children and young people can access education without barriers.

Applicant guidance notes and a summary of terms and conditions are available for the post.

The employer is an equal opportunities employer.