Cleaner

Role overview

The Education Authority (Northern Ireland) is seeking a Cleaner to work on site in Tandragee. The post reports to the Cleaning Supervisor, or another authorised manager. This role sits within a team and focuses on maintaining cleanliness across assigned areas of the premises.

What the job involves

• Carrying out floor cleaning using suitable methods and equipment, including sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, dry buffing, spray cleaning, spray waxing, machine scrubbing, drying, stripping and re-polishing.
• Removing marks and cleaning soft floor coverings such as carpets and mats using the correct technique.
• Cleaning toilet and shower facilities, including fittings and fixtures.
• Washing, dusting and polishing ledges, walls, fixtures, fittings and internal surfaces up to 3.35 metres where required, as well as polishing furniture when appropriate.
• Emptying and cleaning internal waste bins and taking refuse to the specified collection points.

Working conditions and general expectations

• All work must follow applicable health and safety law, statutory requirements, COSHH rules and relevant codes of practice.
• Tasks are to be performed under the normal conditions associated with this type of work.
• Team members may be asked to cover colleagues who are on sick leave, following Education Authority procedures.
• Any absence must be reported in line with EA procedure, using the required forms signed by the Building Supervisor.
• Issued protective clothing or workwear must be worn while performing duties.
• Flat-soled, closed-toe footwear is required during cleaning duties.
• Any equipment provided must be used safely and maintained properly, and defects must be reported without delay.
• All required paperwork and records must be completed.
• Employees may also be asked to perform duties at the same grade, provided they are within their competence.

Training and development

• Staff are expected to take part in training for higher-graded duties when required by the Authority.
• Payment for higher-level duties applies only where the Authority requires those duties to be carried out.
• Training to support duties at this grade, and above where needed, includes induction and refresher training.
• The successful applicant must complete any health and safety training required by EA cleaning services.

Equality, safeguarding and disclosure requirements

The post holder must support good relations and equality of opportunity in line with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 and must observe equality legislation at all times. Because this role is in an educational setting, it is subject to the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (NI) Order 2007. The successful candidate will need an enhanced criminal record disclosure, which currently costs £33. Payment details will be provided with the contract and again at the pre-employment stage if the role is classed as regulated activity.

Applicant guidance

• Applicants must clearly explain on the form how they meet each required criterion, including where relevant the desirable criteria, or they may not be shortlisted.
• Evidence must be provided by the closing date unless the advert says otherwise.
• Shortlisting is based first on the essential criteria listed for the role.
• The panel may choose to shortlist only the strongest candidates, and may also use desirable criteria if there are too many applications.

Selection criteria

Essential criteria include understanding the requirements of a school cleaner, knowledge of cleaning methods and machinery, and awareness of health and safety rules relevant to the role, including COSHH. Candidates should also show the ability to use initiative, work under pressure to deadlines, communicate clearly in English, organise and plan effectively, work well in a team, and adapt flexibly to instructions. The panel will also assess how well the applicant’s approach reflects EA’s values and ethos.

Desirable experience

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

Values and employer information

The Education Authority looks for evidence of commitment to equality and excellent service delivery. Its aim is to support all children and young people equally, remove barriers to learning, and promote equal access to high-quality education so every child can reach their potential. The organisation is an equal opportunities employer.