Mobile Cleaning Services Cleaner - 15 Posts

Role overview

The Education Authority in Northern Ireland is looking for cleaners to join a mobile cleaning team based in Newtownards. The role reports to a Cleaning Supervisor, or another authorised manager, and involves working as part of a team to clean areas within the premises assigned by the line manager.

Key duties

• Carry 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.
• Remove marks and dirt from soft flooring such as carpets and matting using the correct cleaning approach.
• Clean toilets and shower facilities, including fixtures and fittings.
• Wash, dust and clean ledges, walls, fittings, furniture and indoor surfaces up to 3.35 metres where required.
• Empty internal bins, clean them as needed, and take waste to the designated collection points.

Working conditions and conduct

• All work must comply with health and safety law, COSHH rules, statutory requirements and relevant codes of practice.
• Normal job-related working conditions apply.
• Absences must be reported through the Education Authority procedure, with the required forms completed and signed by the Building Supervisor.
• Colleagues may need to be covered during sickness absence in line with procedure.
• Issued protective clothing or workwear must be worn during cleaning tasks.
• Closed, enclosed, flat-soled footwear is required while carrying out the work.
• Any cleaning equipment issued must be used safely and looked after properly, and defects must be reported without delay.
• All required paperwork must be completed.
• Employees may be asked to carry out duties at their grade, and those duties must remain within their competence.

Training and development

• Staff must be willing to undertake training for higher-graded work when required.
• Payment for higher-level duties will only apply when the authority requires those duties to be performed.
• Training may include induction and refresher sessions.
• To meet health and safety obligations, the successful applicant must complete any training provided by EA Cleaning Service as needed.

Equality, safeguarding and compliance

The post-holder is expected to support good relations, equality of opportunity and compliance with equality law in line with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

Because this role is in an educational setting, it is subject to safeguarding rules under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007. An enhanced disclosure check will be required, currently costing £33. Payment arrangements for the check will be provided with the employment contract.

Application guidance

• Applicants must show clearly on the application form how they meet each requirement; failing to do so may affect shortlisting.
• Criteria should be evidenced by the closing date unless a different date is stated.
• Shortlisting will be based on the essential criteria supplied in the application form.
• The panel may choose to shortlist only the strongest candidates against the criteria.
• If too many applications are received, desirable criteria may also be used at shortlisting, in the order listed.
• Applicants should also explain how they meet the desirable criteria to avoid being overlooked.

Essential selection criteria

• Knowledge of the duties expected of a school cleaner.
• Understanding of cleaning techniques and cleaning machinery.
• Awareness of health and safety requirements relevant to the role, including COSHH.

Skills and abilities assessed at interview

• Ability to use initiative and work well under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to understand and follow instructions in English.
• Good planning and organisational ability.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Flexible attitude and willingness to follow instructions.
• Alignment with the organisation’s ethos and values.

Desirable experience

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

Values and employer information

The Education Authority states that it is an equal opportunities employer and seeks candidates whose personal values support equality and high standards in service delivery. The organisation’s aim is to remove barriers to learning and help every child and young person access excellent education services and reach their full potential.

Additional notes

This role involves regulated activity where applicable, and the successful applicant may be required to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate. Further information on criminal background disclosure is available through the relevant official channels. Applicant guidance notes and information on employee benefits are referenced by the employer.