Education Authority (Northern Ireland)
Cleaner
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Cleaner
School Cleaner – Job Description & Person Specification
Responsible to:
Cleaning Supervisor or another authorised person.
Job Purpose
To undertake, as part of a team, the cleaning of designated areas within the premises as directed by the line manager.
Duties and Responsibilities
Core Cleaning Tasks
- Sweep, suction clean, mop, dry buff, spray-wash, spray wax, machine-scrub and dry, strip and repolish floors using appropriate equipment.
- Clean and remove stains from soft floor surfaces (carpets/matting) using the correct methods.
- Clean toilet and shower areas, including fixtures, fittings, and fixtures.
- Clean, wash, dust, and polish ledges, walls, fixtures, fittings, and internal surfaces up to 3.35m. Polishing furniture where appropriate.
- Empty and clean internal litter bins, removing litter to designated collection points.
Compliance and General Requirements
Must comply with:
- The Health and Safety at Work (NI) Order 1978
- Legislation, Acts of Parliament, Statutory Instruments, and Regulations (including COSHH regulations)
- Codes of Practice
All duties must be performed under typical workplace conditions.
Additional Policies
- Cover for sick colleagues in line with the Education Authority’s procedures.
- Report absence following the Authority’s procedures, with forms signed by the Building Supervisor.
- Wear uncontaminated protective clothing/workwear issued for the role.
- Use enclosed-toe, flat-soled footwear while performing cleaning duties.
- Maintain and report faults with cleaning equipment promptly.
- Complete all necessary administrative paperwork.
- Undertake duties within your Grade level, provided they are within your competence.
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Training Obligations
- Accept training for higher-level roles relevant to salary band grades (payment only applicable where duties are authorized by the Authority).
- Comply with refresher training and induction programs to maintain competence at or below your allocated Grade.
Person Specification
General Notes to Applicants
Applicants must justify in detail their fit for each criterion on the application form – failure to do so may result in disqualification at shortlisting. Criteria do not change unless specified; interview assessment criteria are highlighted where applicable.
1. Essential Criteria (Shortlisting & Interview)
Empoling statutory compliance:
✅ Must complete any required training under the EA cleaning service in line with Health and Safety legislation.
2. Essential Criteria (Interview – EA Game-Changing People Model)
Suitability for the role assessed based on:
Experience & Qualifications
- Proven experience as a School Cleaner or similar role.
- Practical knowledge of cleaning methods, equipment, and safety protocols (including COSHH requirements).
Key Skills & Abilities
- Work effectively under pressure and meet strict deadlines using independent judgment.
- Operate in English to adhere to safety instructions, liaise with colleagues, and take direction.
- Demonstrate efficient time management and task prioritization.
- Adaptable in a team-based environment, taking responsibility without micromanagement.
- Openness to following supervisory instructions while maintaining flexibility.
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Values Alignment (EA Model)
Must reflect alignment with:
- Inclusivity and equality of opportunity.
- Commitment to safeguarding standards and enhancing service quality.
Note: Application functions as initial screening; deeper discussions on excellent fit occur during interview.
3. Desirable Criteria (Flexible Shortlisting)
Preferred traits that improve candidate pool viability:
- At least 3 months’ experience cleaning outside the home (either documented or from caseload context).
- Experience using high-efficiency cleaning tools (e.g., industrial buffing machines).
Disclosure of Criminal Background (Legal Requirement)
This role involves regulated activity under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007. Enhanced Disclosure at the applicant’s expense (£33.00) is required before appointment. Any relevant costs must be settled before prospective employment.
Equal Opportunities Policy
The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer, valuing diversity and commitment to delivering inclusive education.
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