Education Authority Northern Ireland
Cleaner
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School Cleaner – Job Description
Responsible To
Cleaning Supervisor or other authorised person
Job Purpose
Undertake, as part of a team, the cleaning of any area within the premises, designated by the line manager.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Sweep, suction clean, mop, dry buff, spray clean, spray wax, machine scrub and dry, strip and re-polish floors using appropriate equipment.
- Clean and remove stains from soft floor surfaces (carpets/matting) using the appropriate cleaning method.
- Clean toilet and shower areas, including fixtures and fittings.
- Clean, wash, dust ledges, walls, fixtures, fittings and internal surfaces up to 3.35M; polish furniture where appropriate.
- Empty and clean internal litter bins and remove litter to designated collection points.
General Conditions
All duties must be carried out to comply with:
- The Health and Safety at Work (NI) Order 1978;
- Acts of Parliament, Statutory Instruments and Regulations and other legal requirements;
- The COSHH Regulations;
- Codes of Practice.
All duties will be carried out in the working conditions normally inherent in the role.
- Cover-colleague sick leave as per Education Authority’s procedure.
- Report absence as per Education Authority’s Procedure and ensure forms are completed and signed by the Building Supervisor.
- Wear issued protective clothing or work wear when performing cleaning duties.
- Wear flat-soled enclosed-toe footwear while on duty.
- Use and maintain issued cleaning equipment safely; report defects immediately.
- Complete all necessary paperwork.
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Duties may be required for jobs up to and including those in the same grade, to ensure competence of the employee.
Training
- Accept any training offered for higher-grade roles (payment conditional on authority requirements).
- Accept any training for roles within their current grade. Required training:
- Induction Training
- Refresher Training
In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post-holder must promote good relations, equality of opportunity, and compliance with equality legislation.
Any post involving educational institutions adheres to the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (NI) Order 2007. A successful applicant must undergo an enhanced disclosure check (£33 cost, paid at pre-employment stage).
Person Specification
Notes to Job Applicants
- Clearly detail on the application form how and to what extent you meet the criteria in each question.
- Provide evidence of meeting criteria by the closing date (unless specified otherwise).
- Assessment criteria are outlined in the following stages:
- Shortlisting will focus on Essential Criteria.
- Selection Panel may shortlist only those applicants who most strongly meet the essential requirements:
- Desirable criteria may also influence decisions in high-volume applications.
Essential Criteria
Assessed at both shortlisting and the interview/selection stage.
1. Health & Safety Obligations
- Training: Required training (provided by Education Authority cleaning service) must be completed.
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2. Qualifications/Experience
- Evidence of knowledge:
- Requirements of a School Cleaner
- Cleaning methods and machinery
- Health and Safety requirements (including COSHH)
3. Skills/Abilities
- Use own initiative and work under pressure to meet deadlines.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills (including English language).
- Demonstrated organisation and planning skills.
- Ability to work as part of a team.
- Flexibility to follow instructions.
4. Values Orientation
- Alignment with Education Authority’s ethos (check Values here).
Desirable Criteria
Will be reviewed where necessary during shortlisting:
1. Qualifications/Experience
- Three months’ experience of cleaning in a non-domestic environment.
- Experience using a range of commercial cleaning tools (e.g., buffing machinery).
Disclosure of Criminal Background
The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 classifies teaching and cleaning roles as "regulated activity." Any successful candidate in an educational setting will require an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate (£33.00, payable at the pre-employment stage). For further details, refer to NI Direct or the Department of Justice.
Applicant Guidance
See Applicant Guidance notes for additional details regarding:
- Education Authority benefits (Portal here)
- The EA Equal Opportunities Employer policy.
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