Cleaner, Cleaning Services

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.

• Sweep, suction clean, mop, dry buff, spray clean, spray wax, machine scrub and dry, strip and re-polish floors.
• Clean and remove stains of soft floor surfaces (carpets/matting) using the appropriate cleaning method.
• Clean toilet and shower area including the fixtures and fittings.
• Clean, wash and dust ledges, walls, fixtures, fittings and internal surfaces up to 3.35 m. Polish furniture where appropriate.
• Empty and clean internal litter bins and remove litter to the designated collection points.

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 particular job.

Cover colleagues on sick leave in line with Education Authority’s procedure.

Absence must be reported in line with the Education Authority’s Procedure and the relevant forms must be completed and signed by the Building Supervisor.

When carrying out cleaning duties protective clothing or work wear issued must be worn.

Flat‑soled enclosed‑toe footwear should be worn when carrying out cleaning duties.

Any cleaning equipment issued must be used and cared for in an appropriate and safe manner, with any defects being reported immediately.

All necessary paperwork must be completed.

Duties will be carried out for jobs up to and including those in the same grade, provided such duties are within the competence of the employee.

Employees will accept any training for jobs graded at a higher level than their own. Payment will only be made where there is a requirement by the authority for the higher‑level duties to be carried out.

Employees Must Accept Any Training To Facilitate The Undertaking Of Duties Up To And Including Their Own Grade. The Training To Include:

• Induction Training
• Refresher Training

In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post-holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay due regard for equality legislation at all times.

Posts involving work in educational institutions are subject to the provisions of the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (NI) Order 2007. The successful applicant will require an enhanced disclosure check which at present costs £33. Further details regarding the payment of this check will be issued with the contract of employment.

Essential criteria:

• Have a minimum of three months’ demonstrable working experience in a cleaning role.
• Experience and knowledge of the requirements of a School Cleaner, cleaning methods/machinery, Health and Safety requirements relevant to the role including COSHH.
• Ability to use own initiative, work under pressure, meet specific deadlines.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate and take instruction in the English language.
• Effective organisation and planning skills.
• Ability to work as a member of a team.
• Flexible approach to work, and willing to carry out instruction.

Desirable criteria:

• One year’s experience of cleaning outside home environment.
• Demonstrable experience of using a range of commercial cleaning tools (e.g. buffing machinery).

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

In the event that you are recommended for a post that involves ‘regulated activity’, the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. Please note that you will be expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate. Further information can be accessed at NI Direct or the Department of Justice.