Cleaning Operative (Fixed Term)

Harmeny Education Trust is a charitable organisation providing therapeutic care and education to children who have experienced early years trauma through abuse, neglect and family disruption, referred from all over Scotland. We currently work with children and young people aged 5-18, both on a day and all-year-round residential basis.

Our core service, Harmeny School, comprises:

• An education service, which includes an outdoor learning team.
• A care service, with five residential cottages and one day service cottage.
• Support services, made up of a therapies manager coordinating evidence-informed approaches for children and young people, finance, estates, catering and domestic services, fundraising, IT, HR, learning and development, and admin teams.

Harmeny is committed to achieving the highest possible standards of care and education and to continuously improving our work. We have recently developed a practice framework, The Harmeny Way, which describes the unique combination of therapeutic approaches used to guide our work and ensure consistent practice with children and young people placed with us.  

We are seeking a Cleaning Operative to join our Catering and Domestic team on a part-time, fixed-term (18 months / maternity leave cover) basis employed basis. The postholder will be responsible for maintaining a high standard of cleanliness throughout the organisation, including administrative/office buildings and residential cottages.  

The successful applicant will be part of a small team working in a busy environment. A commitment to high standards of cleanliness and hygiene and the ability to work in an organised manner are therefore key requirements for the role. A strong customer focus and proven ability to communicate well and build productive relationships with people at all levels are essential.

The successful candidate will work 25 hours per week (£12.46 per hour), 7am – 12.30pm, Monday to Friday, and will be expected to work to agreed cleaning schedules.

Harmeny is a values-led organisation and a good fit with our ethos is as important to us as having relevant experience.

Key Responsibilities

Principal Responsibilities:

• Promote a positive ethos in the school consistent with Harmeny’s vision, purpose and core values. 
• Support the Senior Cleaning Operative with the implementation of management decisions, consistent with the Harmeny and cottage plans, policies and procedures. 
• Specific tasks will include: dusting, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, polishing, emptying bins, cleaning toilets, sinks, showers, baths, cleaning windows, keeping entrance areas clean and tidy, making beds, loading and unloading dishwashers, removing soiled bedding or clothing to the laundry and cleaning if required. 
• Assist the Homemakers to ensure that each residential cottage maintains a homely environment for clients. 
• Ensure that all cleaning is completed in a manner consistent with good Health and Safety practice. 
• Work in accordance with the planned programme / cleaning schedule. 
• Maintain the stock of cleaning materials within a locked cupboard. 
• Report all repairs or replacements needed to the line manager. 
• Attend regular staff and children’s meetings as required and in order to ascertain feedback from service users. Cleaning operatives should expect to interact with children and care staff.
• Attend supervision, training and other meetings as required. 
• Undertake any other duties as delegated by the management team which are consistent with the role of Cleaning Operative. 

Qualifications, Skills, Knowledge and Experience

Essential:

• Experience in undertaking a range of cleaning duties.
• Ability to work effectively and supportively as part of the domestic team.
• Ability to work in an organised and methodical manner.
• Ability to act on own initiative if unexpected problems arise.
• Knowledge of COSHH guidelines.

Benefits

• 35 days holiday (pro rata), inclusive of public holidays 
• Enhanced sick pay of up to 13 weeks (pro-rata) (after probation)
• Pension scheme
• Policies and practices that promote a healthy work-life balance and wellbeing
• Access to perks such as massage therapy and fitness equipment