Cleaning Operative

Department: Catering and Domestic Services

Location: Balerno, Edinburgh

Compensation: £18,425 per year

Application Deadline: 12 June 2026

Job Overview

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. The Trust works with children and young people aged 5-18 on a day and all‑year‑round residential basis.

We are seeking two Cleaning Operatives to join our Catering and Domestic team on a part‑time employed basis. The post‑holders will maintain a high standard of cleanliness throughout the organisation, including administrative/office buildings and residential cottages.

Key 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 include: dusting, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, polishing, emptying bins, cleaning toilets, sinks, showers, baths, windows, keeping entrance areas clean and tidy, making beds, loading and unloading dishwashers, removing soiled bedding or clothing to the laundry.
• Provide support in the laundry, including stock counting and delivery of school uniforms and bedding back to cottages.
• Assist the Homemakers to ensure that each residential cottage maintains a homely environment for clients.
• Ensure 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 to obtain feedback from service users. Cleaning operatives will 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.

Essential Qualifications

• 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.

Personal Characteristics and Competencies

• Committed to high standards of cleanliness and hygiene.
• Willingness to clean any area of the organisation as requested by senior management or senior cleaning operative.
• Willingness to take personal responsibility for standards of work carried out.
• Willingness to participate in further training and development opportunities offered by Harmeny.
• Understanding of the need for and a willingness to maintain confidentiality on all Harmeny and children/young people matters.

Benefits

• On-site wellbeing spaces and free massage therapy.
• Free gym membership.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Access to a wellbeing app and counselling.
• Access to discounts on shopping and events.
• Access to a comprehensive induction package, and to a range of learning and development opportunities throughout their career with us.
• 35 days holiday (pro rata), inclusive of public holidays.
• Enhanced sick pay of up to 13 weeks (pro‑rata) after probation.
• Pension scheme.
• Life assurance scheme (three times salary).
• Enhanced pay for maternity, adoption and paternity leave.
• Policies and practices that promote a healthy work‑life balance.
• Access to wellbeing initiatives such as massage therapy and a range of resources to support mental and physical health.

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