Cleaning Operative in Balerno

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. We are seeking a Cleaning Operative to join our Catering and Domestic team on a part-time employed basis.

The post-holder 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 (0.71 FTE), 7am – 12:30am, Monday to Friday, and will be expected to work to agreed cleaning schedules. The role offers a competitive salary of £17,802 and will be rising to £18,425 effective April 1, 2026. The pro-rata salary is calculated based on a full-time equivalent salary of £24,924 per annum rising to £25,796 effective April 1, 2026. Successful applicants will be required to join Disclosure Scotland’s Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme.

Harmeny is a values-led organisation and a good fit with our ethos is as important to us as having relevant experience. Harmeny is situated in a beautiful 35-acre woodland estate, which includes residential and education accommodation, community garden, orchard, wildlife habitats and children’s play areas. Harmeny is located in Balerno on the outskirts of Edinburgh, at the foot of the Pentland Hills; we are easily accessible by bus and there is on-site parking available. We offer benefits and opportunities that promote wellbeing, work-life balance and staff development. Benefits include:

• 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

More information on the benefits of working at Harmeny, plus a fuller job description and person specification can be found on our website. If you would like to find out more about this opportunity, please contact Lesley McDonald, Catering and Domestic Services Manager by telephoning the Trust. To apply, please complete the application form via our recruitment section on our website.

Closing date: 2 April 2026
Interview date: 10 April 2026

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES / KEY AREAS OF JOB

• 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.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• 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 / COMPETENCIES – ESSENTIAL

• Committed to high standards of cleanliness and hygiene.
• Willingness to clean any area of the organisation as requested by senior management / 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.