Caretaker

1. Nature of Post

Permanent Caretaker, required in a part-time capacity, for 10 hours per week.

The salary attached to this post will be the Caretakers Salary Scale. Salary will be paid in accordance with such rates as may be authorised by the Minister for Education from time to time for Caretakers.

Candidates for appointment must be in good health. The successful candidate will be required to complete a pre-employment medical prior to appointment and submit a satisfactory certificate of health from a Doctor to be nominated by CMETB.

10 hours per week. Flexibility will be required.

The annual leave entitlement for a full-time Caretaker is 22 days per annum, with pay. The annual leave entitlement for this part-time permanent role will be pro-rata down to 6 days per annum, with pay.

Annual leave must be taken during school holidays/closures, following consultation with the Principal. The annual leave year runs from 01 April to 31 March.

This contract is subject to Garda Vetting and no disclosure of convictions which CMETB considers would render the appointee suitable to work with children/vulnerable persons.

Any conviction that, in the opinion of CMETB, renders the appointee unsuitable to work with children/vulnerable persons may give due cause for termination of the Contract of Employment.

CMETB reserves the right to have employees re-vetted every three years or more frequently, if deemed necessary/desirable.

Garda Vetting applications, and any disclosures that may arise, will be treated in the strictest confidence, and held in compliance with Data Protection legislation.

The duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Acting as Caretaker in Monaghan Community Special School, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan, based on a prepared schedule.

• Upkeep of all associated buildings and contents; prevention of damage to structure, furniture, fittings, and equipment.

• Groundskeeping duties: lawn mowing, planting, weeding, and general upkeep.

• Opening and closing buildings, safe keeping of all keys/fobs/passwords; ensuring no unauthorised access to buildings or restricted areas.

• Alarm system activation/deactivation and responding to out-of-hours callouts as key-holder.

• Assisting callers to the school and directing them as appropriate.

• Reporting acts of misconduct/vandalism to the Principal/Deputy Principal.

• Cleaning duties: windows, bins, assisting cleaners, maintaining furniture and fittings.

• Ensuring proper use and maintenance of caretaking equipment/products.

• Reporting defective equipment, breaches in security, or incidents to the Principal/Deputy Principal without delay.

• Setting up rooms for daily use and events (exams, ceremonies).

• Using basic hand tools/equipment proficiently.

• Supporting the maintenance of the car park, grounds, pathways, and reporting required maintenance.

• Cleaning of all glass in doors and windows.

• Daily cleaning of corridors and general areas.

• Cleaning of workshops, classrooms, staff rooms, offices, toilets, and changing rooms.

• Performing maintenance/repairs of furniture, power hosing, painting, shelving, clearing drains, etc.

• Monitoring school heating throughout the year.

• Conducting daily operational checks of heating systems (e.g., oil boiler) and monitoring energy output (with training).

• Ensuring boiler areas are safe and locked.

• Monitoring fuel stock levels and fuel deliveries.

• Taking utility meter readings (electric, heat, water).

• Cooperating with new technologies (e.g., rainwater harvesting systems).

• Organising and carrying out alarm/fire drills; maintaining related records.

• Monitoring and economising fuel/light use; preventing unauthorised use.

• Maintaining canteen common areas in clean, tidy condition.

• Maintaining confidentiality in all school-related matters.

• Assisting with delivery, unpacking, recording, and notifying relevant persons.

• Assembling waste for collection and maintaining cleanliness of waste area.

• Conducting Health and Safety checks, including fire/emergency lighting; keeping accurate records.

• Maintaining clean external environment (sweeping/litter picking).

• Gritting footpaths/car parks during frost, ice, or snow.

• Ensuring dry floors on wet days.

• Participating in training as necessary.

• Maintaining a “Log of Issues” document for the school.

• Performing any other similar duties as required or directed by the Principal, Deputy Principal, Director, or Chief Executive.

Note: This job description is a general guide to Caretaker duties and is not exhaustive. It will be reviewed periodically.

The work base is Monaghan Community Special School (MCSS), Castleblayney.

• Travel beyond the work base, where sanctioned, will be paid in accordance with CMETB’s Travel Policy.

• The successful candidate must hold a valid driving licence and have access to their own transport. Travel between centres is required.

Payment equal to the difference between the normal wages and National Health Sickness Benefits may be made for a period(s) not exceeding twelve weeks total per year.

If the number of applications exceeds requirements, CMETB may conduct a shortlisting process based on the information submitted.

• This does not imply other applicants are unsuitable, but that some may be better qualified or more experienced.

• Shortlisting will be based on the information provided in the application form.

• Applicants are encouraged to provide a detailed and accurate account of qualifications and experience.

• Shortlisting of candidates based on application form

• Qualifying preliminary interview

• A presentation

• A competitive interview

• Reference checking

• Completion of a satisfactory pre-employment medical assessment