Job description
Job Role: Environmental Health Officer
MPA Belfast are pleased to be teaming up with our client, in the Antrim and Newtownabbey area to recruit for an Environmental Health Officer.
The main purpose of the role is to protect and promote the health and wellbeing of those who live in, work in, and visit the Borough and to contribute to their quality of life. Be responsible to the Environmental Health Manager for the effective and efficient performance of a wide range of duties including:
(a) Enforcing all statutory provisions which fall within the remit of the Environmental Health Section.
(b) Supporting the Environmental Health Manager to achieve set objectives
(c) Identifying information needs within the businesses and residential community relating to Environmental Health matters
(d) Devising, planning, and participating in training and information campaigns to promote awareness of legislative requirements and health issues.
Shift Pattern and information:
Monday to Friday – 09:00am to 17:00pm
Pay Rate
£19.31 per hour
Contract
10 Months
Main Duties and Responsibilities
· To report to the Environmental Health Manager on evolving Environmental Health issues within the Borough.
· To contribute to the improvement of the environment, health, and wellbeing of the business and residential community by identifying and prioritising needs, devising, organising, and participating in appropriate education and promotion programmes.
· To inspect/audit and risk assess premises on a proactive and reactive basis across the full range of Environmental Health functions as required in accordance with relevant legislation, approved codes of practice or guidance, and performance targets within the Department.
· Liaise and work collaboratively with other organisations to achieve Council’s corporate objectives.
· Investigate and resolve complaints across the full range of Environmental Health functions.
· Make decisions and recommendations on the appropriate legal or non-statutory action to be taken in accordance with duties and authorisation assigned to the post holder, having regard to legal requirements, Codes of Practice and Council policies.
· Prepare and personally serve statutory notices, prepare prosecution cases and act as, an expert witness and provide specialist opinion in court proceedings, public enquiries or other public meetings as required.
· Assist and investigate in the departmental response to major incidents and emergencies such as, pollution incidents, food poisoning, infectious diseases, food hazard warnings, dangerous occurrences, workplace accidents, product recalls and customer complaints.
· To liaise with government departments, companies, and organisations to work collaboratively, co-ordinate Council’s statutory responsibilities and to initiate partnerships locally and province wide to reflect corporate and governmental strategies.
· Identify the educational needs of the community relevant to Environmental Health Services and devise, organise and participate in health education and promotion activities.
· Contribute to the performance of the Environmental Health Section to ensure key performance indicators of the Section are achieved by keeping up to date with professional, technical, and legislative developments.
· Prepare reports and ensure accurate and up to date records are kept and maintained in accordance with Information Governance Procedures.
· Contribute to the development of policies and written procedures and carry out duties in accordance with these to achieve continuous improvements in the quality of service.
· Provide professional guidance to other Council departments, outside agencies and to the general public delivering a quality, customer and team focused Environmental Health Service.
· Contribute to consultation responses to promote consistency of approach across Local Authorities in Northern Ireland.
· Participate in external working groups as and when required.
· Provide training and supervision of student Environmental Health Officer(s) to enable completion of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health training requirements. In addition, assist with the training of recently qualified/newly appointed Environmental Health Officers.
· Undertake such training, under the direction of the Environmental Health Manager, as required to fulfil the functions of the post and enhance the service delivery of the Department and undertake continuing professional development so as to maintain, improve and broaden knowledge and skills and develop personal qualities.
· Responsible for planning and managing personal daily work demands to ensure all relevant agreed targets are achieved efficiently whilst delivering excellent customer service.
· The post holder may have to undertake other duties outside normal working hours and be available to do so.
· To be available from time to time to carry out duties outside of normal working pattern and in addition to basic contracted hours. Such additional hours will be remunerated in line with Council’s approved policies at that time.
QUALIFICATIONS
Degree or master’s degree in Environmental Health, which entitles you to membership of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health
Or
Additional relevant professional, technical and/or management qualifications.
EXPERIENCE
A minimum of 6 months’ relevant experience in Environmental Health
Or
1 year’s relevant post graduate experience
KEY SKILLS & ABILITIES
Skilled and persuasive communicator
Ability to exchange information orally and in writing, complicated or sensitive information with a wide range of audiences.
Ability to achieve targets.
Competent in the use of IT systems including Microsoft Office applications.
Analytical and Judgemental skills required to interpret complex information and solve difficult problems.
SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE
Knowledge and understanding of current Environmental Health legislation.
Knowledge of the issues facing Local Government in Northern Ireland and the public’s expectations of regulatory services.
OTHER
Full current driving licence or if disability prevents driving, access to a suitable form of transport to enable the duties of the post to be carried out in full.
To be available from time to time to carry out duties outside of normal working pattern and in addition to basic contracted hours. Such additional hours will be remunerated in line with Council’s approved policies at that time.
Please note due to the duties of the post requiring enforcement of legislation, a satisfactory Basic Disclosure Check will be required through Access NI.
To apply for this position please send your CV to chris.oneill@mparecruitment.co.uk
Or for further information and a confidential discussion on this post please call Chris at our Belfast office on 02895 211111
Please ensure your CV is accurate and updated with full personal contact details, education history, qualifications, and employment history.