Salary:  PO1 (SCP 29-32) £39,826 – £42,839 gross per annum

Directorate:  Communities & Place

Department: Health, Leisure & Wellbeing

Reports to: Senior Environmental Health Officer

Hours:  37 hrs per week Monday to Friday (may be required to work evenings/weekends/public holidays).

A flexi time system is in operation with the postholder can participate.

Location:  Dungannon Council Offices (The postholder will be required to work across Mid Ulster District Council to meet the needs of the service)

Purpose and Function of Post

Enforce all statutory provisions and engage in initiatives, which fall within the remit of Environmental Health.

Promote health, environment and well-being directly and in partnership with statutory/voluntary/community organisations.

Assist in formulation/delivery of training and information campaigns promoting awareness of statutory requirements and environmental health issues.

Principal Duties and Tasks Performed:

1. Inspect, audit and risk assess premises and work practices which fall within the remit of the Department.
2. Provide advice and guidance on Environmental Health queries to business and members of the public when requested.

3. Undertake all necessary investigations of relevant environmental health related complaints including notifiable communicable diseases, food poisoning, food alerts, food safety complaints, workplace accident investigation, pollution incidents, and public health complaints.

 

4. Inspect premises, survey and sample products, and investigate complaints and hazard warnings as they arise under Consumer Protection legislation in line with planned work programme.

 

5. Assist in devising and implementing sampling programmes and surveys. Identify and investigate additional sampling requirements and interpret these results ensuring appropriate corrective action is taken.

 

6. Inspect premises for compliance with health and safety standards. Assist in the processing of applications for fireworks displays and MSER registration.

 

7. Assist in the inspection of designated sports grounds and of grounds with regulated stands to monitor compliance with sports ground safety certification.

 

8. Inspect dwellings as required to assess fitness and report to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.

 

9. Participate in partnerships contributing to the implementation of relevant health and environmental strategies and identify opportunities that may contribute to environmental enhancement/well-being.

 

10. Assist in the development of policies/procedures, and examination of proposed legislation and consultative documents. Disseminate information to colleagues and brief the Environmental Health Service Manager on current issues.

 

11. Devise and deliver appropriate education programmes, promotional activities and professional advice to businesses/community in order to contribute to health/well-being and environmental enhancement.

 

12. Prepare prosecution cases in accordance with PACE guidelines and attend Court/other hearings/public enquiries as required.

 

13. Provide assistance as necessary in preparation of Department budget and financial controls.

 

14. Assist in the preparation of reports and recommendations for presentation to Council and attend relevant meetings as required.

 

15. Contribute to the development, implementation, audit and review of effective departmental and council policies, plans, procedures.

 

16. Provide advice and guidance to other Departmental staff and accompany such officers when necessary. Assist in preparing specific training programmes including in-house training.

 

17. Provide training and supervision for students and assist in the training of newly appointed staff within the Communties & Place Directorate, as required.

 

18. Undertake essential CPD training so as to maintain and update knowledge of professional, technical and legislative developments within the core functions to compliment experience and ensure authorisation powers pertinent to the post are maintained/enhanced.

 

19. Provide comment as required on planning applications relevant to specific core functions.

 

20. Comply with Mid Ulster District Council’s Health and Safety Policy and Codes of Practice and adhere to all equal opportunities policies and promote a positive approach to equality and diversity within the workplace. Act in accordance with the Code of Conduct for Local Government Employees.

 

21. Such other duties as may be allocated with availability to perform duties outside normal working hours as required.

 

Please note:  This job description is a broad picture of the post at the date of preparation.  It is not an exhaustive list of all possible duties as it is recognised that jobs change and evolve over time.  The post holder will be required to carry out any other duties up to and including the grade for the position offered as necessary to fulfil the purpose and function of the post.

Person Specification

1. Qualifications & Experience

1.1     Qualifications – Essential

Applicants must have as a minimum:

• Sc. Environmental Health, recognised by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health

OR The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health Officers’ Diploma in Environmental Health (or its historical predecessors)

1.2     Experience – Essential

 

Applicants must provide specific and personal examples of having at least 1 year’s relevant experience in the following areas:

 

• Experience working in Environmental Health
• Proficient in the use of IT packages i.e. Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook for recording, analysing and reporting data.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills

Applicants must possess a full, current driving licence which enables them to drive in Northern Ireland and a vehicle available for official business, or have access to a form of transport which enables them to meet the requirements of the post in full1.

1Please be advised that this alternative is a “reasonable adjustment” specifically for applicants with disabilities who, as a result of their disability, are unable to hold a full, current driving licence.

 

2. Competencies

In accordance with the Competency Framework for Local Government², applicants for this post must demonstrate the following competencies at Operational Level:

 

2.1     How We Manage Ourselves

Managing Our Own Work – Plans, structures and prioritises own work to achieve optimum results.

 

Communicating with Impact – presents a positive image by communicating effectively, being resilient and treating people fairly.

 

2.2     Working With Others

Collaborating in a Political Environment – Develops and manages effective networks by establishing common ground.

 

Influencing Outcomes – Adapts style and approach to achieve effective outcome.

 

2.3     How We Move Forward

Problem Solving & Decision Making – Gathers information from a range of sources.  Analyses information to identify problems and issues.  Makes effective decisions and recommendations based on resolution agreement within an environment of trust, mutual respect and co-operation.

 

Continuously Improving Services – Seeks to continually improve the services and processes that impact on users.

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² Further details on these competencies and their associated positive indicators can be found in the Competency Framework for Local Government at http://www.lgsc.org.uk/fs/doc/publications/competency-framework-for-local-government.pdf