Job Description
Environmental Health Practitioner (Experience of working for a local authority )
Role Purpose
To provide environmental health and licensing service expertise, advice and any recommended enforcement to members of the public, businesses, and to other colleagues within the Council and to support Directors and Service Managers with operational planning across the Councils services.
A particular emphasis will be placed upon at least one of the three main disciplines; Food and Safety, Private Sector Housing and Environmental Protection.
Statutory Responsibilities
-To inspect, audit, monitor, raise awareness and enforce Environmental Health & Licensing legislation in all premises as necessary, with a focus to undertake programmed inspections and investigations. This includes the preparation of reports, schedules and statutory notices.
-The postholder is required to comply with government legislation and/or regulatory duties and to be aware of and stay up to date with any emerging or changing legislation.
Enforcement
-The post holder has delegated authority to undertake enforcement activities in line with the Councils enforcement policy, including recommendation for prosecution.
-The post holder is required to use their professional judgement to make decisions as to the appropriate level of action needed when enforcing environmental health legislation and influencing policy makers.
Monitoring and Sampling
-To assist in the organisation and carrying out of programmed monitoring and sampling as and when required and dealing with any failure or risk identified as a result.
Qualification/ Knowledge / skills / experience
BSc (Hons) Environmental Health or MSc Environmental Health or equivalent, or qualified by strong, relevant professional experience.
Driving License and vehicle or ability to travel easily across the Council.
Compliant as Authorised Officer as defined by FSA Code of Practice
Desirable
-EHORB Registration
-Member of CIEH
Knowledge
Essential
Up to date comprehensive knowledge of legal, technical, and professional matters in relation to Environmental Health (Environmental Protection) areas of responsibility, legislation, and codes of practice.
Understanding of PACE and RIPA.
Knowledge and understanding of Health & Safety legislation and requirements.
Understand the principles of data protection.
Understand the implications of health inequality and issues around vulnerable persons
Desirable
Project and/or change management
Understanding of Council services and governance
Experience
Essential
Able to demonstrate understanding, and knowledge of policy and activities across Environmental Health functions.
Desirable
Professional competence / expertise and proven experience in the relevant specialism(s)
Experience of working for a local authority
Assisting in planning and delivering projects/ programmes
Preparation and presentation of reports to a variety of audiences
Experience of taking enforcement actions including legal cases, evidence preparation and presentation.
Skills & Abilities
Essential
The ability to communicate both orally and in writing, particularly in relation to report writing, presentations, meetings and negotiations.
Ability to build and maintain good working relationships with colleagues, partners, members and business representatives.
The post holder will be required to make frequent decisions and act without ready access to a senior officer.
Effective organisational skills.
Self-motivated and works well within a team.
Flexible, able to cope with a variety of tasks and an ability to prioritise competing demands.
