Job Title:Environmental Health Officer Directorate:Active and Healthy Communities Section:Environmental Health, in any of the following areas Food Control and Consumer Protection Public Health and Housing Health and Safety, Noise and Petroleum Licensing Location: Church Street, Newtownards Responsible to:Service Unit Manager Salary Scale:PO2SCP 30-33 Car Status:Essential PURPOSE AND FUNCTION OF THE POST The post holder will be responsible for implementing Environmental Health Legislation on behalf of Ards and North Down Borough Council, as required by the sections management team. The post holder will also be required to deal directly with various statutory and non-statutory organisations and members of the general public in relation to a wide variety of Environmental Health Issues. PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES To implement and enforce the provisions of Environmental Health legislation concerning Environmental Protection, Public Health, Food Safety, Occupational Health & Safety, Consumer Protection, Tobacco Control and Licensing & Regulatory Functions of the Councils Environmental Health Service. To carry out inspections without supervision; to complete risk assessments of premises, products, processes and work activities to determine the level of compliance with relevant statutory provisions and take action as appropriate. To perform sampling and complaint investigations; to complete all necessary administrative tasks including utilising all necessary information technology systems required to satisfactorily perform the duties of the post. To make decisions as authorised officers on behalf of the Council and maintain the level of competence required for authorisation under relevant legislation. To undertake the preparation, service and enforcement of statutory notices across all Environmental Health Functions. To perform any statutory functions on behalf of other officers in their absence as directed by the Service Unit Managers. To act as a lead Officer for any statutory functions as directed by the Service Unit Manager. To advise the Service Unit Manager/Head of Service on Environmental Health conditions prevailing in the Borough. To assist the Service Unit Manager in setting performance standards, methods of service delivery, and in the development and implementation of the departmental and corporate plans as they relate to Environmental Health, and to comply with performance standards laid down in the plans. To assist in the preparation for internal and external audits by Food Standards Agency, Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland, Environment and Heritage Service or other external organisations. To undertake the practical training of Student Environmental Health Officers to a national standard set by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health. To adhere to and implement as appropriate all Council policies; for example, with regard to Fair Employment, Equality, Health and Safety, and Training within the department. To carry out duties outside normal working hours as are necessary for the satisfactory performance of the post, in accordance with an agreed policy on Lone Working. To communicate directly and indirectly (including providing advice and assistance) with members of the public, other council officers, councillors, MLAs, MPs, local and national media (with assistance from the Councils Corporate Communications department), and various statutory and non-statutory bodies. To deliver key health promotion activities, Environmental Health initiatives and hazard focussed campaigns in line with current strategic priorities and up to date evidence bases. To deal with potentially confrontational situations that arise in the course of carrying out the duties of the post, in accordance with Council Policy. To carry out duties as authorised officers of other agencies (for example the investigation of incidents and outbreaks of certain infectious diseases and the issue of firework licences). Prepare relevant reports and participate as a member of interagency work groups as and when required. To interview suspects under the Police and Criminal Evidence (NI) Order 1989 and to prepare resulting witness statements and court case documentation. To institute legal proceedings under the Health and Safety at Work Order and other similar legislation, and act as an expert witness for the Council in court proceedings, industrial tribunals and planning enquiries. To represent the Council on specialist co-ordinating committees at provincial levels, and at conferences/seminars as required by the Service Unit Manager; and to deliver Environmental Health training/information to the business community, schools and the general public. To maintain confidentiality when receiving or processing personal data, and deal with persons relaying sensitive information in a considerate manner. To act in accordance with Council Policy and legal duties in relation to the General Data Protection Regulations. To carry out any other duties as directed by the Head of Service or the Service Unit Managers. PERSON SPECIFICATION The person specification provides information on the qualifications, experience, knowledge and skills required to carry out the duties of the post. The essential criteria will be used for shortlisting and as part of the selection process. ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS Bachelors Degree or diploma in Environmental Health or equivalent qualification which is accredited or recognised by the CIEH. DESIRABLE Additional relevant qualifications in the field of Environmental Health. Certificate of Registration with Environmental Health Officers Registration Board (EHORB) or equivalent; such as completion of EHP Portfolio/professional discussion to become a registered EHP. EXPERIENCE Experience in an environmental health related field dealing with the public, businesses and representatives of organisations in an enforcement or advisory capacity. 3 Months experience working as an Environmental Health Officer in an enforcement or advisory capacity DESIRABLE Additional relevant experience in the field of Environmental Health KEY SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES Basic knowledge of relevant legislation & enforcement practices Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications Excellent written and oral communication skills Capable of working on own initiative with minimal supervision OTHER REQUIREMENTS A valid driving licence with access to a form of transport that will allow fulfilment of the duties of the post or have access to a suitable form of transport which will enable the post holder to meet the requirements of the post* Access to the internet to enable homeworking, if required *The above alternative (access to a suitable form of transport), is a reasonable adjustment specifically for applicants with disabilities, who as a result of their disability, are unable to hold a valid driving licence. The selection panel reserves the right to enhance the shortlisting criteria to facilitate the process when necessary.