Hours: 37 hours a week (includes attendance at university)
Contract: 4 years fixed
Location: Leeds City Council Building Services, Seacroft
As a Degree Apprentice Environmental Health Practitioner you’ll thrive on being part of our team to ensure that the environments in which we work, eat, live and play are safe, whether that is investigating a food poisoning outbreak or accident at work, through to noise problems, housing issues, disease control and environmental pollution. The apprenticeship offers you a great opportunity to gain a degree qualification (where your employer funds the tuition fees) whilst you are earning a salary.
Leeds City Council isone of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody ourcouncil values andambitions .
About you
As an apprentice environmental health practitioner, you will bring to the role:
* An understanding of environmental and public health, with an interest in science
* A real passion for public service and making a difference
* Excellent negotiation and problem-solving skills
* An ability to monitor performance and achieve personal objectives and outcomes
* A willingness to learn and take on responsibility
About the role
Through the degree apprenticeship programme, you will develop the skills, experience and knowledge necessary for a career as an environmental health practitioner and to lead and work with others in the delivery of successful projects. You will study for a 4-year degree level qualification at Leeds Becket University, commencing in September 2024. On completion of the apprenticeship you will gain a BSc (Hons) in Environmental Health and be able to work towards professional accreditation.On days when you are not studying you will undertake varied work with the teams in food safety, health and safety at work, housing, public health, environmental protection and licensing. Apprentices will start in a supporting role but will quickly gain the confidence and experience to undertake their own varied caseload.
Real, practical work experience will support you in understanding the role and assist with your academic study. The apprenticeship is a gateway to becoming a chartered environmental health practitioner and a rewarding career in the public health profession.
What we offer you
We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:
* a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
* membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
* flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
* a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
* a range ofstaff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further
How to apply
Apply for this job online. Please complete the online application form
Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.
If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact Paul Spandler, Environmental Health Manager. Call 0113 3786564 or email paul.spandler@leeds.gov.uk .
We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds. Leeds City Council is ranked 70 on the Stonewall Equality Index 2023.We are also an Age friendly employer, a Mindful employer and a Disability Confident leader.
All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary period.
This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK - either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK and the role does not meet eligibility for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply.
Job Description
Job Purpose:To undertake training and learning to complete the Environmental Health Degree apprenticeship programme within 4 years. The post holder will progress through the spinal column point range of the grade and will carry out additional responsibilities following successful completion of each year
* Undertake training and carry out work within a range of areas of the environmental health service and with relevant partners.
* Carry out a range of environmental health functions including regulatory inspections, complaint investigations, licensing or approval visits, planning consultations, sampling and monitoring activities.
* Appropriate levels of supervision, training, guidance and support to undertake these activities will be provided.
* Ensure that relevant databases and information systems are kept updated and reflect current work activities.
* Liaise with a range of key partners and stakeholders e.g. other services, service users, external partner agencies, business and community groups etc.
* Attend meetings of other bodies or organisations, Court hearings, inquiries and tribunals to gain experience and knowledge
* Ensure that the highest standards of customer service are provided and that customers are kept promptly and fully informed.
* The post holder will be required to work flexible hours occasionally to meet service requirements which will usually be within the provisions of the Councils flexitime scheme (between 7am and 7pm). In all circumstances a reasonable period of notice will be provided.
* Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade
* Participate in appraisal, training and development activities as necessary to ensure up to date knowledge and skills.
* Improve own practice through observation, evaluation, discussion with colleagues and development programmes.
* Work collaboratively with colleagues, knowing when to seek help and advice.
* Contribute to the overall ethos, work, and aims of the service by attending relevant meetings, training days/events as requested.
* Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures e.g. child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person
* Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding and promoting the values, standards and equal opportunities of Leeds City Council.
* Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment or victimisation and any form of abuse of equal opportunities, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures.
* The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and this role will be expected to work within these parameters.
* Interpret and understand legislation, technical reports, and guidance documents.
* Work in partnership with others to deliver work to set deadlines
* Interpret and understand legislation, technical reports, and guidance documents.
* Progress case work, make operational decisions with close support from senior officers.
* Advise, instruct, other employees as required
* Manage own caseload with close support from senior officers.
* Prepare accurate information / statistics for case files / activity reports.
* Investigate and assess the most appropriate course of action to resolve issues and prevent reoccurrences.
* Attend and contribute at court hearings, tribunals and committees.
* Investigate and assess the most appropriate course of action to resolve issues and prevent reoccurrences.
* Make an effective contribution to internal/external working groups and meetings.
Qualifications
It is essential that you have the required qualifications to be accepted onto the Degree Apprenticeship BSc (Hons) Environmental Health at Leeds Beckett University.
Whilst not an essential requirement for this post, possession of a full driving licence or expectation that a licence be acquired during the duration of the apprenticeship and have access to a personal vehicle would be beneficial.
ProgressionThe post holder will progress from B1 to C1 as the required experience, skills andknowledge are gained. Progression will be based on a satisfactory annual competency assessment.
Personal Specification
Method of Assessment will be through one or more of the following Application Form, Test, Interview, and Certificate.
Essential Requirements It is essential that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the Year 1 essential requirements. Candidates will be expected to acquire the additional skills, knowledge and experiencefollowing successful completion of each year.
Skills Required Grade B1
* Able and willing to enrol on the Degree Apprenticeship BSc (Hons) Environmental Health at Leeds Beckett University and progress through the Degree Apprenticeship.
* Able to monitor performance effectively and achieve personal objectives and outcomes.
* Able to communicate appropriately and effectively with a wide range of people, through a variety of different methods.
* Able to use information technology systems e.g. word, excel, databases and e-mail.
* Able to work effectively as part of a team and to demonstrate organisational and time management skills prioritising own and team’s work to meet conflicting deadlines.
Skills Required Grade C1
* Able to work in partnership with others to deliver work to set deadlines.
* Able to keep accurate and up to date records.
* Able to prepare letters and e-mails for communication with customers.
* Able to manage own workload and work to set procedures.
* Able to interpret and understand legislation, technical reports, and guidance documents.
* Able to apply negotiation and problem-solving skills.
Knowledge Required Grade B1
* Understanding of environmental and public health issues.
* Understanding of local government context and of the role and functions of a Local Authority and public service.
* Of environmental and public health work areas.
Knowledge Required Grade C1
* In depth and up to date knowledge of national and local environmental and public health issues and work areas.
* In depth knowledge across all environmental health disciplines.
* Application of relevant legislation, policies and procedures.
* Understanding of partner agency work areas and their links to environmental health.
* Reporting to and working effectively with a range of colleagues and partners.
* Presenting information on your work.
* Of partnership working to deliver shared outcomes.
Experience Required Grade B1
* Of working effectively with others to deliver projects and work streams.
* Of problem solving, individually and in a group setting.
Experience Required Grade C1
* Of dealing with the public and businesses.
* Of reporting to and working effectively with a range of colleagues and partners.
* Of presenting information on your work.
* Of attending and contributing at court hearings, tribunals, and committees.
Behavioural & other Characteristics required.
* Ability and commitment to work in a safe manner, regarding self and others.
* Commitment to public service ethos, with a genuine interest in serving the public.
* Recognition and acceptance of the importance of the customer perspective in determining how services are delivered.
* Committed to continuous improvement.
* Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council Equality & Diversity Policies.
* Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health & Safety Policies.
* Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities to ensure up to date knowledge, skills and continuous professional development.
* Understand and embrace our values, behaviours, and codes of conduct.
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