Environmental Health Officer

We are looking for a skilled officer who is competent, enthusiastic, and highly motivated to fill the below posts within our Environmental Protection Team.

Your duties will include investigation and response to complaints in relation to allegations of statutory nuisance, assessing and approving s.61 applications, permitting, and responding to licensing consultations.

Purpose of the role

• To protect and improve health by the discharge of the functions and duties in one of the specialist areas of activity within Environmental Health.
• To investigate, assess and act upon complex issues relating to Environmental Protection, Housing, and Commercial issues and determine the most appropriate course of action, including preparation of cases for enforcement action and instigation of legal proceedings. To provide technical evidence in court proceedings, tribunals, and Public Inquiries.
• To carry out inspections and enforcement work within the specialist areas.
• To provide advice and training for EH Technical Officers and, in some cases, take the lead for cases.
• To report directly to the Head of Section/Deputy Director, Members, and Members of Parliament where required.
• To liaise effectively with members of the public, businesses, other departments, and other agencies.
• The officer is expected to work on their own with minimal direct supervision and will support the team manager.
• To support and participate in proactive initiatives to improve service standards and the quality of life for people living and working in Bexley.
• To deputise for the Team Leader and make decisions on his/her behalf when required.

Responsibilities

• To protect and improve health by the discharge of the functions and duties in one of the specialist areas of activity within Environmental Health.
• To investigate, assess and act upon complex issues relating to Environmental Protection, Housing, and Commercial issues and determine the most appropriate course of action, including preparation of cases for enforcement action and instigation of legal proceedings. To provide technical evidence in court proceedings, tribunals, and Public Inquiries.
• To carry out inspections and enforcement work within the specialist areas.
• To provide advice and training for EH Technical Officers and, in some cases, take the lead for cases.
• To report directly to the Head of Section/Deputy Director, Members, and Members of Parliament where required.
• To liaise effectively with members of the public, businesses, other departments, and other agencies.
• The officer is expected to work on their own with minimal direct supervision and will support the team manager.
• To support and participate in proactive initiatives to improve service standards and the quality of life for people living and working in Bexley.
• To deputise for the Team Leader and make decisions on his/her behalf when required.
• To present timely and relevant advice and information to Members and to ensure that Team Leaders/Managers are briefed on major and sensitive issues.

• To be fully conversant with relevant statutory provisions and the constitution, processes, and procedures; to develop the full range of managerial and professional skills and knowledge to satisfy the requirements of the post.
• To establish and develop effective working relationships and productive partnerships with all the relevant partners, including those in e.g., Police and other regulatory agencies, housing providers, Independent and voluntary sections.

Essential

Officers would be expected to have a minimum of three years' working in Environmental Health as an RSO or equivalent that is relevant to the job and meet the requirements below:

• Knowledge of major legislative, social, and economic issues relevant to the job.
• Experience of using ICT packages e.g., Word, Excel, and the complaint management system.
• Officers would be expected to be able to deal with a range of cases, including work carried out by an EHO.
• Proven ability to deal with complex and difficult cases.
• Understanding of supporting legislation/best practice.
• Experience of managing own caseload.
• Experience of serving notices, drafting prosecution files, and attending court.
• Ability to travel throughout the Borough.