Port Health Support Officer

The Methodist Church in Britain; Thulston; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shift allowance (14%)

Benenden Healthcare

Employee Assistance Programme

LGPS with AVCs

Generous annual leave

Discount scheme

On-site parking

Cycle to Work

Salary sacrifice car scheme

Job summary

Dover Port Health Authority, operating under Dover District Council, is seeking a Support Officer for frontline biosecurity duties at the Port of Dover and Channel Tunnel. You will conduct vehicle searches, identify and remove non-compliant goods, and gather evidence for enforcement in a busy, outdoor environment.

The role involves shift work including nights, weekends and bank holidays, with engagement with the public and facility providers.

Qualifications

• GCSEs in English and Maths at level 2 (GCSE 4-9)

Responsibilities

• Conduct vehicle searches to inspect loads
• Identify, remove and process non-compliant goods
• Gather comprehensive information and evidence that may be used in enforcement activity
• Work in a team alongside Technical Support Officers
• Deal with members of the public and facility providers in pressured or confrontational situations
• Make complex decisions quickly under sustained pressure from customers and facility providers
• Respond reactively as legislation and areas of concern change
• Work across the Port of Dover, Coquelles and Dover District Council offices as required

Job description

Dover Port Health Authority, run by Dover District Council, needs a support officer for frontline biosecurity work at the Port of Dover and the Channel Tunnel. The role centres on vehicle searches: inspecting loads, removing non-compliant goods and gathering evidence for enforcement alongside Technical Support Officers. It is shift-based, covering nights, weekends and bank holidays, with prolonged outdoor work in all weathers. Applicants must pass occupational health clearance, hold a full UK driving licence and undergo DBS and counter-terrorist checks.

What the job involves

• Conduct vehicle searches to inspect loads
• Identify, remove and process non-compliant goods
• Gather comprehensive information and evidence that may be used in enforcement activity
• Work in a team alongside Technical Support Officers
• Deal with members of the public and facility providers in pressured or confrontational situations
• Make complex decisions quickly under sustained pressure from customers and facility providers
• Respond reactively as legislation and areas of concern change
• Work across the Port of Dover, Coquelles and Dover District Council offices as required

Qualifications

• GCSEs in English and Maths at level 2 (GCSE 4-9)

Skills & knowledge

• Knowledge of food hygiene controls, HACCP and quality control systems such as traceability
• Strong awareness of health and safety, with strict adherence to risk assessments and method statements
• Strong IT skills
• Ability to work flexibly across shifts and sites

Checks & eligibility

• Occupational health clearance
• DBS check
• Counter-terrorist check
• Current full driving licence valid in the UK and use of a motor vehicle for business use
• Physically fit for the role

Nice to have

• Experience of IPAFFS and PHILIS
• Previous experience in a food, port health or enforcement environment
• Experience of working with a documented food safety system, record keeping and food produce identification
• Experience of dealing with confrontational members of the public
• Previous shift working experience

What’s offered

• 14% shift allowance
• Benenden Healthcare membership and access to Employee Assistance Programme
• Opt-in Local Government Pension Scheme with voluntary contributions (AVCs)
• Generous annual leave
• Discount scheme including reduced leisure centre membership rates
• On-site parking
• Cycle2Work scheme (eligibility applies)
• Salary sacrifice car scheme (eligibility applies)