Public Health Officer

CRA GROUP RECRUITMENT AND PAYROLL LTD; England; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A local authority seeks a dedicated Public Health Officer for a hybrid role focused on smoking cessation support. You will develop personalized care plans, monitor client progress, and promote smoking cessation services within communities. Ideal candidates possess excellent communication skills, organizational capabilities, and relevant degree-level education. The position offers a 3-month contract with potential extension, requiring travel across Central Bedfordshire. Full-time availability is required, along with a valid driving license.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in delivering stop smoking support.
• Experience with diverse populations, particularly ethnically diverse and deprived areas.
• Able to build relationships and work effectively in teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide personalized care for those aiming to quit smoking.
• Develop customized quit plans with clients.
• Monitor client progress through follow-ups.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Motivational interviewing

Organizational skills

IT skills

Education

Degree-level education or equivalent experience

Job description

3 months contract with local authority

Hours: Full-time 37 hours per week

Base Location: Attendance at a CBC office location is required at least once per month.

Contract Type: Hybrid Temporary (3 months with potential extension to 6 months)

Summary

Central Bedfordshire Council seeks a dedicated and enthusiastic Public Health Officer to join the Choose You team. This role is pivotal in enhancing the quality of life for residents in Central Bedfordshire Bedford Borough and Milton Kingdom. The primary responsibility is to provide stop smoking support to the public managing a caseload of clients through in‑person telephone and virtual interactions. As a key member of a forward‑thinking Public Health team you will receive training opportunities to excel in your role and further your professional development. The position may occasionally require weekend or evening support both virtually and face‑to‑face contributing to the delivery of superior services to the local community.

Responsibilities

• Provide personalized care to individuals aiming to quit smoking including behavioral support and motivational interviewing.
• Develop customized quit plans setting quit dates and identifying triggers and coping strategies.
• Offer guidance on nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) and other stop‑smoking medications ensuring their safe and effective use.
• Monitor client progress through regular follow‑ups adapting support based on individual needs and challenges.
• Maintain accurate client records in line with confidentiality policies and service guidelines.
• Conduct one‑to‑one sessions or group meetings in community healthcare or virtual settings to support smoking cessation.
• Promote smoking cessation services within communities and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to encourage referrals.
• Stay informed on smoking cessation research and guidelines to provide evidence‑based support consistently.
• Provide information and feedback to aid in the ongoing development of the service.

Requirements

• Excellent communication skills with a talent for motivating individuals.
• Degree‑level education and/or equivalent demonstrable experience.
• Understanding of health inequalities and experience working with diverse populations including ethnic minorities and individuals from deprived areas.
• Experience in delivering and coordinating service delivery particularly in stop smoking lifestyle change support.
• Ability to build strong working relationships and work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrable organizational skills with the ability to prioritize workload and meet deadlines.
• Strong presentation facilitation and IT skills.
• Ability to travel across Central Bedfordshire Milton Keynes and Bedford; must possess a full valid driving license and access to a vehicle.

Required Skills:

Full‑time availability for a year; Ability to work 36 hours per week; Resilient and able to thrive in challenging situations; Attention to detail and creative problem‑solving skills; Comfortable with confrontation and able to deal with difficult situations; Availability for out‑of‑hours meetings and lone working; Daily use of a car and a full driving license.