Walsall Council is an ambitious and forward-looking Metropolitan Borough Council with a strong focus on becoming a wellbeing borough, where people and communities are enabled and supported to take control of their wellbeing. In an era of uncertainty and large social change good health and wellbeing is essential and not a luxury.

Public Health is recognised as the lead in both health protection and wellbeing. This is the opportune time for the Public Health team in Walsall to drive change and anchor improvements in the public’s health across the Borough.

Walsall celebrates a rich mix of culture, heritage and community and we want our residents to be proud of their vibrant town, districts, and communities and to be able to optimise their health and wellbeing so they can benefit from all that’s on offer.

Public Health Development Officer, Drugs and Alcohol - Ref: SS05424

Salary: G10 - £42,403 - £47,420 per annum (pay award pending)

Fixed Term position (1 year with possibility of contract extension), 37 hours per week.

Walsall Council are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual for the role of Public Health Development Manager to join our Public Health team. The role will cover alcohol and drugs as a commissioned service.

You will need a solid grasp of the principles, theory and practice of public health, as well as health and other systems including government policy; practical knowledge/experience of commissioning and monitoring services from external providers; skills related to all aspects of the process (i.e. needs analysis, performance review etc); experience of working with key stakeholders and building effective relationships, of working in the public sector and leading projects; a good understanding of Clinical Governance or other quality assurance mechanisms; experience of delivering policy and practice and project management to improve health and services for the public. You will have a visible level of graduate qualification expertise and experience of working as a public health practitioner as well as programme management skills.

Main duties of the job

The role is part of the Public Health team you will work collaboratively to develop strong working relationships with Walsall drug and alcohol treatment services and partners who work to reduce the harm of drugs and alcohol. The role will be responsible for many areas of work in the Public Health Work Plan, including supporting the overseeing the alcohol and drugs services and supporting the design, delivery, and evaluation of different projects. You will be able to work with local communities to encourage lasting behaviour change and work across the Borough to improve health and wellbeing by addressing the factors that affect drug and alcohol harm and will support wellbeing; social, economic, commercial, environmental, and behavioural. The role will suit those who can communicate, verbally or written, with different audiences from community members to Senior Managers / Professionals in various multi-agency settings.

It is a great time to join us as we have become a Council that wants to have more involvement with our residents, businesses, and partners - and to show our pride in the Borough. Join us as we continue to create chances for all residents, communities, and businesses to achieve their potential and flourish.

Following shortlisting, the selection process will comprise of an Analytical and Excel test and Report writing exercise, followed by a 45-minute interview. We anticipate that interviews will take place on or around week commencing - to be added, though full details will be communicated to shortlisted candidates after the closing date of the job advert.

View Job Description and Employee Specification

Important note: When completing your online application form, you will be asked to enter supporting information. You must enter a detailed supporting information statement describing how your skills, abilities and experience meet the specific criteria included in the employee specification. If you do not include a supporting information statement, you will not be shortlisted. Please also ensure that you complete the work history and qualifications sections of your application form. Please do not add a CV as we do not accept them. Please see our Information for Applicants leaflet for further information.

Closing Date: 6th October 2024

This Authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council is an equal opportunities organisation and Disability Confident employer. We encourage applications from all background and communities.

This post is covered by the Government’s Code of Practice on the English Language Fluency Duty for public sector workers. The postholder will be required to communicate verbally with customers and provide advice and/or information in accurate spoken English.

As part of our commitment as a Disability Confident employer, we offer a guaranteed interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.