At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead projects that empower communities and improve public health across Essex.
- Company: Join Essex County Council, a dynamic local authority committed to positive change.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team driving meaningful change in Essex.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community wellbeing and help shape the future of public health.
- Qualifications: Experience in public health or community projects, with strong collaboration skills.
This is a fixed term contract or secondment opportunity for up to 19 months.
The Team
Bring your passion, your ideas and your energy – Help shape the future of Public Health in Essex. At Essex County Council, our Wellbeing, Public Health and Communities team is driven by a shared belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to live well and thrive. We are looking for people who care deeply about reducing inequality, strengthening communities and making a positive difference to everyday lives. This is a chance to be part of a supportive, ambitious team creating meaningful opportunities now, while also helping to re‑imagine and shape Public Health as we move through Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). If you’re motivated by purpose, collaboration and real‑world impact, we’d love you to join us.
Here’s what’s on the horizon:
- Community Empowerment: We’re all about building community capacity. Be part of a forward thinking and creative team that fosters resilience, collaboration, and positive change across Essex.
- Health Champions Wanted: Help support healthier choices and stronger communities. If improving wellbeing matters to you, you can play a real part in shaping better outcomes for our diverse population.
- NHS Collaboration: We’re breaking down silos by enhancing joint working with NHS colleagues. Together, we’ll achieve the ambitious goals set out in our Business Plan.
The roles that we advertise within our Public Health team aren’t just jobs; they’re opportunities to shape our county’s future. Help us build on our successes and expand our impact across Essex.
The Role
The Wellbeing and Public Health Officer plays a key role within the Wellbeing, Public Health and Communities team, supporting the day-to-day delivery of Public Health Priorities and the Public Health Business Plan. The postholder will work with a degree of flexibility and autonomy across the Community Wellbeing portfolio to ensure that the team meets its ambitions for Essex residents to live healthier and more fulfilling lives. This will include the successful development and delivery of priority projects aimed at building resilient communities and helping equip people to make healthier lifestyle choices. The postholder will lead on project planning and delivery. They will often be required to work as part of a multi-agency, multi-stakeholder team, and to ensure that priority projects are delivered to a high standard, on time and within budget, whilst also ensuring that key Public Health principles such as assessment of need, reviewing evidence, engaging citizens, evidence of outcomes and effective evaluation are planned and delivered.
Accountabilities
- Take a clear and logical approach to collaborating with team members to define projects, plan timelines, identify risks, map, and engage stakeholders.
- Support the practical delivery of priority projects through leading on a range of activities such as organising and leading meetings, maintaining project momentum and direction, drafting project documents and presentations, arranging and facilitating stakeholder workshops, and producing action plans.
- Co-ordinating team members, experts, and external stakeholders to ensure that actions are progressed, and necessary work delivered in a timely fashion.
- Monitoring the performance of projects to ensure they are on track to be delivered on time and to cost as well as delivering desired outcomes.
- Working alongside partner organisations to deliver joint programmes of work and identifying further opportunities and efficiencies that can be achieved.
- Supporting the delivery of specific projects and activities that maximise our understanding of the impact and outcomes of strategic ambitions including the Caring Communities Commission and Local Government Re-organisation.
- Supporting the development of, and use, of a range of evaluation tools and techniques that ensure the impact of activity is clearly understood and shared.
The Experience You Will Bring
Essential:
- Evidence of learning and professional development within a Public Health, or communities field aligned closely to the delivery of Public Health Priorities.
- Recent experience working within Public Health or a working on programmes of work closely aligned to the delivery of Public Health priorities, to include specific project experience.
- Evidence of recent experience working in a complex partnership environment with other Local Authorities and Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector organisations to deliver positive health and wellbeing outcomes.
- Experience of successfully leading multiple, multi-stakeholder projects delivered on time and to budget and being able to evidence outcomes.
Desirable:
- Experience of monitoring financial information in relation to Grants, contracting and commissioning.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Evidence of applying evaluation, research or impact concepts.
Please note that the job role requires you to be mobile throughout an operational area. Therefore, the post holder will need to have a driving licence and access to a vehicle, or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means.
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.
At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.
As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC) should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription, and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained.
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
Wellbeing, Public Health and Communities Officer in Chelmsford employer: Essex County Council
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of its employees while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people. With flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development, staff are encouraged to grow within their roles, all while contributing to a vital service in the heart of Chelmsford.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Wellbeing, Public Health and Communities Officer in Chelmsford
✨Get Involved with Local Health Initiatives
Join local community health events or volunteer for organisations like public health agencies. This not only builds your experience but also helps you network with industry professionals who might know of openings at places like Essex County Council.
✨Tap into Professional Associations
Check out associations like the Institute of Healthcare Management. They often have job boards, networking events, and conferences that are perfect for connecting with potential employers in health sciences administration.
✨Stay Updated with Industry Trends
Follow health policy news and trends—being knowledgeable about the current landscape will not only help you in interviews but also make you stand out as a candidate. You can discuss recent developments and their implications when chatting with folks at Essex County Council.
✨Apply Through Our Website for Better Visibility
When you find roles that excite you, especially at places like Essex County Council, don’t forget to apply through our website. This can sometimes give you an edge by showing the employer you’re savvy and committed to finding the right fit.
We think you need these skills to ace Wellbeing, Public Health and Communities Officer in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in health sciences administration, it's super important to spotlight any relevant experience you have in healthcare settings. Whether you've worked in a hospital, a clinic, or any related environment, make sure to detail those roles in your CV – focusing on your responsibilities and achievements that align with the job at Essex County Council.
Showcase Your Administrative Skills:Administrative skills are key in this field, so don’t hold back! Make sure your CV reflects your proficiency in things like scheduling, data management, and compliance with health regulations. Mention specific software you’ve used, such as patient management systems, as this will demonstrate your hands-on abilities and readiness for the role at Essex County Council.
Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to Essex County Council. Share a bit about why you’re drawn to this sector, any impactful situations or challenges you’ve encountered, and how they’ve shaped your desire to work in health sciences administration. This personal touch can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Documents to the Job:Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach! Make sure your CV and cover letter are specifically tailored for this role. Highlight any certifications you have relevant to health administration, and ensure you clearly connect your previous roles to the skills needed for the full-time position at Essex County Council. This way, you're showing them you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
In health sciences administration, being organised is key. Make sure you can demonstrate your skills in managing schedules, paperwork, and data accurately. Be ready to discuss specific tools you've used, like electronic health record systems or scheduling software, and how they improved efficiency in your past experiences.
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarity with healthcare regulations and compliance is crucial. Brush up on HIPAA, GDPR, or other relevant policies before your interview. We recommend preparing examples of how you've ensured compliance or handled sensitive information in past roles—this will show you're not just knowledgeable but also responsible.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Interviews for administrative roles often involve scenario-based questions to assess your problem-solving skills. Practice responses to common situations you might face, such as dealing with a challenging patient or managing a sudden schedule change. This will not only demonstrate your ability to think on your feet but also highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Align Your Goals with the Organisation
As a full-time candidate, employers will want to know how your long-term career goals align with their mission. Take some time to research Essex County Council’s values and be ready to tie your passion for health sciences administration into their objectives. Demonstrating enthusiasm and career alignment can be a game-changer in this competitive field!
