Are you passionate about reducing health inequalities and inspiring healthier lives? Join our Public Health team and help make a real difference across Kirklees.
We are looking for someone who shares our commitment to compassion, inclusion and reducing inequalities, and who wants to make a positive difference for the people and communities we serve.
You will be experienced, motivated and values-driven, able to support and shape a priority portfolio of drug and alcohol work. This is an exciting opportunity to influence strategic direction, improve outcomes for residents, and work across a strong multi‑agency system to deliver prevention, treatment and recovery ambitions. The post is ideal for someone who combines strategic thinking with practical delivery, and who can translate policy, intelligence and evidence into meaningful action.
You will support the development and delivery of local drug and alcohol prevention, treatment and recovery programmes, ensuring these are aligned with national expectations for local authority commissioning and the Drug and Alcohol Treatment and Recovery Improvement Grant.
You will work with partners across public health, treatment providers, safeguarding, health services, community safety, criminal justice and regional and national teams to strengthen local systems, improve quality, reduce harm and address health inequalities.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and support delivery of drug and alcohol prevention, treatment and recovery priorities, ensuring a strong focus on reducing harm and tackling health inequalities.
- Oversee local systems for monitoring drug and alcohol‑related deaths, near misses, drug alerts and intelligence, using insight to inform service improvement and system response.
- Provide strategic and operational oversight of relevant digital systems and data processes, ensuring high-quality information governance, reporting and record management.
- Analyse and interpret local and national intelligence, including treatment and recovery data, to identify trends, risks and opportunities for improvement.
- Manage commissioning, contract, performance and reporting requirements for public health funded drug and alcohol services and associated grant programmes.
- Prepare high‑quality reports, briefings and papers for partnerships and boards, and contribute to effective multi‑agency governance arrangements.
- Build strong relationships with providers, partners and regional and national stakeholders to influence change and support delivery of shared priorities.
You should be able to show evidence of the following:
- A master’s degree relevant to public health, or significant equivalent experience and knowledge in a public health setting.
- Experience of leading, developing and implementing health improvement programmes that respond to local need and reduce health inequalities.
- A strong track record of partnership working, stakeholder engagement and influencing across organisations to achieve shared outcomes.
- Experience of commissioning, contract management, performance oversight and the effective use of resources and budgets.
- Confidence in using data, intelligence and evidence to assess needs, shape priorities, monitor impact and present clear recommendations to a range of audiences.
- The ability to provide expert advice on evidence‑based public health approaches and turn policy into practical delivery.
- Strong leadership and people skills, including line management, facilitation, workforce development and the ability to build trust and momentum across teams.
- A clear understanding of local authority decision‑making, place‑based working and the wider social, economic and environmental factors that influence health.
Specialist knowledge for this role
You will require an in‑depth knowledge of the issues associated with drug and alcohol related harms, including an understanding of the current drug and alcohol policy landscape, the challenges affecting people who use substances, and the impact of drug and alcohol use on individuals, families and communities. You should understand prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery approaches in relation to substance use, alongside the use of intelligence and surveillance systems to identify emerging risks and inform timely action.
Knowledge of effective public health commissioning, safeguarding, partnership governance, and evidence‑based approaches to improving outcomes will be essential. We are particularly interested in candidates who can bring energy, compassion and curiosity to the role, and who are committed to improving services and outcomes for people affected by drugs and alcohol.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
We believe our work is strongest when it is shaped by a wide range of experiences, perspectives and voices. We want everyone who works with us to feel welcomed, valued and able to be themselves, and we are committed to creating a culture of respect, kindness and belonging. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds and will support a fair and inclusive recruitment process, including making reasonable adjustments where needed.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Advanced Health Improvement Practitioner (HIPA)
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
✨Leverage Your Medical School's Resources
Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like Kirklees Council often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Council
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Kirklees Council. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at Kirklees Council.
✨Show You're a Team Player
In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at Kirklees Council.
✨Stay Current with Medical Trends
Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at Kirklees Council.
