Environmental Health Apprentice

Job Overview:

Carry out a range of different types of housing inspections to support other officers on the teams Investigate complaints about housing conditions Keep accurate records Talk to a range of customers and stakeholders to help improve the homes of people who live in North Somerset Manage a caseload

Specific Duties: 

Professional Advice, Communication and Stakeholder Engagement

Provide specialist, professional and technical environmental health advice and guidance to a range of stakeholders, including residents, businesses, property owners, government agencies and partners Communicate and influence effectively with diverse stakeholders through written and verbal communication, presentations, advice, mediation, negotiation and persuasion Negotiate with and influence stakeholders on a range of environmental health matters Identify, evaluate and communicate environmental health risks and appropriate risk management solutions Handle private and sensitive information in accordance with data protection requirements

Inspection, Investigation and Compliance

Plan, undertake and lead inspections, audits and investigations across a wide range of environmental health areas Examine and assess compliance with relevant conditions, legislation and standards Carry out sampling and collect evidence for monitoring, investigations and enforcement purposes in line with current guidance and legislation Ensure all activities are conducted in accordance with relevant legislation, guidance and codes of practice

Licensing, Enforcement and Legal Processes

Evaluate applications and issue relevant licences and permits (e.g. HMOs and caravan sites) Appraise, implement and communicate appropriate interventions, including enforcement actions Produce accurate records and reports, including the collection and handling of evidence for potential legal proceedings

Legislation and Regulatory Practice

Interpret and apply a broad range of environmental health legislation, including the Environment Act, Environmental Protection Act, Health and Safety at Work Act, Food Safety Act, Housing Act, Public Health Act, Police and Criminal Evidence Act, data protection and anti-social behaviour legislation 

Analysis, Decision-Making and Problem Solving

Use research, analytical and problem-solving techniques to address environmental health issues through creative and critical thinking Critically evaluate and analyse evidence and information Formulate sound judgements and decisions based on evidence and professional knowledge (e.g. the impact of poor housing conditions on health) Exercise initiative, discretion and independent decision-making within the scope of the role

Teamwork, Leadership and Work Management

Work collaboratively as part of multi-disciplinary and multi-organisational teams to achieve positive outcomes Lead activities relating to environmental health matters where required Plan, organise and prioritise workload effectively to meet deadlines

Public Health and Community Engagement

Participate in health promotion activities in key environmental health areas (e.g. smoking, obesity, food safety, shisha use) Manage challenging and occasionally confrontational situations in a professional and effective manner

Administration and IT

Use standard IT systems for word processing, report writing, and data input and analysis

Training:

You will be pursuing a Level 6 Apprenticeship Standard in Environmental Health through Weston College.
As part of this program, you will attend Weston College once a week for workshops.
An assessor will conduct on-site observations to evaluate your progress, as well as support you in college throughout your apprenticeship.
At the conclusion of your program, your qualification will be assessed through an End Point Assessment.

Training Outcome:

Possible employment after the completion of the apprenticeship.

Employer Description:

North Somerset Council is an exciting and rewarding place to work. Our services matter to people and they are at the heart of the local community. We provide support to vulnerable adults and children whilst maximising their independence, and we protect and improve the environment to make it a thriving and sustainable place to live, work and visit. The position will be located within the Private Sector Housing Team.  The team deals with a wide range of duties, including the delivery of licensing of houses in multiple occupation and caravan sites and improving housing conditions. Your role will involve assisting team members on inspections, along with project work. You will be expected to work from the Town Hall initially, but opportunities for remote working as you develop your experience will be available. Across the 4 years, opportunities will be given to gain experience in all areas of the profession.

Working Hours :
Monday to Friday. Flexible working scheme available.

Skills:
Communication skills,IT skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Customer care skills,Problem solving skills,Presentation skills,Administrative skills,Analytical skills,Logical,Team working,Initiative,Patience