Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.

Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.

Southend-on-Sea City Council is seeking an experienced Public Health Consultant to join our dynamic and forward-thinking Public Health Directorate on a part time (3 days) and interim contract (4 months). This is a strategic leadership role, deputising for the Director of Public Health, at the heart of our efforts to improve health and wellbeing across the city and leading on the Healthcare Public health function as well as supporting the response to Health Protection.

You will be part of the core public health team, working with the Director of Public Health (DPH) and accountable for delivering high-impact public health initiatives. The post is managerially accountable to the DPH, and works in close collaboration (within the Council) with integrated commissioning, data and intelligence, Libraries and Leisure Services, and all Social Care services. Key external stakeholders include the NHS Mid and South Essex ICB, GP services, Pharmacies, South East Essex Alliance and Southend Hospital, Southend’s CVS (SAVS), Healthwatch Southend and local community groups.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead on a range of public health issues, acting as a change agent across professional and organisational boundaries.
• Develop and deliver strategic plans, policies, and programmes based on robust needs assessments.
• Provide expert public health advice and leadership to influence commissioning and service development.
• Represent and deputise for senior leaders including the DPH and Executive Director as required.
• Inspire and ensuring high performance in the team.

N:B - This post can be offered as fully remote working, subject to service needs

           Please be aware that this is a politically restricted post.

To be successful in this role, you must be a strategic thinker with strong leadership and operational skills, capable of motivating organisations to improve public health within existing resources. You must be able to lead in crisis situations, apply both qualitative and quantitative analysis, and develop and implement effective strategies and policies.

It is vital that you have a deep understanding of the health and care system, including its relationship with local and national government. You must also demonstrate expertise in clinical quality assurance, evaluation, and evidence-based practice, alongside a strong grasp of the interfaces between health, social care, and wider determinants of health. You must be able to navigate complex multi-agency environments with tact and diplomacy, while driving meaningful public health outcomes for the residents of Southend-on-Sea, will be the ultimate measure of success in this role. Experience in addressing health inequalities, improving the health and wellbeing of children and young people, and tackling the wider determinants of health is essential.

Please note that only applicants who are currently registered as Public Health Specialists with the GMC or GDC or UKPHR will be considered for this post. As part of the shortlisting process, you will be required to provide formal evidence of your active registration.

If you're interested in the role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.

For a copy of the job description, please click here

Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.  

Southend-on-Sea City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check.