Environmental Health Officer

at  Rossendale Borough Council

QUALIFICATIONS

Degree in Environmental Health with EHRB/CIEH registration.
Professional qualifications in Food Safety and Health and Safety.

GENERAL STATEMENT

The information contained in this job description is provided to assist employees joining the council to understand and appreciate the work content of their post and the role they will play in the organisation. However, the following point should be noted:
· Whilst every endeavour has been made to outline all the duties and responsibilities of the post, a document such as this does not permit every item to be specified in detail. Broad headings, therefore, may have been used, in which case all the usual associated routines are naturally included in the job description.

THE ROLE

We are currently looking to appoint a Senior Environmental Health Officer to be the Lead Officer for food law and workplace health and safety enforcement within the Borough. You will join our multi-disciplinary Public Protection Unit. Your duties will cover the full range of Environmental Health but will focus on the inspection of food and health and safety inspections and investigations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Interpret and implement legislation and national guidance in respect of food safety, health & safety and smoke free enforcement and determine the strategy to achieve objectives.
• Inspect food premises, including high risk food premises and approved food premises.
• Investigate complaints related to the sale of unfit food and implement appropriate action including prosecution. This would include representing the Council in court if formal proceedings were taken.
• Prepare and issue associated statutory and informal notices and prepare cases for prosecution for breaches of legislation where appropriate.
• Undertake health and safety inspections, accident investigations, health and safety complaints and advisory visits in accordance with HSE priorities.
• Investigate and assist with the management of cases of food poisoning and other infectious diseases within the community.
• Inspect plans, carry out surveys and make recommendations on applications for planning and building control for commercial operations in relation to Food Safety and Health & Safety issues.
• Investigate failures of microbiological and other food safety standards including formal samples involving contact with other local authorities, the Food Standards Agency and manufacturers located outside the district.
• Prepare technical reports as required, including the preparation and annual update of food safety and health and safety standard procedures in line with national guidance and best practice.
• Represent the council at appropriate meetings, working parties or committees as directed by the Head of Service.
• Be responsible for ensuring the data quality of all information related to the duties of the post.
• Support the Public Protection Manager in identifying service development issues, the implications of legislation, guidance, Codes of Practice etc. and other issues to promote continual improvement of the service, making recommendations as appropriate.
• Respond to requests for advice and information, including freedom of information requests. To compile and submit statutory returns to the Food Standards Agency and all Health and Safety related returns.
• Process, inspect and enforce cosmetic treatment registrations.
• Investigate requests for service in relation to rodent or insect pest infestations.
• Undertake continuing professional development and maintain knowledge of changes in legislation, technology and best practice.
• Carry out any other related duties of an equivalent nature that the Council may require within the level of competence of the post holder.