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UK Health Security Agency

Health Protection Practitioner

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

The post holder will be part of the multi-disciplinary team providing the day-to-day health protection function, including the management of infectious and environmental hazards and supporting response to major incidents.

The post is an entry level Health Protection development post and as such will develop specialist knowledge and skills to undertake case management, liaise with, and provide health protection advice and response across a range of partner organisations, professionals and the public.

The post holder will undergo a programme of on-going development and education to build on existing knowledge and develop skills to provide specialist health protection advice and meet competencies required to undertake the role.

Main duties of the job

  • Under supervision, contribute to the day to day running of the acute response function to ensure high quality, safe and effective delivery of the health protection service.
  • Provide first point of contact for specialist knowledge, support and advice to health professionals on health protection matters.
  • Undertake initial assessment and management of routine acute response work and non-complex incidents.
  • Escalate and refer challenging or complex incidents and outbreaks of infectious diseases and non-infectious environmental hazards to senior manager as appropriate.
  • Manage and carry out continuing responsibility for a caseload ensuring accurate, up to date records of contacts/action by completion of relevant records and compliance with team handover procedures, in line with UKHSA's standards for record keeping.
  • To utilise an evidence-based approach to manage clinical/professional advice and discussions within the team, seeking senior advice as/when appropriate.
  • Support and participate in the team's formal case review process.
  • Contribute to and where required lead under supervision the ongoing longer-term management of issues relevant to a defined geographical area.
  • Contribute to the UKHSA response during incidents in line with UKHSAs Emergency Planning and Resilience Response (EPRR) arrangements as part of the region's responsibilities under the Civil Contingencies Act.
  • May be required to participate in a local on call rota at regional level as required.

About us

At the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) our mission is to provide health security for the nation by protecting from infectious disease and external hazards. We are a trusted source of advice to government and to the public, focusing on reducing inequalities in the way different communities experience and are impacted by infectious disease, environmental hazards, and other threats to health.

Our mission is challenging, innovative and in the spotlight. We will work to ensure our people have the diverse skills, experiences and backgrounds we need to thrive, that our employees are representative of the communities we serve and feel valued and enabled to play their part in delivering our work.

Creating our working culture is an ongoing process which we are developing by listening and learning together, hearing and acting upon diverse voices and opinions to develop a common sense of identity and effective ways of working.

During induction and initial training there is a requirement to work from the office.

Details

Date posted

16 August 2023

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£35,392 to £42,618 a year Civil service HEO £31,070 P/A P/R / AfC Band 6 £35,392 P/A P/R

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

7 months

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working

Reference number

919-KM-19262190-EXTA

Job locations

Please see location details within advert

Please see location details within advert

CM17 9TX


Job description

Job responsibilities

The job description provides an outline of the tasks, responsibility and outcomes required of the role, and the job holder will carry out any other duties that may reasonably be required by their line manager.

Essential Criteria

  • For Civil service T&C's First degree (Health Related) or demonstrable equivalent experience / For AfC T&C's Registered General Nurse or Allied Health Professional in relevant clinical discipline with current professional registration e.g. NMC
  • Working towards registration with an appropriate health or science related professional body
  • Post registration experience as a practitioner in a related field
  • An understanding of and ability to work under the current Health and Social Care Act (e.g. safe guarding vulnerable adults; data protection, information governance)
  • Proven experience in the establishment and maintenance of good relationships with managers, staff and external contracts
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills including report writing and presentations
  • Ability to work independently, manage and prioritise own workload and cope with competing demands
  • Ability to problem solve whilst working in an unpredictable environment, often under pressure and to tight timescales
  • Ability to analyse, interpret and relay information accurately
  • Ability to analyse and interpret information in an effective manner to recommend an appropriate course of action to address the issue(s)
  • An awareness of Quality and Governance frameworks
  • Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office including Word, and Excel
  • Evidence of ongoing CPD and committed to self-development
  • An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, and in relation to management systems

Desirable Criteria

  • Professional Public Health qualification and registration e.g. Specialist Community Public Health (SCPHN) part of the NMC Register or UK PH Register for practitioners
  • Recognised teaching qualification, e.g. ENB 998/PGCE or NVQ Level 4 Certificate in education or equivalent experience
  • Recognised qualification in Infection Prevention and Control or demonstrable equivalent experience
  • Experience of building and developing effective stakeholder relationships
  • Experience of working in community settings and with health care providers
  • Experience of risk management and associated reporting
  • Knowledge of the principles of health protection
  • Experience of supporting/assisting the development and delivery of presentations, training and/or education
  • Understanding of public health law

Selection process details

This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge and experience and skills and capabilities outlined in the person specification.

You will be required to complete an application form. You will also be asked to provide information within the Employer/ Activity history section of the application form. This will be assessed in line with the advertised criteria.

As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide a detailed personal statement / statement of suitability (max 1500 words) based on the essential criteria advertised. This should outline how you consider your skills, knowledge and experience meet the selection requirements. It should provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with particular reference to the person specification criteria outlined.

Applicants are strongly advised to use the person specification section as sub-headings in the application to make it clear how you meet each of the selection criteria.

All candidates who are successful at the sift stage will progress to a single video interview and will be assessed on the essential criteria as advertised.

Location

This role will be based in Harlow.UKHSA offers hybrid working for its employees Any opportunities for informal hybrid working, including whether a hybrid working arrangement is suitable, will be discussed with you prior to you taking up your post. This will be determined primarily by business needs and in line with departmental policies for flexible working.

Some occasional business travel will be required to other UKHSA offices/locations as determined by business needs. Business travel between base location and any other UKHSA offices/locations will be covered under the UKHSA Travel and Expenses policy.

Currently this requires working from an allocated UKHSA base location for 40% of your contracted time as a minimum.

The specifics of which day/s of the week you will work from your allocated UKHSA base location, will be agreed with the line manager.

As part of this role you will be required to work some weekends and nights.

The core working hours for this role are 09:00am to 5:00pm

Please be aware that this role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas. Relocation expenses are not available.

Security Clearance level requirement

People working with government assets must complete Basic Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks which includes a disclosure and barring security check.

Job description

Job responsibilities

The job description provides an outline of the tasks, responsibility and outcomes required of the role, and the job holder will carry out any other duties that may reasonably be required by their line manager.

Essential Criteria

  • For Civil service T&C's First degree (Health Related) or demonstrable equivalent experience / For AfC T&C's Registered General Nurse or Allied Health Professional in relevant clinical discipline with current professional registration e.g. NMC
  • Working towards registration with an appropriate health or science related professional body
  • Post registration experience as a practitioner in a related field
  • An understanding of and ability to work under the current Health and Social Care Act (e.g. safe guarding vulnerable adults; data protection, information governance)
  • Proven experience in the establishment and maintenance of good relationships with managers, staff and external contracts
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills including report writing and presentations
  • Ability to work independently, manage and prioritise own workload and cope with competing demands
  • Ability to problem solve whilst working in an unpredictable environment, often under pressure and to tight timescales
  • Ability to analyse, interpret and relay information accurately
  • Ability to analyse and interpret information in an effective manner to recommend an appropriate course of action to address the issue(s)
  • An awareness of Quality and Governance frameworks
  • Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office including Word, and Excel
  • Evidence of ongoing CPD and committed to self-development
  • An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, and in relation to management systems

Desirable Criteria

  • Professional Public Health qualification and registration e.g. Specialist Community Public Health (SCPHN) part of the NMC Register or UK PH Register for practitioners
  • Recognised teaching qualification, e.g. ENB 998/PGCE or NVQ Level 4 Certificate in education or equivalent experience
  • Recognised qualification in Infection Prevention and Control or demonstrable equivalent experience
  • Experience of building and developing effective stakeholder relationships
  • Experience of working in community settings and with health care providers
  • Experience of risk management and associated reporting
  • Knowledge of the principles of health protection
  • Experience of supporting/assisting the development and delivery of presentations, training and/or education
  • Understanding of public health law

Selection process details

This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge and experience and skills and capabilities outlined in the person specification.

You will be required to complete an application form. You will also be asked to provide information within the Employer/ Activity history section of the application form. This will be assessed in line with the advertised criteria.

As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide a detailed personal statement / statement of suitability (max 1500 words) based on the essential criteria advertised. This should outline how you consider your skills, knowledge and experience meet the selection requirements. It should provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with particular reference to the person specification criteria outlined.

Applicants are strongly advised to use the person specification section as sub-headings in the application to make it clear how you meet each of the selection criteria.

All candidates who are successful at the sift stage will progress to a single video interview and will be assessed on the essential criteria as advertised.

Location

This role will be based in Harlow.UKHSA offers hybrid working for its employees Any opportunities for informal hybrid working, including whether a hybrid working arrangement is suitable, will be discussed with you prior to you taking up your post. This will be determined primarily by business needs and in line with departmental policies for flexible working.

Some occasional business travel will be required to other UKHSA offices/locations as determined by business needs. Business travel between base location and any other UKHSA offices/locations will be covered under the UKHSA Travel and Expenses policy.

Currently this requires working from an allocated UKHSA base location for 40% of your contracted time as a minimum.

The specifics of which day/s of the week you will work from your allocated UKHSA base location, will be agreed with the line manager.

As part of this role you will be required to work some weekends and nights.

The core working hours for this role are 09:00am to 5:00pm

Please be aware that this role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas. Relocation expenses are not available.

Security Clearance level requirement

People working with government assets must complete Basic Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks which includes a disclosure and barring security check.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • For Civil Service T&C's - First degree (Health Related) or demonstrable equivalent experience / For AfC T&C's Registered General Nurse or Allied Health Professional in relevant clinical discipline with current professional registration e.g. NMC
  • Working towards registration with an appropriate health or science related professional body

Desirable

  • Professional Public Health qualification and registration e.g. Specialist Community Public Health (SCPHN) part of the NMC Register or UK PH Register for practitioners
  • Recognised teaching qualification, e.g. ENB 998/PGCE or NVQ Level 4 Certificate in education or equivalent experience
  • Recognised qualification in Infection Prevention and Control or demonstrable equivalent experience

Knowledge and experience

Essential

  • Post registration experience as a practitioner in a related field
  • An understanding of and ability to work under the current Health and Social Care Act (e.g. safe guarding vulnerable adults; data protection, information governance)
  • Proven experience in the establishment and maintenance of good relationships with managers, staff and external contracts

Desirable

  • Experience of building and developing effective stakeholder relationships
  • Experience of working in community settings and with health care providers
  • Experience of risk management and associated reporting
  • Knowledge of the principles of health protection
  • Experience of supporting/assisting the development and delivery of presentations, training and/or education
  • Understanding of public health law

Skills and capabilities

Essential

  • Effective verbal and written communication skills including report writing and presentations
  • Ability to work independently, manage and prioritise own workload and cope with competing demands
  • Ability to problem solve whilst working in an unpredictable environment, often under pressure and to tight timescales
  • Ability to analyse, interpret and relay information accurately
  • Ability to analyse and interpret information in an effective manner to recommend an appropriate course of action to address the issue(s)
  • An awareness of Quality and Governance frameworks
  • Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office including Word, and Excel
  • Evidence of ongoing CPD and committed to self-development

Equality and diversity

Essential

  • An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, and in relation to management systems
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • For Civil Service T&C's - First degree (Health Related) or demonstrable equivalent experience / For AfC T&C's Registered General Nurse or Allied Health Professional in relevant clinical discipline with current professional registration e.g. NMC
  • Working towards registration with an appropriate health or science related professional body

Desirable

  • Professional Public Health qualification and registration e.g. Specialist Community Public Health (SCPHN) part of the NMC Register or UK PH Register for practitioners
  • Recognised teaching qualification, e.g. ENB 998/PGCE or NVQ Level 4 Certificate in education or equivalent experience
  • Recognised qualification in Infection Prevention and Control or demonstrable equivalent experience

Knowledge and experience

Essential

  • Post registration experience as a practitioner in a related field
  • An understanding of and ability to work under the current Health and Social Care Act (e.g. safe guarding vulnerable adults; data protection, information governance)
  • Proven experience in the establishment and maintenance of good relationships with managers, staff and external contracts

Desirable

  • Experience of building and developing effective stakeholder relationships
  • Experience of working in community settings and with health care providers
  • Experience of risk management and associated reporting
  • Knowledge of the principles of health protection
  • Experience of supporting/assisting the development and delivery of presentations, training and/or education
  • Understanding of public health law

Skills and capabilities

Essential

  • Effective verbal and written communication skills including report writing and presentations
  • Ability to work independently, manage and prioritise own workload and cope with competing demands
  • Ability to problem solve whilst working in an unpredictable environment, often under pressure and to tight timescales
  • Ability to analyse, interpret and relay information accurately
  • Ability to analyse and interpret information in an effective manner to recommend an appropriate course of action to address the issue(s)
  • An awareness of Quality and Governance frameworks
  • Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office including Word, and Excel
  • Evidence of ongoing CPD and committed to self-development

Equality and diversity

Essential

  • An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, and in relation to management systems

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

UK Health Security Agency

Address

Please see location details within advert

Please see location details within advert

CM17 9TX


Employer's website

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

UK Health Security Agency

Address

Please see location details within advert

Please see location details within advert

CM17 9TX


Employer's website

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Resourcing Team

Recruitment Team 4

recruitmentteam4@ukhsa.gov.uk

Details

Date posted

16 August 2023

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£35,392 to £42,618 a year Civil service HEO £31,070 P/A P/R / AfC Band 6 £35,392 P/A P/R

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

7 months

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working

Reference number

919-KM-19262190-EXTA

Job locations

Please see location details within advert

Please see location details within advert

CM17 9TX


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

UK Health Security Agency's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)