Tobacco Control Officer

Full Vacancy Description

Overview

We are looking for a Trading Standards Professional or a person with a similar enforcement background to work on our established Tobacco Control Project which includes UAS, Point of Sale, Labelling, Counterfeit and Contraband Tobacco, Smokeless Tobacco. Some evening work will be required.

1. Purpose of the Job

To enforce the Smoke Free legislation and to promote the cessation of Tobacco products. To carry out surveys and studies on the use and sale of Tobacco products within the Borough.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

1.         To use statutory powers to enforce the Smoke Free legislation. Ensuring all work is undertaken in accordance with statutory requirements, the Council’ policies and procedures, the highest professional practice and to the benefit of residents of the Borough.

2.         Provide technical advice on all issues relating to Smoke Free work and be responsible for ensuring that such advice is given in accordance with the best professional standards, where appropriate assuming and exercising delegated statutory authority.

3.         Ensure compliance with current legislation making decisions on applications or dealing with issues as they arise, or within prescribed time scales, and using enforcement and other legal measures as necessary.

4.         Promote the work and services of the Directorate and Section liaising with other services within the Council, external bodies and statutory authorities including the provision of information, advice, guidance and assistance to residents of the Borough and businesses.

5.         To have full knowledge to undertake the role of an authorised Officer under the Health Act 2006. Serving fixed penalty notices, preparing prosecutions, giving advice and undertaking presentations on issues relating to smoke free, tobacco control, cessation of the use of products and sales of Tobacco products.

6.         To take part in the delivery of smoking cessation services. To attract individuals and groups to the smoking cessation service.

3. Job Activities

1.         Exercise delegated authority where authorised to act as an authorised Officer on behalf of the Council under the appropriate legislative provisions and ensure statutory responsibilities are properly and effectively discharged,           

2.         To undertake programmed and complaint inspections, surveys and investigations under all the relevant Legislation, including visiting sites alone taking necessary action, such visits will involve attending locations and encountering situations which may involve personal risk.

3.         Provide technical advice and guidance on specific service area to residents, consumers, traders and businesses etc. in relation to Tobacco Control.

4.         Promote public and business education by devising and organising talks, presentations, displays, exhibitions to the public, schools, trade associations and other groups as necessary.

5.         Responsible for the proper storage, care, calibration of specialist and routine equipment, which may be necessary for the carrying out of the post.

6.         Carry a caseload prioritising and programming work and making day to day decisions on cases as required.

7.         Carry out and assist in the enforcement and legal process functions in commercial premises, including the prosecution and the execution of warrants necessitating the forced entry to premises.

8.         Prepare case reports and make recommendations for legal proceedings and provide briefings for legal representatives as necessary on cases.

9.         Produce witness statements, attend court and other legal forums and act as an expert witness in Environmental Health issues on behalf of the Council.

10.       Participate in the preparation of policies, procedures and guidance notes and the development of quality assurance and system manuals on good practice.

11.       To prepare correspondence and reports as necessary and be a representative of the Council at, Forums, Multi-disciplinary working groups etc.

12.       Initiate and carry out enforcement and legal process functions in commercial premises, including the prosecution, seizure or detention of goods, issuing notices, application for and the execution of warrants necessitating the forced entry to premises.

13.       Actively promote stop smoking services, deliver a specialist service, offering one to one or group support to a range of clients wanting to give up smoking. Monitoring of clients through a follow up process.

14.       To represent the Council on liaison and multi-disciplinary working groups both within and outside the Borough and ensure appropriate liaison with all interested parties on issues including the public, elected members, other Council Dept’s, and other Local Authorities.

15.       The post holder may be required to undertake any duty appropriate to the post within any team of the Section at any location within the Borough.

16.       To ensure that all duties and responsibilities are performed in accordance with all Council’s Policies and Procedures including Financial Regulations, Standing Orders, Personnel Policies and Procedures, Health & Safety Policy etc.

16.       To participate in the Council’s Performance Development and Review scheme achieving identified standards / targets and ensuring these are met within the agreed time scale.

17.       Keep abreast of professional developments and best practice in all own specialist area of Environmental Health, attending Continuing Professional Development Courses as appropriate and applying updated knowledge to present case load and sharing information gather on Courses, including providing training for other staff.

18.       To operate and utilise Information Technology as appropriate to the work of the Section and assist with the identification and development of new IT applications that would improve the efficiency of the Section.

19.       To promote and comply with the Council’s Equal Opportunities Policy in the opposition and eradication of all forms of discrimination and to ensure all services are accessible to all users

20.       To undertake any other duties and responsibilities which may from time to time arise which are within the capabilities of the post holder and commensurate with the grade of the post.