Health Improvement Worker (Inequalities)

Job Description

Job Category: Admin & Clerical
Location: Newry, Mourne and Down District Council
Hours Per Week: 37.00
Start Date: Immediate Start
Start Time: 09:00
End Time: 17:00
Salary: £15.78

The Health Improvement Worker will champion key health improvement priorities between local government and the health sector, identified by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC) and the Public Health Agency (PHA). This will be achieved by developing and delivering on an action plan to improve the health outcomes for marginalised, disadvantaged and excluded individuals and communities.

Duties and Responsibilities
1. Act as a champion for addressing health and wellbeing inequalities within Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
2. Develop, manage, coordinate and review Health Improvement Plans and offer ongoing support and assistance to ensure that objectives/targets are met.
3. Develop an Action Plan to tackle health and wellbeing inequalities which will contribute to the Council’s Community Plan.
4. Carry out research and analysis and report on same to Line Management regarding policy development, reports, relevant legislation, policy papers and other consultation documents in line with area of work.
5. Identify funding opportunities to tackle health and wellbeing inequalities within the Council area relevant to the post, in conjunction with Line Management.
6. Develop and manage Council led Health Improvement projects, as per guidelines laid down by funders, partners and Council to include:
a) the preparation of funding applications.
b) implementing, reporting and evaluating projects (including claims) and budget administration.

7. Develop and analyse specifications and tenders for projects relevant to the post, ensuring that the Council receives value for money. Liaise with successful companies to manage the projects through from specification to completion, including administration of appropriate budgets.
8. Maintain the effective and efficient management of records and document retention procedures to ensure compliance with all Council and Funder policies and audit procedures.
9. Liaise, engage and consult with relevant stakeholders, including Elected Members, Council departments, user groups, voluntary and statutory agencies to promote the relevant areas of responsibility to meet the needs of the service.
10. Develop and maintain communication networks with key partners in the statutory, community, voluntary and social sectors using a variety of methods to promote the work of the post.
11. Provide a link between Local Government and health and wellbeing services within the health and social care and other sectors, including those provided by the community and voluntary sector.
12. Provide a link between marginalised, disadvantaged and excluded individuals and communities and service providers.
13. Identify and actively engage with those communities, in the Council area who do not access services, initiatives and programmes which seek to improve health and wellbeing.
14. Proactively target areas of disadvantage to promote up-take of and access to health and wellbeing services.
15. Raise awareness of the range of health and wellbeing services, initiatives and programmes available throughout the locality and explore and identify barriers to their access by marginalised, disadvantaged and excluded individuals and communities.
16. Organise, promote and represent Health and Wellbeing in area of responsibility at events and initiatives as requested by Line Management.
17. Map out services available in the Council area to inform identification of available services and update as necessary.
18. Provide advice and guidance on Health Improvement and where appropriate, direct to potential funders and providers / agencies.
19. Prepare reports (including progress reports to Line Manager for funders), make presentations, deliver briefings and promote the work of tackling health and wellbeing inequalities to a range of Organisations, Communities, funders etc.
20. Assist in the training and mentoring of students on placement or work experience as well as new departmental employees, as required.

Financial Management and Controls:
21. Work within agreed budgets and finances to deliver service priorities, by ensuring that allocated budgets are effectively administered, implemented and adhered to.
22. Purchase of goods and/or services in accordance with the Council’s procurement policy.
23. Ensure functions under the control of the post holder are operated in accordance with the Council’s risk management and governance processes, and that the appropriate documentation is completed and signed off as necessary.