Specialist Wellbeing and Public Health Officer

About the role

Specialist Wellbeing and Public Health Officer

Permanent, Full Time

£42,626 to £50,148 per annum

Location: Chelmsford*

Closing Date: 9th September 2025

*This is a hybrid-working role, with a requirement to work at a functional work location on 1-2 days per week on average, depending on business need.

The role

We are seeking two Specialist Public Health and Wellbeing Officers to join the health Improvement team in Public Health. The roles we will support the head of service and senior managers to deliver against the portfolio delivery plans, overseeing and managing various areas of work.

Accountabilities

The Specialist Public Health officer role will provide advice, specialist knowledge, and support the development and delivery of strategy, policy, and projects within the health improvement portfolio.

The role will work collaboratively with senior management providing project oversight and delivery of outlined objectives, ensuring that prioritised activities can be planned and delivered to a high standard. Examples of what the work will include;

Develop, deliver and report against plans to achieve portfolio objectives
Lead and manage relationships with commissioned providers for accountable areas, ensuring you work collaboratively with the provider the deliver high quality outcomes, as part of the contract.
Write business cases or proposals to deliver against portfolio aims
Support governance processes where appropriate for new and/ or re-defined work
Support and coordinate the procurement of commissioned services as required within the portfolio.
Work across the wider public health team and Essex County Council colleagues to ensure synergy and integration across areas of work
Build strong relationships and work in collaboration (for example with, but not limited to, Alliances, ICBs and District/Borough/City Councils) not only to deliver levels of integrated activity, but also to identify any further opportunities and efficiencies across organisations.
Contribute and participate in relevant OHID regional groups

You will bring…

Educated to degree level and/or appropriate professional experience, with demonstrable evidence of delivering excellence in health initiatives. Specialist knowledge in tobacco control and sexual health desirable but not essential.
Recent and relevant health commissioning, project and programme management experience, with a proven track record of successfully delivering outcomes.
Ability to work across multiple agendas within a diverse public health portfolio, using your knowledge and skills of public health methodology to adapt to different agenda areas.
Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with a range of internal and external stakeholders, with the ability to engage and collaborate with partners on a wide range of public health initiatives.
Knowledge and experience of all aspects of the commissioning cycle, project life cycle and related activities gained within a commissioning environment.
Experience of delivery of public services and managing change in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.
Experience of working in a political environment, working effectively with members and senior officers across the council and partner agencies.

Please note that the job role requires you to be mobile throughout an operational area. Therefore, the post holder will need to have a driving licence and access to a vehicle, or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means.

To read more about us please visit: People, Policy, Economy and Public Health - Working for Essex

Why Essex?

As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in Everyone's Essex. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.

In February 2025, Greater Essex was accepted onto the Government’s devolution priority programme, which will see local authorities in Essex work towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority by May 2026. You can read more about devolution and local government reorganisation (LGR) on our careers site.

Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.

Once you’ve secured your role within Essex County Council you will receive many great employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs.

At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

If you would like to be kept up to date on other relevant opportunities, blogs, news, events and industry related news at Essex County Council, please join The Essex Talent Community

If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk

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