Assistant Director- Environmental Health Services (Food Safety) at Gauteng Department of Health

Requirements :

• A diploma/degree in Environmental Health. A post graduate degree in Environmental Health will be added advantage. Registration with HPCSA as an Environmental Health Practitioner.
• At least five (5) years’ experience Post Community service and three (3) years’ experience as a Chief Environmental Health. Current Registration with the Health Professional Council of South Africa.
• Must be willing to travel and work irregular hours and during public holidays when the need arises. A valid South African driver’s licence is mandatory.

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• Excellent communication (written, verbal, presentation and liaison) skills. Skills in preparations for National and Provincial campaigns. Knowledge of Foodborne illness/Food poisoning Outbreak Response measures. Management of Environmental Health (EH) Services and the training of staff. Proficiency in Microsoft office in particular word, and power point with excellent presentation skills.
• Appropriate Coordination and negotiation skills. An ability to supervise. Ability to solve problems with proven analytic skills. A high level of diligence and commitment in ensuring that all duties are performed within tight and stipulated timeframes with outputs that are of the required quality. Knowledge of the concept of the Departmental Annual Performance and Strategic Plans.
• Knowledge of policy analysis, development, research and information management. Knowledge and competency in project planning and management.
• Knowledge of the following important Acts: The Public Service Act, the Public Service Regulation, the Public Finance Management Act as well as National Health Act.
• In depth knowledge of people management skills, financial, human resource management, development, leadership, communication (written and verbal), coordination, planning, organizational as well as computer skills. Knowledge and proven competencies in financial management skills, Change and knowledge management, Problem resolution.
• Ability to work independently and under pressure. Understanding legislative frameworks and related policies in the health public sector and other prescripts.

Duties :

• Co ordinating food safety operation in Gauteng province. Ensuring regulatory compliance ensuring that food safety standards and policies set by the province are met.
• Ensuring inspections and audits conducted by municipalities in all food preparation, packaging, and storage. Investigate complaints related to food safety related to food safety concerns, outbreaks, and any violations to food safety regulations.
• Co ordinating food control forum meetings, generating reports for senior management. Collaborating with other departments / agencies involved in food safety. Policy development – contribution to food safety policies, procedures, and guidelines to enhance the effectiveness of the food control unit.
• Training EHPs – providing and professional development opportunities for all EHPs s are updated to best practices, regulations, and techniques in food safety.
• Emergency response planning in the development of emergency response plans for food related incidences such as food borne illness outbreaks contamination and recalls.
• Provide support to District Environmental Health Managers and Chief Environmental Health Practitioner on other related activities Execute other tasks/duties delegated by the Deputy Director Environmental Health Manager / Supervisor. Coordinate water quality and food safety monitoring. Be part of the joint operational and intelligence structures dealing with food safety crisis.
• Be an active member of the Provincial Outbreak Response Team. Coordinate and support the implementation of Environmental Health (EH) Services in the programme in the districts, sub-districts and facilities.
• Province. Support and liaise with the Health Districts/ Sub-districts Environmental Health Services Coordinators/Managers, Municipalities in the management of EH.
• Facilitate the licencing of hazardous substance dealers in terms of the Hazardous Substance Act (Act 15 of 1973) at various Districts within the Province. Support the development and implementation of Environmental Health Policies, Guidelines, Strategic and Operational Plans, Service Level Agreements and Technical Specifications as they relate to Environmental Health scope of practice.
• Assist in identifying the key internal stake holders to institute an Environmental Management Committee for the Department to ensure compliance to the National Environmental Management Act (ACT 107 of 1998).
• Advocate for prioritization of Environmental Health services in communities towards global recovery. Advocate the implementation of the National Department of Health Environmental Management Plan to mitigate impacts of Carbon Footprints. Support the development of tobacco control policy to ensure that the use of tobacco products in all Health facilities is kept under control.
• Conduct Municipal Health Services Audits as per the National Environmental Health Norms and Standards. Promote and Coordinate Intergovernmental Relations to improve Environmental Health Service. Participate in Multisectoral (Municipal, Provincial, and National) forums that seeks to promote Environmental Health Services.
• Maintain Environmental Health Service staff satisfaction through training and quality improvement plans. Ensure staff development and performance management by implementation of related Human Resource Policies.
• Ensure implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation of the programme and related contracts. Collate, Analyse and Disseminate relevant Environmental Data.
• Coordinate the Management of pest control services at the Health facility level. Facilitate the review of pest control programmes in accordance to facility’s needs. Compile Monthly, Quarterly and Annual reports and be ready to provide Portfolio of Evidence to collaborate these reports Execute any related activities as directed by the immediate supervisor.
• Support in the management and implementation of Disease Outbreaks guidelines. Define budgetary requirements for the function as per department guidelines and the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Supply Chain Management Policies and risks management. Supervision, motivation and development of the subordinates with management of dynamics of the team. Conduct and supervise any necessary research needed to improve the management of Environmental Health.
• Manage any project related to the programme through developing any specifications and ensure that services are procured in line with the statutory prescriptions.
• Be available to attend other meetings within Public Health Directorate related meetings as well as other meetings related to the EH at both Provincial and National levels.
• Provide the necessary support during Disease Outbreaks and Campaigns. Capacitate and develop sub-districts EH coordinators through training and supportive supervision. Organize, attend and chair EH meetings. Implement the Heat and Health Plan for the Department instituted by the National Health Department.