Chief Environmental Health Practitioner at Free State Department of Health

Requirements:

• A Grade 12 (Senior Certificate) and Four-year degree in Environmental Health, Registration with the Health Professional Council of Southern African as an independent practitioner.
• Minimum of 6 years of appropriate experience after registration with HPCSA post community service. At least three (3) years’ experience in environmental health. A valid driver’s license.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of legislation related to environmental health, project management and stakeholder engagement. Knowledge of the International Health Regulations.
• Good communication (verbal and written), planning and organizing, supervisory, research/analysis, and problem solving as well as computer skills (MS Office package). Ability to work well under pressure, irregular hours, independently and in a team.

Duties:

• Management and supervision of EHP's in the District. Effective development of staff, Plan and implement Environmental Health Strategies, Oversee and coordinate. Environmental health services rendered by EHP's based at different units/ facilities within the District.
• Liase with other stakeholders on Environmental Health related issues, support and ideal clinics. Management and coordination of training programs in the district. Monitoring of health care facilities in accordance to national norms and standards. Develop, implement, and review environmental health policies and SOPs.
• Align Primary Health Care environmental health practices with national health regulations. Contribute to PHC strategic plans and quality improvement programs. Lead environmental health response during emergencies and outbreaks. Participate in disaster and emergency preparedness planning. Advise District leadership during environmental health crises.
• Ensure ongoing training programs for PHC staff and community awareness campaigns according to health calendar. Review food-related incident investigations and reports. Promote environmental health awareness at senior management level. Advise on chemical safety, hazardous substances, and spill management. Prepare high-level reports for District management. Provide expert advice on environmental health risks and controls. Monitor trends, incidents, and performance indicators. Advocate for resources, staffing, and infrastructure improvements.
• Investigate complaints related to food safety related to food safety concerns, outbreaks, and any violations to food safety regulations in collaboration with Municipal Health services. Emergency response planning in the development of emergency response plans for food related incidences such as food born illness outbreaks contamination and recalls. Liase with provincial EHS, ensure the implementation of the department's strategies.
• Assist with other activities delegated by the supervisor / manager. Provide support to District Environmental Health Manager or Assistant Director Environmental Health on other related activities. Execute other tasks/duties delegated by the Assistant Director Environmental Health Manager / Supervisor. Participate in Malaria control activities. Ensure capturing of relevant data on DHIS and other systems.