Job Introduction
Health Improvement Practitioner (Substance Use)
Help shape a healthier, fairer Oxfordshire by reducing the harm caused by drugs and alcohol
We are looking for a motivated and thoughtful Health Improvement Practitioner to join our supportive public health team and help drive meaningful change for individuals, families and communities across the county
Fixed-term contract until February 2028.
About Us
This is an exciting time to join public health in Oxfordshire. The council’s ambition to become a greener, fairer and healthier county is closely aligned with a stronger focus on prevention, tackling inequalities and improving outcomes for residents. As a Marmot County, Oxfordshire is actively working with partners to reduce unfair and avoidable differences in health between communities.
Our ambitious Combatting Drugs Partnership brings together public health, criminal justice, health, social care and community partners to reduce drug and alcohol-related harm. We have strong local relationships, a shared commitment to prevention and recovery, and a clear focus on improving support for people whose lives are affected by substance use.
Oxfordshire has a high-performing alcohol and drug treatment system, and the additional national investment linked to From Harm to Hope has created real opportunities to develop services, test new approaches and strengthen our local response to substance-related harm.
The renewal of our local health needs assessment will help shape the next stage of this work, making this a particularly rewarding moment to join the team and contribute to decisions that will influence services across Oxfordshire.
About the Role
This role offers the chance to make a visible contribution to one of Oxfordshire’s most important public health priorities. You will help turn evidence, insight and partnership ambition into practical action that improves outcomes for people affected by drug and alcohol use.
Working within a small and supportive team, you will report to the Public Health Programme Manager and sit within the Live Well, Improve and Enable portfolio in the Public Health Team. You will work closely with colleagues and partners to develop, commission and monitor activity that responds to local need and supports national and local ambitions.
The post is dual graded, offering a clear route for development and progression. Candidates who already meet the grade escalation criteria may be appointed at the higher grade, while others will be supported to grow their skills and confidence in the role.
The role is currently based at Midland House, Botley, with agile working across Council locations in Oxfordshire. Office working is currently expected at least one day per week, with home working for the remainder; this is expected to increase in future.
About you
We are looking for someone with experience in health improvement who is curious, organised and committed to reducing inequalities. You will be confident using evidence and local insight to understand population need, develop practical solutions, support commissioning activity and help manage performance across a range of services and projects.
You will bring strong communication skills, sound judgement and the ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of partners. You will also be comfortable managing several priorities at once, producing clear reports and helping translate complex information into action.
You will bring:
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A strong grounding in public health principles and a commitment to prevention and reducing inequalities
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Experience of partnership working and supporting shared work programmes across organisations
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The ability to scope, develop and deliver public health projects from idea through to implementation
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Confidence interpreting data and presenting findings clearly through reports, briefings and presentations
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The resilience and organisation to deliver high-quality work to deadlines while managing competing priorities
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Knowledge and practical experience of procurement processes and managing tendering exercises would be an advantage.
Rewards and benefits
Every role at Oxfordshire County Council contributes to improving life for people across the county, and we want our employees to feel supported, valued and able to thrive. We are proud of our flexible working culture, including flexibility around working hours and the use of technology to support agile working, alongside excellent learning and development opportunities to help you grow.
You will also benefit from a generous holiday allowance, rising with service up to 33 days, with the option to buy additional leave. Other benefits include access to the Local Government Pension Scheme with employer contributions of up to 19.9% of salary, local and national retail discounts, enhanced family-friendly policies, carers leave and paid time off for volunteering.
We may interview suitable candidates as applications are received and therefore reserve the right to close the vacancy before the advertised closing date if a successful candidate is identified.
For a confidential and informal discussion about the post, or if you have any issues with the application system, please email: Tom Addey Public Health Consultant at [email protected]
Your office base may be subject to change as we are currently transitioning between temporary and permanent office locations due to the closure of County Hall. If this is applicable to you, you will be notified, but no reimbursement will apply in respect of travel.
Our commitment to: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.
Our commitment to: Guaranteed Interview Schemes
As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.
Our commitment to: Safeguarding
Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.
Our commitment to: Flexible Working
We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.
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