The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
Are you passionate about improving outcomes for vulnerable adults and reducing health inequalities? We’re looking for an experienced and motivated Public Health Programme Officer to lead and deliver high-impact projects across drugs, alcohol, mental health and homelessness services in our Public Health Team.
We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.
We support hybrid working, it’s important to us that working arrangements are designed to enable our employees to excel and within this role you’ll have the opportunity to work in a way that suits your lifestyle.
About The Role:
This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping and coordinating services for adults experiencing substance misuse, homelessness and co-occurring mental health needs.
Working within a dynamic Public Health team, you will manage complex programmes and partnerships that improve treatment, recovery and wider health outcomes for some of Reading’s most vulnerable residents.
Experience of managing or supporting procurement processes is essential, as the successful candidate will step into an active drugs and alcohol procurement already underway.
As Public Health Programme Officer, you will:
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Lead and manage complex public health projects relating to drugs, alcohol, homelessness and co-occurring conditions.
- Develop project plans, governance structures, communication plans and performance monitoring frameworks.
- Coordinate multi-agency working across Public Health, housing, mental health, NHS, voluntary sector and other partner organisations.
- Chair meetings, manage referral processes and ensure effective information sharing and safeguarding practices.
- Monitor project budgets, risks, outcomes and performance, reporting regularly to senior leaders and boards.
- Contribute to commissioning activity, business cases, bids and service development.
- Analyse data, undertake research and translate national policy into effective local action.
- Build strong partnerships that drive innovation and improve recovery pathways for vulnerable adults.
About You:
You will bring proven experience in project or programme management, alongside a strong understanding of the challenges faced by people experiencing substance misuse, homelessness and/or mental ill health.
You will have experience working within public health, local government, health, social care or a related environment, and be confident managing complex projects, partnerships, budgets and performance data. Strong analytical skills and the ability to translate national policy into effective local action are essential.
We are looking for someone who is an excellent communicator and relationship builder, able to work collaboratively across a wide range of organisations and stakeholders.
You will be organised, resilient and proactive, with the ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining a focus on improving outcomes for vulnerable adults. Most importantly, you will be passionate about reducing health inequalities and committed to making a positive difference in the lives of Reading residents.
You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.
Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:
Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do
Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential.
Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way.
Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed.
Our offer:
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition are strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.
A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
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Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 30 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave
- A wide range of flexible working opportunities
- Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
- On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
- Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax
For more information on this position please contact Sally Andersen, Public Health Principal – Adults on [email protected] or 0118 937 3244
Closing Date: Sunday 28th June 2026
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Interview Setup: In person at the Civic Centre, Bridge Street, Reading, RG1 2LU
