skip to Main Content

Public Health Officer Job Description

What does a Public Health Officer do?

A Public Health Officer is responsible for monitoring and assessing public health trends, developing strategies and policies to improve the health of the community, and responding to public health emergencies. They work closely with local authorities, healthcare providers, and community organizations to promote health and prevent disease. This can include conducting health education campaigns, collecting and analyzing health data, and coordinating with other government agencies to address public health issues. A Public Health Officer is committed to promoting and protecting the health and well-being of their local community.

Our Public Health Officer job description includes the Public Health Officer responsibilities, duties, skills, education, qualifications, and experience.

Public Health Officer Example


Our Job Advertising Packages

Choose the best package, edit the advert and post your job!

 StarterPremiumCorporateNationalBrandedResourcer
Reed
Indeed Sponsored
Monster
Google Jobs
Glassdoor
LinkedIn Jobs
Totaljobs
Jobsite
Guardian Jobs
CV-Library
Industry boards
CV Targeting*
many more
£99£199£329£349£399£599
Job Advert Package + Flat Fee Recruitment Services
CV Filtering
Video Interviewing
Interview Scheduling
£799£799£929£949£999£1199

If you need an example job description for a Public Health Officer download the one below, alternatively we have many other Education job description samples and a job description library with over 3000 job descriptions templates that you can download for free.

What does a Public Health Officer do?

Public health officers are responsible for monitoring the health of the public and promoting healthy lifestyles. They investigate the causes of ill health and take measures to prevent the spread of infectious and communicable diseases, as well as providing advice on a range of health-related topics. Public health officers also carry out research and provide advice to local authorities, schools, businesses and other organisations on a range of health issues. They may also be involved in the development of health promotion initiatives and campaigns.

Public Health Officer Role Purpose

The purpose of a Public Health Officer is to promote and protect the health of the public. This involves providing advice and guidance on health-related matters, such as health education, nutrition, disease prevention and control, and environmental health. They also collaborate with other health professionals to develop and implement public health policies and initiatives, and monitor the effectiveness of health services. Public Health Officers may also conduct research and analyse data to identify trends and areas of need, and develop strategies to address health issues.

Public Health Officer Role

A Public Health Officer is responsible for monitoring and promoting public health in a variety of settings. They work to identify, assess and manage health risks, create health promotion initiatives and advise on public health policy. They also provide guidance and support to healthcare providers, local authorities, businesses and communities to improve the health of their population.

Public Health Officer Duties

  • Provide advice and guidance on public health matters
  • Develop and implement public health initiatives and programmes
  • Conduct research and analyse data to inform public health policy and strategy
  • Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of public health programmes
  • Collaborate with a range of stakeholders such as local authorities, healthcare providers and members of the public
  • Keep up to date with developments in public health
  • Produce reports and presentations for senior management and other stakeholders

Public Health Officer Requirements

  • A degree in public health or a related field
  • Expert knowledge of public health policies and procedures
  • Ability to interpret and analyse data
  • Excellent problem solving and communication skills
  • Strong organisational and leadership abilities

Public Health Officer Skills

  • Communication
  • Organisational
  • Analytical

Public Health Officer Personal Traits

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • High level of credibility and integrity
  • Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively

How to write a Public Health Officer Job Advert

Use our job advert template to write a job advert for posting on job sites and job boards. Our job advertising templates are carefully created to help you reach your audience and beat the competition to the best talent.

A job description informs the reader about a job, whereas a job advert’s main objective is to sell the job opportunity to attract as many suitable applicants possible. A job advert maybe the first touch-point a candidate has with your company so it is important to create a great impression.

Job Advertisements should enticing, so considering using short, exciting language which get the reader’s attention.

How to write a Public Health Officer Job Description

To write a job description, we recommend starting with a job description template from our job description library, which contains examples for 800+ positions and professions. Our job description examples include a job summary with duties and responsibilities and skills and requirements, which can be personalised for your job vacancy.

Job Description Advice - Guidance on How to Personalise a Public Health Officer Job Specification

The hiring process and recruiting new employees to fill your key roles requires a degree of personalisation if you are to attract the best employees in a competitive employment market. The right person for a crucial role or more senior roles will likely have other employers targeting them. As your job description will be the first point of contact, you need to nail your pitch and provide the best possible service.

Job Description Tips - Help on formatting a Public Health Officer Job Specification

When creating your bespoke description and advert, you should cover and promote these points:

Job title: This should accurately reflect the role and include keywords that top talent might be using to search for jobs.

Job duties: The day to day duties, such as administrative tasks, which vary depending on the company and inform the candidate if they can complete the role.

Technical skills: These are the hard skills required through training, such as proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Soft skills: These include the interpersonal skills and general abilities the right candidates will possess. For example, the competency to prioritise multiple tasks, handle customer queries and customer complaints, work alone, or build a good relationship with coworkers.

The company's culture: Highlighting your company culture and values ensures employees thrive and find outstanding job satisfaction. Candidates that are not the right fit won’t waste their time completing the application process, meaning you can focus on qualified individuals and hire in a more timely manner.

Career progression: Including the career path will entice candidates looking for career growth. 

Training and development programs: Smaller companies may need employees with previous experience or provide educational assistance over internal training offered by larger organisations with more significant resources. 

Employee benefits: Compensation and benefits often fail to appear in job ads and while you may want to hold your cards close to your chest, failing to include them is a mistake. Consider answering common questions, such as working hours and paid leave. Researching the average salary for the role in these early stages will ensure you don’t waste your interviewer’s and the candidate’s time.

Skill gaps: Your company may need to bring in new skills beyond those required to complete the key role and duties. Thinking on an organisational level can be beneficial when contemplating skills diversity.

Legal requirements: Ensure your job advert and description does not ask for inappropriate or discriminatory personal details, such as age, marital status, or religion.

How to Hire a Public Health Officer

Once you have selected your Job Description download it or convert it to a Job Advert. From here you can post/advertise your job across our network of job boards. If you wish to use the job description for a CV Template click through for advice and Convert to a CV

Back To Top