Public Health Specialist Practitioner

Job Description

Public Health Specialist Practitioners

Salary: £53,460 - £61,638 per annum

Grade: G

Contract Type: Multiple Permanent Contracts and 1 x Fixed Term Contract 12 months

Working Hours: Full-time (flexible and hybrid working available, minimum of 2 days per week office working)

About the Department

Thurrock Council’s Public Health Team is committed to improving health and wellbeing and reducing health inequalities across our communities. We work collaboratively with partners in health, social care, education, and the voluntary sector to deliver evidence-based interventions and strategies that make a real difference to local people’s lives.

About the Role(s)

There are 4 roles available requiring leadership across the team in various portfolios. Three of these are permanent (Health Improvement, Health Protection, Wider Determinants of Health) and one is fixed term (Healthcare Public Health). You will:

1. Lead on specific public health programmes aligned with the Council’s Corporate Plan, Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy, and Public Health Service Delivery Plan.
2. Provide expert advice on public health policy and practice to internal teams and external partners.
3. Support commissioning of public health services, ensuring evidence-based specifications and performance frameworks.
4. Undertake health needs assessments and contribute to the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA).
5. Translate national and local priorities into effective strategies and commissioning plans.
6. Represent Thurrock Public Health at strategic partnerships to embed public health principles across sectors.
7. Apply behavioural science and social marketing approaches to engage communities and promote health equity.

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking a strategic thinker and collaborative leader with:

• A degree in a Public Health-related subject or equivalent professional qualification.
• Substantial experience in a public health role within a complex public sector environment.
• Strong understanding of public health practice, health promotion models, and health inequalities.
• Excellent communication, partnership working, and influencing skills.
• Ability to analyse and interpret complex data and apply evidence-based approaches.
• Experience in commissioning, performance management, and project delivery.

Desirable:

• Registration as a Public Health Practitioner (UKPHR) or working towards it.
• Project management qualification (e.g., PRINCE2).

Benefits of Working with Us

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working opportunities
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support
• Staff discounts and local offers
• A supportive and inclusive working environment

Important Dates

Closing Date (Redeployment Only): 29th January 2026

Closing Date (Internal & External): 8th February 2026

Interview Date: 26th/27th February (to be confirmed)

Additional Information

For questions about the role or interview process, please contact:

Sareena Gill-Dosanjh – Senior Public Health Specialist Practitioner

Email: sgill@thurrock.gov.uk

To view the Job Profile and Person Specification, please follow the link below:

Download Job Profile (PDF Document)

About us

Why Thurrock?

Working at Thurrock Council gives you the opportunity to join an organisation that is changing at pace, one where you can make a real difference to the lives of the people we serve.

Thurrock Council is moving towards a new community leadership approach which involves linking with local partners and communities as we shape our improvement for the years ahead.

This is an exciting time to join us, to shape the future success of our changing organisation and to have a positive influence on our borough.

Our location

Thurrock is located on the north bank of the river Thames. Our urban centres are a vibrant mix of established towns and new young communities, with a diverse and growing population of around 160,000 residents.

We are an emerging cultural and arts centre, home to the production centre for the Royal Opera House and the National Skills Academy for Creative and Cultural Skills. We have excellent retail and leisure opportunities, including Lakeside Shopping Centre, country parks, forests, and marshes.

Thurrock is just half an hour journey away from the centre of London by train and well connected by road.

Staff benefits

We offer lots of staff benefits, including a generous annual leave entitlement and hybrid working. We champion flexible working and job share applications are welcome.

Further information can be found here Employment benefits | Working for the council | Thurrock Council

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Thurrock Council is committed to equal opportunities. As a Disability Confident Employer, disabled people will be offered an interview where they meet all essential criteria on the person specification.

We serve a diverse community where people are different yet equal. Diversity underpins everything we do.

For further information about Thurrock Council please visit our website: Thurrock Council