About the Role
The Chief Environmental Health Practitioner Grd 1 position within the Department of Health is a pivotal role based in the Lejweleputswa District. This position not only involves managing and supervising Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) but also focuses on implementing comprehensive environmental health strategies that significantly impact the well-being of the local community. By ensuring that environmental health practices align with national health regulations, you will contribute directly to enhancing public health standards and quality of life for residents.
In this role, you will oversee the coordination of environmental health services across various facilities, fostering collaboration with stakeholders to address pressing health-related issues. Your leadership will be crucial in developing training programs for staff, managing emergency responses during health crises, and advocating for necessary resources. The work you do here will resonate throughout the community, making a tangible difference in public service.
About the Department
The Department of Health is dedicated to promoting and protecting the health of South African citizens. Its mission encompasses a wide range of initiatives aimed at improving the nation’s health landscape. By working in this department, you will play a vital role in contributing to the health security of communities, ensuring that health policies and practices are effectively implemented, and enhancing the overall quality of public health services.
What You’ll Do
- Manage and supervise Environmental Health Practitioners within the district
- Develop and implement environmental health strategies and policies
- Coordinate environmental health services across various units and facilities
- Liaise with stakeholders on environmental health issues
- Conduct training programs for health practitioners and support staff
- Monitor healthcare facilities to ensure compliance with national standards
- Lead emergency responses during health crises and outbreaks
- Prepare high-level reports for district management and provide expert advice
- Advocate for resource improvements and monitor health trends and performance indicators
What You’ll Need
- A Grade 12 (Senior Certificate) and a degree in Environmental Health
- Registration with the Health Professional Council of South Africa as an independent practitioner
- A minimum of 6 years of relevant experience post-registration, with at least 3 years in environmental health
- Knowledge of legislation related to environmental health and project management
- Strong communication, planning, and supervisory skills
- Ability to work under pressure and adapt to irregular hours
- A valid driver’s license
How to Apply
Please submit your application before the closing date as late applications will not be considered.
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Requirements
A Grade 12 (Senior Certificate) 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.
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.
A valid driver’s license.
Job 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.
Liaise 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 167 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.
Liaise 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.
