Enforcement Officer

Our client, a large Public Sector Organisation requires an Enforcement Officer based in Newtownabbey.

Hours of work: 37 hrs per week on a Shift Pattern

Hourly Rate: £16.37 Plus 10% Flexibility Allowance

LOCATION OF POST

Mossley Mill, but post holder will be required to work across Antrim and Newtownabbey Council areas.

MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB

As a member of the Environmental Health Section the Enforcement Officer will be expected to contribute to the Environmental Health Business Plan and deliver services which are customer focused, innovative and in accordance with Council's Corporate Plan. Be responsible to the Senior Enforcement Officer for the effective and efficient performance of duties of the post as follows:

• Dog Licensing
• Litter Control
• Fly-Tipping of Waste
• Graffiti/ Fly Posting
• Dog Control
• Tobacco Control
• Abandoned Vehicles
• Animal Welfare
• Design and Implement Education Campaigns

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Enforce the relevant requirements of the Clean Neighbourhood and Environment Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 and in particular:-

• Enforce provisions of Council's Dog Control Orders
• Investigate problems of littering, illegal dumping, dog fouling and issue fixed penalty notices where appropriate or recommend legal proceedings in accordance with the Environmental Health Enforcement Policy
• Undertake patrols to detect and prevent offences
• Identify areas for the erection of signage and erect signs as required
• Ensure accurate and up to date records are kept and maintained in accordance Reviewed 20/11/2023 with Information Governance Procedures and specific requirements of Service Level Agreements e.g. DVLA
• Identify fly posting and graffiti incidents and report them to the appropriate department for removal

Following the Council's Sharps Handling Procedure, the post holder will be required to examine and handle waste, use appropriate equipment provided to remove possibly contaminated needles/syringes and other dangerous items and report all potential and actual incidents to the Senior Enforcement Officer

Enforce the relevant requirements of dog control legislation including the Dogs (NI) Order 1983, The Dangerous Dogs (NI) Order other associated legislation and in particular:-

• Investigate complaints of keeping of unlicensed dogs and dog straying
• Investigate incidents of dog attacks
• Collect unwanted dogs as required
• Microchipping of dogs as required
• Give advice to dog owners and members of the public generally on matters relating to the safekeeping and control of dogs

Enforce provisions of the Smoking Order (NI) 2006 as directed and in particular:-

• Carry out visits, inspections and provide advice on matters relating to smoke free premises and report any incidents of noncompliance to the Principal Environmental Health Officer.

Enforce the relevant provisions of the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011 as required and in particular:-

• Liaise with and assist the Animal Welfare Officer as required, and when necessary, investigate instances related to Animal Welfare as directed by the Senior Enforcement Officer
• Carry out inspections of Breeding Establishments

Prepare and personally serve statutory notices as required.

Investigate complaints and assist in the removal of Abandoned Vehicles within the Borough under the Provisions of the Pollution Control and Local Government (Northern Ireland) Order 1978.

Prepare reports and files for potential prosecution and in particular:-

• Preparing and interviewing witnesses and suspects in accordance with the relevant codes of practice under the Police and Criminal Evidence (NI) Order 1989 (PACE)
• Gathering evidence
• Presenting evidence in court
• Liaising with Councils and defendants legal advisors.

Make suitable and sufficient records for all work, ensuring paper and computer files are maintained and updated.

Liaise directly with official bodies and other organisations in keeping with the duties of the post.

Attend and participate in education/engagement activities in schools and the community and on relevant internal and external working groups/forums etc on matters relating to the post, as requested by the Senior Enforcement Officer.

Assist with the compilation of statistical reports and information requests.

Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to develop and deliver a range of initiatives promoting environmental awareness in areas such as responsible dog ownership, prevention of litter and abatement of fly tipping. Education

Assist in the setup and removal of equipment etc during Environmental Health / Council events or as part of the Councils Emergency Response Protocols.

Contribute to the development of policies and written procedures to achieve continuous improvement in the quality of service and participate in the development and achievement of the Environmental Health Business Plan.

The post holder will be required to perform the majority of their duties working alone and outside in all types of weather and environmental conditions. This will require wearing Council issued uniforms and appropriate PPE including Body Armour and a personal CCTV camera as required.

Drive and be responsible for a Council vehicle in line with Fleet Management Policy and Procedures including infection control from any animals transported in the vehicles.

Assist in the training and supervision of student Environmental Health Officer(s) to enable completion of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health training requirements. In addition, assist with the training of recently qualified/newly appointed Environmental Health staff.

To be available from time to time to carry out duties outside of normal working pattern and in addition to basic contracted hours. Such additional hours will be remunerated in line with Council's approved policies at that time. The principal responsibilities listed above are an indicator of the main aspects of the role as opposed to representing a definite list.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Demonstrate a team approach to achieving the objectives of the Environmental Health Service through full flexibility in relation to tasks undertaken.

Provide a high level of internal and external customer service including taking ownership of customer queries and complaints and following issues through to completion.

Continuously develop personal knowledge and skills to enhance internal and external customer service.

Comply with Council's policies and procedures including those relating to health, safety, wellbeing and safeguarding.

Promote equality and diversity across all service areas through clear leadership, effective policy implementation and demonstrating appropriate behaviours in line with Council values.

Carry out any other relevant duties which may be assigned including working in other sections of the Department and Council

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• A minimum of 5 GCSEs (including English Language Grades A - C) or equivalent
• Consideration may be given to those who do not possess the academic qualifications but who have a minimum 1 year's relevant experience

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Relevant third level qualification

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE

6 months' relevant experience to include:-

• Experience in the preparation of reports
• Dealing with the public

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE

• Experience of enforcing legislation
• Experience of giving evidence in Court
• Experience in working with dogs in a professional capacity.

ESSENTIAL KEY SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Competent in the use of IT systems including Microsoft Office applications
• Effective communication skills
• Ability to work unsupervised and to meet deadlines
• Ability to attend court and give evidence as required

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE

A working knowledge of current legislation and relevant legislation specific to the post

OTHER

• Required to work flexible shifts to include early mornings, evenings, weekends and public holidays
• Full current driving licence or, if a disability prevents driving, access of a suitable form of transport to enable the duties of the post to be carried out in full

To be shortlisted for this role all applicants MUST meet the essential criteria. If you are interested, please upload your CV to the link provided, and Rory McGregor will be in contact to confirm if you have been shortlisted.