Occupational Health Advisor – Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service

Occupational Health Advisor

£40,221 – £43,421 per annum + benefits

About the role

We are seeking to fill an upcoming vacancy for the role of Occupational Health Advisor.

Reporting directly to Head of Occupational Health, Wellbeing and Safety you will be responsible for the provision of a comprehensive occupational health service whilst ensuring the effective use of resources. The role will provide a professional service to employees and department managers in the delivery of exceptional services to our community and key stakeholders.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a firm commitment to inclusivity, fairness, dignity and the highest standards of ethical behaviours and champion these in their day to day work in compliance with our ethical code of conduct.

We welcome applications from all sections of society with the necessary skills, qualifications and experience and encourage applications from underrepresented groups in our workforce or society.

As the Occupational Health Advisor you will:

• To manage and progress a caseload of Occupational Health referrals, provide written reports to HR and managers following referral with clear guidance on the Occupational Health recommendations for both the client and the manager including onward referral to physiotherapists, Counselling Service, etc as appropriate.
• Advising where case conference and case management meetings may seem appropriate and taking an active role in these.
• To provide confidential professional, best practice advice on pre-employment assessments, sickness absence, rehabilitation, work related health issues and proactive health interventions to HR staff, line mangers and members of staff, including where appropriate, advice on implications of Equality Act 2010.
• To ensure employee OH records are maintained and confidentiality requirements observed; complying with the overall requirements of confidentiality of medical record keeping and legislation e.g. data protection.
• To identify potential occupational sickness hotspots/trends and to provide advice and guidance on eliminating and minimising causes of absence to help improve attendance at work.

We are seeking a candidate who has demonstrable experience of:

• Managing a clinical caseload
• Interpreting and analysing complex reports and information and making recommendation based on findings
• Delivery of health surveillance and vaccination programmes
• Demonstrate a good understanding of a range of occupational health issues
• Comprehensive and contemporary work experience of phlebotomy, vaccinations, spirometry and audiometry
• Supporting employees with reasonable adjustments

About our Occupational Health, Wellbeing and Safety team

The Occupational Health, Wellbeing and Safety Department has been newly introduced to the Service to bring together the functions that support our employees’ health, wellbeing and safety.