Occupational Health and Safety Adviser

North East Ambition; Gateshead; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization in Gateshead seeks a qualified Occupational Health Practitioner to provide high-quality healthcare services. The successful candidate will assess fitness for work, manage sickness absence referrals, and contribute to health initiatives. This role offers a competitive salary of £36,363 - £39,152 plus a 15% R&R allowance, generous annual leave, and flexible working options, promoting a great work-life balance. Join a passionate team dedicated to enhancing workplace health and wellbeing.

Benefits

Competitive Salary

Outstanding Pension Scheme

Generous Annual Leave

Flexible Working Hours

Hybrid & Flexible Working

Learning & Development

Health & Scheme

Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme

Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse qualification is essential.
• Recognised Occupational Health qualification or willingness to work towards needed.
• Knowledge of disability discrimination legislation within the Equality Act 2010.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality and evidence-based occupational health services.
• Conduct health surveillance and screening programmes.
• Manage case management of sickness absence referrals.

Skills

Ability to assess fitness for work and provide evidence-based advice

Skilled in managing complex OH cases and planning return-to-work strategies

Excellent written and verbal communication

Ability to analyse health-related concerns and recommend pragmatic solutions

Demonstrated confidentiality and integrity when handling sensitive health information

Education

Registered Nurse

Recognised Occupational Health qualification or willingness to work towards

Tools

Microsoft Office

Electronic health record systems

Job description

Join us in shaping a healthier, happier workplace.

Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match.

We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time. We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive. At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.

About the Role:

You’ll provide high-quality, evidence-based occupational health services, including:

• Health surveillance and screening programmes
• Pre-placement assessments
• Case management of sickness absence referrals
• Professional advice on fitness for work and workplace adjustments
• Supporting health and initiatives across the Council

You’ll work as part of a multi-disciplinary team including OH Physicians, Physiotherapists, Counsellors, and HR colleagues.

What you’ll bring:

To be shortlisted, your CV and application must demonstrate that you meet the following:

Qualifications & Knowledge

• Are a Registered Nurse
• Has a Recognised Occupational Health qualification OR willingness to work towards
• Knowledge of disability discrimination legislation within the Equality Act 2010

Experience

• Has Post-registration clinical experience
• Experience in occupational health practice\
• Case management experience, including report writing
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic health record systems

Skills

• Ability to assess fitness for work and provide evidence-based advice
• Skilled in managing complex OH cases and planning return-to-work strategies
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Ability to analyse health-related concerns and recommend pragmatic solutions
• Demonstrated confidentiality and integrity when handling sensitive health information

What’s in it for you:

• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience. In addition to the salary of £36,363 - £39,152 you will be paid a 15% R&R allowance.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary – we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
• Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
• Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions – a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services – plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).

Our commitment to you

We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

How to apply

You can apply online using the apply now button. Within the form, you’ll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications. We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying.

If you have any questions about your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via [e-mail].

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.

Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.

If Successful you will have to apply for an Enhanced Disclosure.