Public Health Practitioner - 37 Hours

Application Deadline: 16 September 2026

Department: Public Health

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Torbay Council

Reporting To: Team Leader

Compensation: £40,444 - £43,149 / year

Description

Job Description & Person Specification >

Do you want to make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of local communities? Are you looking for a rewarding role where you can develop your skills, influence change, and reduce health inequalities?

Then join us in Torbay, a small and ambitious unitary authority located on the beautiful and historic south coast of Devon. Home to the vibrant towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, Torbay is benefiting from significant investment and regeneration, creating exciting opportunities to improve the lives of local people and build a healthier future for our communities.

We want Torbay and its residents to thrive and are committed to making a difference in our community, delivering high-quality services to local people. As part of this endeavour, we are looking to recruit a talented, enthusiastic and motivated Public Health Practitioner into our Public Health Team.

About the role:
Initially, the Public Health Practitioner will focus on our health behaviours portfolio. The role will support the development, implementation and evaluation of new and innovative programmes of work to address key priorities, including youth vaping and healthier weight. As part of a dynamic and responsive team, you will also have the opportunity to contribute to a broader range of public health priorities as needs emerge.

We expect the successful candidate to be an advocate for improving health outcomes and reducing health inequalities, skilled in building productive relationships with a range of stakeholders, and able to translate evidence into action.

You will be part of a welcoming, highly experienced and well-established team. You will collaborate with other Public Health Practitioners, Information Analysts and Public Health Specialists, and receive support and management from a Public Health Specialist.

Why join us?
You will find the diversity of the role and workstream topic to be rewarding and will be joining a team that is supportive and enthusiastic about what it does as well as being committed to professional development.

We understand the importance of an effective work-life balance, therefore offer a hybrid working approach managed effectively around the need to attend essential meetings in line with the remit of the role.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to work for an employer that sees public health as a core council function to improve people's lives and reduce health inequalities within the population.

If you are viewing this advert on a job board, you can access the full job description by placing the below URL into your browser:
https://www.torbay.gov.uk/jobs/job-descriptions/public-health-practitioner/

For an informal chat please contact Claire Tatton on 07920 478178 or claire.tatton@torbay.gov.uk.

Interviews are expected to be conducted during the week commencing 5th October 2026.

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

At times there is a need to close our adverts earlier than the date specified, however this advert will not close before 2nd September. If you are keen to submit an application, please apply as soon as possible.

Skills

Essential:

Application of evidence-based public health.
Appraise published evidence and the identification of implications for own area of work.
Analysis and interpretation of health data & information.
Able to work with a range of external partners to develop and harness relationships to improve public health outcomes.
Able to plan and manage projects within a changing environment.

This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.

Knowledge

Essential:

Knowledge of the public health agenda, the wider determinants of health and / or knowledge of health protection principles.
Understand the health needs of the population and how to ensure programmes are evidenced based to best meet local need.
Understand the complexities of working with a wide range of commissioners and service providers.

Experience & Qualifications

Essential:

Proven experience in the development and delivery of health improvement and/or health protection initiatives.
Evaluation of public health initiatives and programmes.
Partnership working and working with a wide range of agencies, organisations, third sector groups, private etc.
Experience of dealing and engaging with a wide range of people including the general public in particular with marginalised members of the community and those from hard-to-reach groups.
Experience of problem solving, being innovative and creative in terms of designing and implementing solutions.
A relevant degree or professional qualification, or equivalent specialist qualification.

Skills

Knowledge

Experience & Qualifications

About Torbay Council