public health inspector

Responsibilities

: Reports to program manager when developing and implementing inspection activities within the program. Initiates the development, implementation and maintenance of operational procedures, information systems, administrative documentation and record control for health inspection programs. Identifies, assesses and investigates health hazards in residential, commercial, recreational, social and industrial premises, ranging from chemicals and toxins, waste disposal, pesticide application, indoor air quality, food preparation, pests and vermin, waterborne pollutants, soil contamination, and communicable (i.e., pathological wastes, discarded blood tubes) and non-communicable diseases related to food borne and/or improper hygiene. Carries out on-site investigations to determine the nature and extent of the violation. Conducts on-site assessments and inspections of food premises, public institutions (i.e. day nurseries, nursing homes, funeral homes, schools, group homes) recreational facilities (i.e. swimming pools, wading pools, spas) and other public premises (i.e. personal services settings, banquet halls) on a regular basis to ensure facilities are maintained and operations are being carried out in accordance with all applicable legislation and established preventive health practices. Educates clients on the requirements for their premises and works with them to attain or maintain the required standards. Identifies hazards, interprets the legislative requirements and develops a course of action with the client. In consultation with the client, establishes priorities in order to achieve compliance, monitors progress and provides additional assistance as necessary. Educates food premises staff in proper food handling, infection control, sanitation, safety and hygiene. Investigates food-borne complaints, executes food or product recalls, condemns suspect foodstuffs and ensures proper waste disposal. Completes and/or prepares and writes orders which give direction outlining the nature of the violation and defining all actions to be undertaken by persons in contravention of established health standards. Gathers, completes and processes all legal documentation in accordance with recognized standards. Coordinates legal activities with the Legal Division and provincial courts, and coordinates the preparation of all necessary reports. Attends court or Health Protection Appeal Board, (quasi-judicial inquiries tribunal) as an expert witness as necessary. In non-compliance situations proceeds to legal action. Executes a search warrant in extreme cases. Serves Provincial Offences notices and summonses as a Provincial Offences Officer, works with the prosecutor in case preparation and gives evidence in court. Initiates and completes closure posting action of premises and recreational water sites. Reviews applications for Land Redevelopment and provides comments incorporated in reports to Council based on the public health significance. Provides comments regarding demolitions as it relates to environmental contamination, hydro transformer leakage (i.e. environmental impact). Reviews plans, advises architects, contractors and prospective business operators regarding non-compliance and provides technical advice as required. Inspects new establishments on change of ownership and notifies appropriate authorities of non-compliance situations. Responds to outbreaks and makes recommendations to prevent further spread. Collects samples and specimens and forwards to laboratory for analysis. Provides interpretation of laboratory results and initiates further action if necessary. Investigates animal to human bite complaints. Ensures animal owners are in compliance with the Rabies Immunization Regulation. Completes the appropriate follow-up with client(s) and ensures the confinement/isolation of animal. Completes laboratory submission forms for rabies testing and arranges for the submission of the animal head samples to laboratory for testing, should it be warranted, in order to determine if the animal was rabid. Provides consultation and support to physicians in regard to rabies prophylaxis and delivers rabies vaccine to physicians. Provides education to the public in regard to rabies awareness and works collaboratively with Animal Services. Develops and implements environmental health programs, interventions and procedures to reduce targeted health hazards based on demographics, cultural and socio-economic elements and other aspects of the inspection area as assigned in each health office area. Implements and coordinates local programs - e.g. Dine Safe, Eat Smart, no-smoking program, heart/health eating out guide, Special Events (e.g., Caravan, Caribana) Works with other city divisions and department staff on city-wide projects. Prepares and delivers presentations to community groups, agencies and the Community Health Board as requested. Works jointly with the Environmental Protection Office to share information and expertise and provide an aligned service to the community. Participates in the interview process for the hiring of students. Mentors students, provides guidance and training in drafting research papers. Provides work direction and consultation to new staff and students to ensure accuracy, consistency and adherence to recognized policies, divisional procedures, city policies and legislated standards. Completes the evaluation forms of student inspectors. Assists in the orientation of groups or individuals such as medical students and other health professionals. Assists in the development and implementation of in-service sessions, in conjunction with the education consultant, of peers and other departmental staff. Assists in the preparation and drafting of new by-laws and policies and procedures and their implementation. Conducts district studies, special surveys regarding trends, site impacts; analyzes findings and prepares reports for managers outlining recommended changes. Maintains a current level of knowledge in technical information related to environmental health by attending educationals and conferences. Participates on boards, committees and work groups. Represents the area and the department on intra- and inter-departmental and community committees to identify changing community health needs and assist in planning programs to meet those needs. Collects and/or coordinates the collection and packaging of substances. (e.g. asbestos, foodstuffs, water samples, etc.) for laboratory analysis, interprets results and takes appropriate action. Maintains familiarity with related equipment, assessment tools, and changing techniques. Interprets results and provides feedback to the client. Liaises with the community to provide information on environmental health issues. Responds to enquiries from the public on all environmental health issues e.g. water quality (potable and recreational), mould, food safety (preparation and storage), air quality, rabies, sanitizing, etc. Reviews the accuracy and ensures the timely submission of all inspection reports and daily activity sheets. Participates in food recalls and other survey requests.

Key Qualifications

Your application must describe your qualifications as they relate to:

A University Degree in Science, Health Sciences or related discipline or the equivalent combination of education and/or experience. Possession of a Canadian Certificate in Public Health Inspection in good standing. Experience in carrying out public health inspections and investigations. Experience applying all statutes and Municipal By-Laws respecting food, environmental health, communicable diseases and basic epidemiology. Possession of a valid Ontario Class "G" Driver's License and access to a vehicle.

You must also have:

Ability to organize and manage field work and exercise initiative and independent judgement. Ability to establish and maintain good relations with the public and other staff. Ability to speak effectively in public and to work in teams. Strong oral and written communication skills. Ability to discuss sensitive information with clients. Ability to prioritize work, work independently, be solution-based, and manage change. Ability to work flexible hours – after hours, overtime, shift work including evenings and weekends may be required.

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