Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) serves the counties of Hastings and Prince Edward from four office locations including Belleville, Bancroft, Picton and Trenton. HPEPH is situated and provides services on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Huron-Wendat and Haudenosaunee people. Our organization is comprised of approximately 140 multidisciplinary staff, working together to monitor the health of our local population, deliver programs and services within our communities, and help develop healthy public policies. We provide information and support in many areas to help improve the health and well-being of our residents. Together with our communities, we help people become as healthy as they can be.
POSITION SUMMARY:
Reporting to the Manager, Infectious & Communicable Diseases & Tobacco Enforcement, the Smoke-Free Ontario (SFO) Enforcement Officer ensures compliance and enforcement of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act (SFOA) 2017, and municipal no-smoking bylaws where applicable. Additional responsibilities include providing information, education, training and other health promotion activities to support smoke-free and vape-free communities. As an integral member of a multi-disciplinary team, the SFO Enforcement Officer performs their work based on the principles of health promotion and disease prevention. Services provided by this position are defined by the Ministry of Health’s Tobacco, Vapour and Smoke Protocol, 2019, the Ontario Public Health Standards and provincial regulations and enforcement directives related to the SFOA.
Responsibilities Include:
- Conducts routine inspections, re-inspections, investigations, and provides education to individuals, owners, and operators on the applicable municipal no-smoking by-laws, the Smoke-Free Ontario Act (SFOA), and related regulations as required by Ministry of Health (MOH) protocols and enforcement directives.
- Conducts youth access inspections of tobacco and vapour product retailers according to MOH protocols & enforcement directives.
- Investigates and responds to public inquiries and complaints about the SFOA, and applicable municipal no-smoking by-laws as assigned.
- Conducts enforcement activities including surveillance, interviewing witnesses, gathering evidence, issuing Part I Provincial Offences Notices (tickets), laying of Part III charges, and following violations through the court process in conjunction with the Infectious Communicable Diseases & Tobacco Enforcement Manager.
- Ensures chain of custody of evidence presented at trial and presents evidence as a witness under oath, involving violations of the SFOA, and municipal no-smoking by-laws.
- Maintains records, reports, and statistics according to HPEPH policy and procedures. Keeps track of complaints, inspections, and enforcement activities using the appropriate computer program and forms, including the MOH Tobacco Information System (TIS).
- Liaises with other Public Health staff and external enforcement professionals to ensure the successful implementation and enforcement of the SFOA, and applicable municipal no-smoking by-laws within HPEPH.
- Makes presentations to schools, workplaces, business organizations, and the community-at-large about tobacco enforcement issues.
- Assists in implementing local media campaigns to increase awareness of tobacco control issues.
- Participates in the development, review, and distribution of resources and print materials for use in schools, workplaces, health care settings, and the community-at-large.
- Responsible for planning and implementing own professional development plan in consultation with the Infectious Communicable Diseases & Tobacco Enforcement Manager.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Organizational Responsibilities:
- Establishes and cultivates positive working relationships.
- Maintains effective communication and public relations.
- Actively serves on internal and external committees, work groups, etc. for HPEPH as assigned, and participates in the development of operational plans, as requested.
- Models, supports, and endorses Ontario Public Health/HPEPH values and change initiatives.
- Demonstrates a commitment to the HPEPH mission and values and acts as an ambassador for HPEPH when in contact with the public and other agencies.
- Where appropriate, identifies risk and implements risk mitigation strategies.
- Uses good judgement, and evidence where appropriate, to make informed decisions.
- Follows all applicable HPEPH, Ontario Public Health standards, legislation, and professional standards.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education
- Completion of a two (2) year college diploma in law enforcement or a health-related discipline; undergraduate university degree in a relevant health field an asset.
- Completion of Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 Foundation Training and Tobacco Tax Act, 1990 Training from the Ministry of Health, an asset.
Experience
- Three (3) years related experience in law enforcement role or equivalent.
- Previous experience in Public Health, an asset.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Thorough knowledge of the SFOA and related federal, provincial, and municipal legislation.
- Knowledge of tobacco inspection routines and provincial offences preferred.
- Knowledge of principles and practices of law enforcement.
- Knowledge of courtroom procedures and judicial process, an asset.
- Basic understanding of health protection, promotion and disease prevention principles and strategies, including prevention and cessation aspects of the SFOA Strategy 2018, an asset.
- Demonstrated investigative and observational skills, analytical, decision making and conflict resolution skills.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Strong organization and prioritization skills.
- Computer proficiency (Microsoft Office) and a demonstrated ability to learn new software programs.
- Immunizations must be up-to-date and maintained in compliance with all applicable HPEPH policies.
- Valid Ontario driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle.
- Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check.
Working Conditions:
Interacting with clients in a variety of private, community, and institutional locations. Flexible working hours required, with weekend, standby, or evening services on an as needed basis. Typical hours are 8:30AM – 4:30PM, Monday to Friday.
If you are interested in applying, we would encourage you to review our Submission Guidelines on our website.
Applications must be submitted to our careers email address.
HPEPH welcomes applications from individuals living with disabilities. To make arrangements for accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources.
Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months
Pay: $65,501.00-$75,440.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Employee assistance program
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 2024-08-16