We are hiring - Community Officer – Tobacco and vaping prevention

Job Title: Community Officer – Tobacco and vaping prevention
Location: Based at Engage Renfrewshire offices (Ferguslie Park) 4.5 days a week, .5 day a week at Renfrewshire HSCP Health Improvement Team (Linwood) with travel across Renfrewshire required
Salary: £29,000 per annum
Hours: 35 Hours per week
Contract: 1 year from start date
Subject to: 2 references and PVG check

Job Purpose:

The Community Officer post will drive forward work in relation to preventing harm from tobacco, second-hand smoke and vaping, across Renfrewshire.

The post will have a targeted focus on early years, children and families, therefore focussing on groups identified as most at risk of harm.

The Community Officer will work with local community and third sector organisations to increase knowledge around the harms of tobacco, second-hand smoke and vaping, as well as providing support to access to local Quit Your Way Services which offer free stop-smoking support across Renfrewshire. The Quit Your Way team provide a friendly, knowledgeable and dedicated face-to-face, telephone or online support to individuals throughout their quit journey.

The Officer will share resources and services from within the Renfrewshire HSCP and NHS GGC to a range of network partners.

They will deliver awareness campaigns around the prevention of harm from tobacco, second-hand smoke and vaping, engage with community groups and collaborate with local organisations to promote healthier choices.

The Community Officer will increase capacity by working in partnership with community organisations to upskill staff on how to effectively share knowledge around the harms associated with tobacco, second-hand smoke and vaping, increase staff confidence in signposting on to relevant Quit Your Way Services and ensure that work feeds into relevant Tobacco and Vaping strategy via the Health Improvement Team.

The Officer will be a part of Engage’s Community and Voluntary Action (CAVA) Team and will be encouraged to link with other team members throughout the project to promote across existing networks and agendas.

The Officer will work closely with Renfrewshire HSCP Health Improvement Team and will be based 0.5 days a week within their office space at Linwood Health Centre to ensure collaborative working. Renfrewshire HSCP Health Improvement Team will provide professional support for the post holder throughout.

Key Responsibilities:

Direct Support & Community Engagement

• Provide community groups with guidance and signposting to local Quit Your Way Services.
• Signpost individuals (within a community setting) to additional health services and support networks.
• Work closely with relevant local community groups and youth organisations to raise awareness of the health risks associated with tobacco, second-hand smoke and vaping.  
• Ensure a coordinated approach to prevention in relation to tobacco, second-hand smoke and vaping, by working with a range of relevant partners, including those with lived experience, to shape and drive forward work plan.

Education & Awareness Campaigns

• Deliver engaging presentations and workshops to relevant groups across Renfrewshire.  
• Distribute educational resources highlighting prevention messages around tobacco, second-hand smoke and vaping, as well as resources around accessing local Quit Your Way Services.
• Organise and participate in community events to raise awareness.
• Use social media and digital platforms to promote health messages and share success stories.

Partnership & Collaboration

• Develop a network of community groups and interested parties focussed on smoking cessation - working in partnership with Renfrewshire HSCP Health Improvement, public health, schools, local authorities, and third sector organisations.
• Ensure all work is in line with relevant tobacco and vaping strategy and support the development of local strategies through localised reporting.
• Contribute to consultation and discussions around policy and strategy in relation to tobacco and vaping prevention

Monitoring & Evaluation

• Collect and analyse data to measure the impact  of awareness activities, capacity building and the provision of support to access Quit Your Way Services
• Provide quarterly reports on progress, outcomes, and challenges to Renfrewshire HSCP Health Improvement Team, ensuring they are involved in driving forward the work plan in line with local and national strategy.
• Continuously improve service delivery based on feedback and best practices.
• Manage and report on a budget related to network marketing and event delivery.

Additional Duties

It is in the nature of the work of Engage Renfrewshire that tasks and responsibilities are often unpredictable and varied.

You will support a wide range of local organisations including those delivering youth work, community-based adult learning, family learning & community development. Previous experience of working with a diverse range of communities is welcome.

All staff are expected to work in a flexible way when occasionally tasks arise which are not specifically covered by a job description. These additional tasks will normally be to cover unforeseen circumstances of changes in work or emerging local agendas and will normally be compatible with the job-holder’s regular area of work or previous experience. If the additional duties become a regular or frequent part of the jobholder’s duties it may be included in their job description in consultation with the member of staff.

Typical working hours are 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday but occasional evening and weekend work will be required to attend community based meetings and events or to meet with volunteer led groups.

Person Specification:

Essential:

• Experience in community engagement, health improvement, or a related field.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with a range of different audiences.
• Ability to work collaboratively with partners and community organisations.
• Passion for public health and supporting behavioural change.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.

Desirable:

• Experience of work within smoking cessation, tobacco prevention or wider health improvement field.
• Knowledge of public health policies and strategies in relation to tobacco and vaping.
• Digital skills for social media and campaign promotion.

This role presents an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact on public health and help individuals lead healthier lives.

Application process

To apply, please send CV and covering letter to info@engagerenfrewshire.com

Closing date: Friday 11 April 2025

Notification by: Wednesday 16  April 2025

Interview date: 24 April 2025 AM, in person at Engage Renfrewshire offices

For more information please contact info@engagerenfrewshire.com