Occupational Health Nurse / Occupational Health Advisor – AR

Occupational Health Nurse / Occupational Health Advisor

Job Description

Job Purpose

We are looking for an experienced Occupational Health Nurse / Occupational Health Advisor to support the delivery of a professional Occupational Health and Employee Wellbeing service.

The successful candidate will provide expert advice and guidance to managers and employees on occupational health, sickness absence, fitness for work, health surveillance, workplace health risks and employee wellbeing. The role will support the prevention of work-related ill health and contribute to reducing sickness absence across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide a professional, effective and impartial Occupational Health service to managers and employees.
• Manage Occupational Health and sickness absence referrals, providing advice on fitness for work, rehabilitation, phased returns and redeployment.
• Conduct Occupational Health assessments and provide clear, business-focused reports and recommendations to managers.
• Advise on workplace adjustments and appropriate follow-up actions to support employees.
• Assess health-related workplace hazards and risks, including physical, chemical, biological and psychological risks.
• Carry out health surveillance and health protection activities, including:
  • Vision screening
  • Vaccinations
  • General health screening
  • HAVS assessments up to Tier 3
  • Skin assessments
  • Lung function assessments
  • Audiometry/hearing assessments
• Provide professional advice and support on employee health, safety and wellbeing matters.
• Work closely with GPs, consultants and other healthcare professionals, obtaining medical information where appropriate and with employee consent.
• Identify when employees require referral to external services, including Occupational Health Physicians, counselling services and physiotherapy.
• Support the development and delivery of Occupational Health policies, procedures and wellbeing services.
• Contribute to employee wellbeing initiatives and programmes designed to promote health and prevent ill health.
• Work alongside Health and Safety colleagues and other stakeholders to prevent work-related illness.
• Maintain accurate and confidential medical records in line with data protection and medical confidentiality requirements.
• Ensure high standards of clinical practice, hygiene, documentation and professional conduct.
• Keep up to date with Occupational Health legislation, guidance and best practice.
• Maintain continued professional development and a professional development portfolio.
• Support the delivery of Occupational Health services to external customers where required, including maintained schools.
• Deliver training, workshops and presentations where appropriate.
• Work flexibly, including attending onsite clinics when required.

Essential Requirements

• Registered General Nurse (RGN) / First Level Nurse.
• Current registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
• Occupational Health qualification or Diploma in Occupational Health.
• Previous experience working within an Occupational Health setting.
• Experience managing sickness absence and Occupational Health referrals.
• Experience conducting fitness-for-work and health assessments.
• Experience producing professional Occupational Health reports and recommendations.
• Relevant qualifications and experience in Health Surveillance activities.
• Experience or qualifications in areas including:
  • HAVS Tier 3
  • Audiometry
  • Lung function testing
  • Vision screening
  • Skin surveillance
  • Ergonomics
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to communicate effectively with employees, managers and healthcare professionals.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive medical information appropriately.
• Strong report-writing and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a wider Employee Wellbeing team.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Experience working within a Local Authority, public sector or large organisation.
• Experience supporting employee wellbeing programmes.
• Experience delivering Occupational Health services to external clients.
• Experience designing and delivering training workshops or presentations.
• Knowledge of current Occupational Health legislation and best practice.

Working Arrangements

The successful candidate must be able to work flexibly, including attending onsite clinics where required by the service.