Adults and Public Health

Management and leadership roles involve providing strategic direction and oversight across departments, ensuring that services are delivered efficiently and meet the needs of the community. Daily responsibilities include setting goals, managing budgets, overseeing compliance with health and safety standards, and fostering partnerships with stakeholders. Leaders coordinate multidisciplinary teams, develop innovative strategies, and drive service improvements. They are also responsible for mentoring staff, managing performance, and ensuring alignment with organisational objectives.

Key roles: Director of public health, assistant directors, heads of service (e.g., adult frailty, safeguarding, public health protection).

Skills & attributes: Strong leadership and decision-making abilities; Comprehensive understanding of public health, care, and safety regulations; Financial management and resource allocation expertise; Strategic thinking and innovation; Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills

If you are a visionary with strong organisational and interpersonal skills, management and leadership roles offer the opportunity to shape meaningful change.

Public health protection roles focus on safeguarding communities by preventing the spread of diseases and mitigating public health risks. Day-to-day tasks include monitoring and managing disease outbreaks, conducting health and safety inspections, implementing vaccination programmes, and enforcing food and environmental safety regulations. Professionals in this field investigate potential hazards, prepare public health reports, collaborate with local authorities and healthcare providers, and educate communities on public health measures.

Key roles: Public health officer, health protection nurse, environmental health specialist, trading standards officer, food safety inspector, policy advisor.

Skills & attributes: Analytical thinking and attention to detail; Strong knowledge of public health legislation and compliance requirements; Problem-solving and investigative abilities; Excellent collaboration and communication skills; Ability to manage multiple priorities in high-pressure situations

If you are proactive, detail-oriented, and enjoy tackling challenges that require a mix of technical expertise and teamwork, this career path offers an engaging and impactful opportunity.

Adult safeguarding professionals focus on identifying and protecting vulnerable adults at risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Daily tasks include assessing risks, investigating safeguarding concerns, and developing and implementing safeguarding plans. These roles require collaboration with families, carers, law enforcement, and community organisations to address concerns and provide training on safeguarding responsibilities. They also involve maintaining detailed records, reporting incidents, and ensuring compliance with safeguarding legislation.

Key roles: Safeguarding officer, case worker, social worker, investigation specialist.

Skills & attributes: Empathy, critical thinking, and strong communication skills, Knowledge of safeguarding legislation and practices, Ability to handle sensitive and complex cases, Resilience and emotional intelligence, Strong problem-solving and organisational skills

If you are empathetic, collaborative, and passionate about justice, a career in adult safeguarding offers both challenges and rewards.

Adult social care professionals work directly with individuals to improve their quality of life by providing practical and emotional support. Tasks include assessing needs, developing personalised care plans, assisting with daily activities like personal care and mobility, and coordinating with healthcare providers. Social care workers often visit clients in their homes or community settings and provide guidance to families on accessing available resources.

Key roles: Social worker, care coordinator, support worker, rehabilitation specialist.

Skills & attributes: Patience, empathy, and adaptability; Ability to create and implement tailored care plans; Knowledge of care legislation and safeguarding protocols; Strong interpersonal and communication skills; Problem-solving and collaborative working abilities

If you are resourceful, resilient, and thrive in a role that requires interpersonal connection, adult social care is highly rewarding.

Public health protection roles aim to safeguard community health by mitigating risks and managing public health crises. Typical tasks include monitoring outbreaks, implementing health and safety regulations, inspecting food and environmental safety standards, and designing emergency preparedness plans. Professionals also conduct public health audits, prepare reports, and provide policy advice to ensure compliance and safety.

Key roles: Public health officer, Health protection nurse, environmental health specialist, trading standards officer, food safety inspector, policy advisor.

Skills & attributes: Analytical and investigative skills; Knowledge of public health and safety regulations; Strong collaboration and communication abilities; Problem-solving under pressure; Detail-oriented with excellent organisational skills

If you’re proactive, community-minded, and passionate about public safety, this career path offers meaningful impact.

Public health promotion roles focus on educating communities and promoting healthier lifestyles. Responsibilities include designing and delivering public health campaigns, collaborating with schools and organisations, and analysing data to identify health trends. Professionals work to address health inequalities through programmes targeting areas like smoking cessation, nutrition, physical activity, and mental health.

Key roles: Public health promoter, campaign coordinator, community health worker, health educator.

Skills & attributes: Creativity and innovation in campaign design; Strong public speaking and advocacy skills; Knowledge of health promotion strategies and behavioural science; Collaborative and relationship-building abilities; Analytical and problem-solving skills

If you enjoy education, creativity, and making a tangible difference, public health promotion offers a fulfilling career.

Administrative and support roles ensure the efficient operation of adults and public health services. Tasks include managing case management systems, preparing reports, scheduling meetings and activities, processing budgets, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Administrative staff also act as the first point of contact for enquiries, support project planning, and maintain accurate records to assist frontline staff.

Key roles: Administrative coordinator, compliance officer, casework administrator, project support officer.

Skills & attributes: Strong organisational and multitasking skills; Proficiency with IT systems and data management; Attention to detail and problem-solving abilities; Excellent communication and customer service skills; Knowledge of regulatory and compliance standards

If you are detail-oriented and thrive on managing processes, administrative roles are an excellent fit.