Public Health Specialist

Public Health Specialist – Kent County Council

Job Overview

• Employer: Kent County Council
• Job Title: Public Health Specialist – KSJ
• Salary: £55,764–£62,535 per annum
• Location: Maidstone, United Kingdom
• Contract Type: Permanent, full-time
• Working Hours: 37 hours per week
• Job Category: Public Health
• Job Reference: REF/TP/168867/15519
• Closing Date: 22 November 2026
• Interview Dates: Week commencing 30 November or 7 December 2026
• Visa Sponsorship: Not stated in the job advert. Applicants requiring sponsorship should confirm eligibility directly with Kent County Council.

About the Role

Kent County Council is seeking an exceptional Public Health Specialist to join its ambitious and high-performing Public Health team.

This is an opportunity to contribute to important public health priorities across Kent, helping improve population health outcomes and reduce health inequalities.

The Public Health team comprises approximately 150 staff and has established capabilities in population health analytics, research and development across community and wider care settings.

The successful candidate will need strong technical expertise, professional judgement, analytical thinking and the ability to turn research and evidence into practical action. Excellent communication, report-writing and partnership-working skills are also essential.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will work across the Research Innovation and Improvement and Data and Intelligence teams, reporting to the Public Health Consultant responsible for the relevant portfolio.

Responsibilities will include:

• Using research, evidence and evaluation to support public health decision-making.
• Contributing to the development of business cases, funding bids and strategic proposals.
• Identifying innovative approaches to improving population health outcomes.
• Independently structuring, conducting and writing Health Needs Assessments.
• Analysing data, intelligence and research to inform decisions.
• Producing high-quality reports and communicating findings to decision-makers.
• Working collaboratively with partners across organisations and professional disciplines.
• Supporting continuous improvement and efforts to reduce health inequalities.

Areas of Expertise Required

The role focuses on the Research, Evaluation, Intelligence and Strategic Development portfolio. Strong analytical, evaluation and technical skills, together with a broad understanding of public health, will be valuable.

Essential Skills and Experience

Applicants should be able to demonstrate:

• Strong knowledge and application of public health theory and practice.
• Excellent analytical, critical appraisal and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to use data, intelligence, evidence and research to inform decisions.
• Outstanding written communication and report-writing skills.
• Experience working effectively within complex partnerships and systems.
• Strong programme, project management and organisational skills.
• Awareness of resource management and commissioning.
• Professional credibility, resilience and sound judgement.
• Commitment to innovation, continuous improvement and learning.
• A strong commitment to improving population health and tackling health inequalities.

Benefits of Joining Kent County Council

Kent Public Health offers a supportive, collaborative and ambitious working environment where staff can develop professionally and contribute to meaningful improvements in residents’ lives.

The council values innovation, professionalism, continuous learning, equity, diversity and inclusion. Applications are welcomed from people of all backgrounds, with particular encouragement for groups currently under-represented in its workforce.

The organisation also promotes flexible working, although specific arrangements for this post should be confirmed with the recruiting team.

Please note: This position is not suitable for applicants seeking a secondment opportunity.

Interview and Selection Process

Interviews will take place in person at Sessions House, Maidstone, during either the week commencing 30 November 2026 or the week commencing 7 December 2026.

The selection process will include:

• A panel discussion.
• A PowerPoint presentation.
• A written exercise.

Further details will be provided following shortlisting. Successful candidates will be informed of interview invitations by the end of November 2026.

The appointment is subject to a Basic Disclosure application to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

As this is a customer-facing position, applicants must meet the required spoken English or Welsh language standards for effective performance of the role.

Visa Sponsorship Information

The advert does not confirm whether Kent County Council can provide Skilled Worker visa sponsorship for this position. Applicants who require sponsorship should contact the recruiting Public Health Consultant to confirm eligibility before applying.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should review the official job description and person specification before submitting an application.

Official Job Advert: https://jobsearch.kent.gov.uk/jobs/job/Public-Health-Specialist/15519

Apply Online: https://recruitmenthub.solutions/members/?j=15519&lang=en&

Job Description and Person Specification: Download the PDF

Informal Enquiries: Dr Dino Motti, Recruiting Public Health Consultant
Email: dino.motti@kent.gov.uk

Important Deadline

Closing date: 22 November 2026.

Kent County Council notes that the advert may close earlier if enough suitably qualified applications are received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Source: Kent County Council – Official Recruitment Website.