Make a difference where it matters most.
Are you an experienced occupational health professional who wants to make a real difference to people’s lives at work? At West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, we know that protecting our communities starts with looking after our own. An opportunity has arisen for a compassionate, experienced and forward-thinking Senior Occupational Health Advisor to join us and lead our Occupational Health Unit.
This is a role where you can genuinely shape how we support our people, helping colleagues stay well, return to work safely and feel supported when it matters most. You will play an important part in strengthening both individual wellbeing and the resilience of the service as a whole.
What you’ll do.
Working as part of our Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing (OHSW) function, you will lead the day-to-day delivery of our Occupational Health service, combining clinical expertise with supportive, people-focused leadership.
You will:
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Lead the delivery of a high-quality occupational health service, including management referrals, health surveillance and fitness for role assessments
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Provide clear, practical and evidence-based advice on complex health and attendance matters
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Support managers and HR colleagues to manage cases with confidence and consistency
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Maintain high standards of clinical governance, confidentiality and professional practice
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Manage and support the Occupational Health team, providing guidance, supervision and direction
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Use health data and insight to identify trends, inform priorities and continuously improve the service
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Design and deliver proactive health and wellbeing initiatives that make a positive difference to our people
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Work closely with colleagues across HR, OHSW and beyond to provide a joined-up approach
What we’re looking for.
We are looking for someone who is approachable, credible and committed to delivering the best possible support for our people.
You will bring:
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A recognised qualification in occupational health nursing and current professional registration (RGN, NMC registered), with evidence of ongoing CPD
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Substantial occupational health experience within a large, complex organisation
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Strong clinical assessment skills and the confidence to manage complex and sensitive cases using sound professional judgement
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A good working knowledge of occupational health legislation, and a clear commitment to confidentiality and professional standards
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Experience of delivering or supporting the operational running of an occupational health service, including effective sickness absence management
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Proven ability to support service improvement, with a focus on quality, consistency and outcomes
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Experience using occupational health systems and maintaining accurate clinical records, reporting and data management
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Strong analytical skills, with the ability to use health data and insight to inform decision-making, prioritisation and service development
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Experience of delivering workplace health and wellbeing initiatives that improve outcomes for colleagues
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Excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence at all levels and manage workload independently
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A compassionate, inclusive and values-led approach, with a clear focus on supporting colleagues to succeed
What we offer
This is an opportunity to play a key role in shaping and delivering a proactive, high-quality occupational health service within a highly respected public service organisation.
In return, we offer:
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A supportive and collaborative working environment.
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The chance to influence and develop how we support health and wellbeing across the organisation.
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Flexible and agile working arrangements, including hybrid working.
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Access to ongoing professional development.
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A competitive pension and benefits package including free onsite parking, free use of gym, employee assistance programme and much more
The post is subject to a Standard Disclosure and Barring Service Check and the possession of a current valid driving licence.
Joining a first-rate organisation, you will have the job satisfaction of knowing each day that you are contributing to the success of one of just six metropolitan fire and rescue services in the UK, supporting around 950 firefighters who work round the clock, plus around 300 support staff, who help people and save lives.
We are a caring organisation; we promote an environment of inclusivity and learning, and welcome people from all walks of life – just as long as you can show commitment to our values such as integrity and teamwork.
For further details and to apply online please visit www.westyorksfire.gov.uk/careers. Closing date for all applications is Sunday 21st June 2026, with interview being held on Wednesday 22nd July 2026.
Click here for Guidance Document
Click here for Additional Guidance for our new E-recruitment System
All correspondence will usually be sent to your email account registered with the online recruitment system rather than by letter. Please check your email account regularly.
If after reading all of this information, you are interested in applying, please read the documents listed above for more details and click on 'Apply' for the application form.
Please note we do not accept CVs. If you are viewing this vacancy on ‘jobsindeed’ or other external platform, the only way to apply for this vacancy is to visit www.westyorksfire.gov.uk/careers/ and complete the application form via our online Access vacancy system.
We are an equal opportunities employer; we value and celebrate equality, diversity and inclusion. We particularly welcome candidates from communities that are currently under-represented at WYFRS, including women, racially and ethnically diverse applicants and applicants with disabilities. We can offer support and adjustments for candidates and staff who experience barriers to work that result from health conditions or Specific Learning Differences, such as dyslexia. We are a ‘Real Living Wage’ employer
West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service are committed to the safeguarding of our staff, volunteers, visitors and the community we serve. This includes protecting vulnerable adults, children and young people from potential neglect and harm. All employees must share the same commitment.