The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Participate in the provision of an effective occupational health service for the University by undertaking clinical assessments, providing professional advice, guidance and support on matters related to health and work including suitability for employment, fitness to work and rehabilitation to the required professional standards in compliance with legislation and local policies.
• Contribute to the development, delivery, and evaluation of effective and efficient health promotion activities for service users ensuring a high quality and value for money service.
• Assist in the implementation and evaluation of commissioned services.
• Deliver health surveillance services with an evaluation of the effectiveness of interventions and provide screening support for services delivered by technical colleagues.
• Ensure that clinical nursing practice is safe, effective and evidence based, contributing to the development of clinical standards.
• Ensure that the Senior OHA and Head of Occupational Health is kept informed of all emerging issues which may have a serious impact on the service users and University.
• Contribute to the planning, development and evaluation of policies and strategies for health protection and surveillance of workers, to meet legislative requirements and promote employees’ health and wellbeing in line with national health strategies.
• Provide guidance and peer support to enable others within the OH team to develop their capability and understanding by assisting with training, motivating and mentoring them to meet the current and future requirements of the OH service provision.
• Maintain good relationships with internal stakeholders and line managers to develop the understanding and involvement of the OH team in the assessment, support, and rehabilitation of employees.
• Provide clear and concise communications on all aspects of occupational health to line managers and other internal stakeholders.
• Assist to develop and evaluate processes for gathering, analysing, interpreting, and presenting data to support continued improvement of the OH service.
• Keep professionally updated and abreast of new and emerging guidance and legislation that governs legal and ethical aspects of OH practice. Use evidence-based practice as a guide to interpret statutory requirements and advisory guidance to ensure the health protection of employees.
•   Support with achieving and maintaining SEQOHS status for the OH dept.
• Provide support and guidance to the team and the Head of Occupational Health in the absence of the Senior OHA.
• As a member of staff you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
• Any other activities / responsibilities as directed by the Senior OHA and Head of Occupational Health commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply.

Further Information

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on 03 February 2026. This will consist of a panel interview and a short case management report writing exercise/ simulation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 03 February 2026. Contact t.lau@sheffield.ac.uk if you require any reasonable adjustments.

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

• A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes;
• A range of generous family-friendly policies
  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
  • support for those going through the menopause
  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

Criminal record

An enhancedDBS check will be needed for this role. More details on the checks can be found on the Government website: gov.uk/criminal-record-checks-apply-role (opens in a new window).

Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right. More information can be found on our Information for candidates page:- sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/candidates (opens in a new window).

Closing Date : 16/01/2026 

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.