Health Promotion Adviser, strategic relationships (regulatory activities)

Name: Andrew Galloway
Age: 25
Role: Health promotion adviser, strategic relationships (regulatory activities), Auckland Regional Public Health Service
Working hours: 40-plus hours, overtime visiting premises at any time
Average pay: $35,000-$55,000
Qualifications: Bachelor of Arts, majoring in health, social sciences, film, television and media


Q: Describe how you got this job?

A; I started in a part-time capacity while studying, after applying for it out of the newspaper. I almost fell into a full-time position when one of my full-time colleagues left. I have been doing it for more than two years.

Q: Describe what you do?

A: I develop and maintain programmes and projects which reduce health disparities and improve the health status of communities and populations in the greater Auckland region. I have a specific focus on alcohol and tobacco-related harm. It is education, plus monitoring and enforcement of the Sale of Liquor Act. My focus is liquor licensing, so I deal with licensees and bar staff. I cover three district health board areas, seven councils and three different police districts. I ensure that this office reports on all on-licence and club licence liquor licence applications on behalf of the medical officer of health. We discuss with licensees host responsibility and ensure compliance with the Sale of Liquor Act.

Q: What have you had to do to succeed at this job?

A: I have worked hard to build solid relationships with statutory partners, including health, police and district licensing agencies, and helped and led community action in collaborative initiatives which support a reduction in alcohol and tobacco-related harm. The key is having the relationships to do it. Considering the vast area and number of licensees, working together is crucial.

Q. What sort of training or experience do you need?

A: Health promotion is a multi-disciplinary practice. I have used my skills in communications and media, but for health promotion you can have all sorts of qualities and life experiences, depending on the capacity you might be working in.

Q: What skills and qualities do you need?

A: Strong communication skills. You need to be capable of managing a heavy caseload, with competing demands and deadlines. You need to be self-motivated and have experience or the ability to work with people from a variety of backgrounds and to be able to work independently or as part of a team. You have to be able to handle conflict and have excellent time management.

Q: What's the best part of the job?

A: I enjoy working with a range of people, the bar staff and managers and the police and the liquor licensing inspectors.

Q: Most challenging part?

A: There are 3400 liquor licences in the Auckland region and there is never enough time in the day. The hours we put in can be exhausting.

Q: How do you define success?

A: Working in public health has always been a challenge to see if what you do makes a difference. We can only do what we can in ensuring compliance and hope that will work towards reducing alcohol-related harm. We work hard to keep the message out there, but education will only go so far. You have to ensure compliance and if you are not checking, they are not going to do it. Surveillance audits are unannounced. If we build a perception that we are out there checking, then licensees will follow the rules and that will have an effect on the reduction of harm.

Q: What are your career hopes for future?

A: I am planning future study in the area of addictions - alcohol, drugs and gambling - and I will continue in the harm-reduction sphere of public health.

Q: If I wanted a job like yours how would I go about it and what qualifications would I need?

A: I would suggest having a bachelor's degree as a minimum. Having some experience in a health-related field would be advantageous, as would having some understanding of health promotion. There is a range of jobs in health promotion and jobs are available from time to time around the country, in areas from nutrition to healthy housing. Look around.

Q: What advice would you have for someone contemplating a career like yours?

A: If you like working with people and have a range of skills and experience, then give it a go. It can be hard work, but it can be rewarding when you see the work you are doing is making a difference.