Highly Specialist Dietitian

NHS; Sidcup; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job description

A dynamic, innovative and forward-thinking dietetic department is now expanding. Are you ready for a new challenge and to become part of this team?

We are looking for a compassionate dietitian to join our team, providing expert nutritional care to adults with a learning disability. This is a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of individuals who require tailored dietary support. As an autonomous dietitian, you will assess, plan and deliver personalised nutrition care, ensuring that their dietary needs are met in a holistic and practical way. You will collaborate closely with the wider multidisciplinary team, including consultant psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, other allied health professionals, carers and family members.

You will also provide education and training to staff and carers, empowering them with the knowledge and skills to support nutritional needs effectively. A full staff training programme is currently being developed, and you will have the opportunity to play an active role in the development of the training resources and delivery ongoing.

The successful candidate will have excellent leadership, organisation and communication skills. Your clinical experience and knowledge will contribute to both guideline and service development. You will have the opportunity to attend the annual Oxleas Therapies Conference with Allied Health Professionals and Psychological Therapists in the Therapies Directorate.

Main duties of the job

The Highly specialist dietitian working in adult learning disabilities (ALD) will be accountable for own caseload, working autonomously across the three boroughs of Greenwich, Bexley and Bromley, alongside the Directorate Lead Dietitian. Service users have a variety of highly specialist dietetic needs, diverse presentations, and a range of mental health conditions and/or learning disabilities. Dietitians, along with others in the community learning disability team, have a primary role in facilitating access to universal health and care services.

Job responsibilities

• The Highly Specialist Dietitian will be responsible for the integration and provision of a comprehensive and quality dietetic service for adult clients with learning disabilities (ALD), living in the community.
• The post holder will be expected to manage a caseload of adult clients who have a learning disability and able to work and travel independently.
• The post holder will use expert knowledge and experience to educate and support patients and their carers regarding their dietary management and sustaining behavioral change.
• The post holder will provide specialist nutritional and dietetic training, support, clinical assessment and education to members of the multi-disciplinary teams (MDT).
• The Highly Specialist Dietitian will contribute to further service development, audit, policy writing and lead on delegated service development projects.

Person Specification

Education/Qualifications

• Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics
• HCPC Registration as a Dietitian
• Post-graduate training/short courses or equivalent relevant experience
• Registered member of the British Dietetic Association

Experience

• Significant experience of working in clinical dietetics
• Experience of service delivery in various clinical settings
• Experience of multi-disciplinary and inter-agency working
• Experience in clinical supervision of junior members of staff and students
• Knowledge of cultural, social and religious needs of diverse population to support dietary change

Skills/Abilities/Knowledge

• Self-motivated and able to prioritise own workload
• Able to work independently and as part of a team
• Effective interpersonal skills (including problem solving, influencing and negotiating skills)
• Ability to apply the issues related to cultural diversity practically

Effort and Environment

• To deal sensitively with clients that may be suffering from conditions that may lead to anxiety, fear or aggressive behaviour
• To work in an environment where work patterns may be disrupted by frequent demands from clinical staff, assistants and administrative staff

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.