SENIOR SPECIALIST DIETITIAN (Adult & Paediatric PCD and Paediatric CF)

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Job Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced paediatric Dietitian to work in our paediatric (0.1wte) and adult (0.1wte) primary ciliary dyskinesia and paediatric cystic fibrosis (0.5wte) specialities. Have you got solid experience in paediatric dietetics and looking for a clinical leadership opportunity?

The National Children's PCD Management Service was originally commissioned by NHSE in 2013 across four paediatric respiratory centres in the UK, one being Leicester/Birmingham. The specification for a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) includes dietetic and psychology support.

We are looking for a Senior Specialist Dietitian to join dedicated MDT's, working alongside Paediatric & Adult Respiratory Consultants, ENT Surgeon, Clinical Nurse Specialists, and Physiotherapists with support from physiology and audiology. The majority of the paediatric PCD clinical caseload is delivered across Leicester and Birmingham by a dedicated Dietetic Assistant Practitioner who you will line manage and clinically supervise.

You will be a core and valued member of the multi-disciplinary teams providing a specialist nutrition and dietetic service to PCD and CF children and families. You will lead and develop the LLR and Birmingham regional PCD dietetic service (Paediatric and Adult), collaborating with the national PCD Dietitians within the other national centres. You will be responsible for a dietetic clinical care pathway for patients with PCD with defined care packages.

Main Duties of the Job

• You will provide a proactive and co-ordinated dietetic service to outpatients, inpatients, and day case patients supported by digital home monitoring interface with the patients and parents/carers.
• Excellent communication and team working skills are essential along with an understanding of working with patients with long term respiratory conditions and their families and carers.
• You will deliver face-to-face consultations at the Leicester Royal Infirmary and Glenfield Hospital alongside the MDT's.
• You will respond to Newborn Screening CF diagnoses alongside the MDT providing support and advice for CF babies and their families.
• For the Paediatric CF sessions, you will be supported by and clinically supervise a rotational Senior Paediatric Dietitian.
• You will have a great opportunity to develop clinical leadership skills.
• You will apply for extended scope role status in adjustment of Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy for children with CF. Support and training can be provided for this.
• There will be a requirement to deliver quality improvement programmes with measured outcomes for these patient groups.

Working for Our Organisation

Our new strategy, developed with the support and feedback of colleagues, patients, and partners, is our compass for the next seven years (2023-2030).

We have four primary goals:

• High-quality care for all,
• Being a great place to work,
• Partnerships for impact, and
• Research and education excellence.

And we will embed health equality in all we do - taking active steps to reduce the avoidable differences in healthcare that some people face, working in partnership with communities.

This is an exciting moment as we look to the future with clarity on what we already do well and where we need to focus our energies to make an even bigger difference for the people we serve.

Detailed Job Description and Main Responsibilities

To provide an effective, evidence-based proactive nutrition and dietetic input into infants and children with PCD and CF and adults with PCD. Managing caseloads across the entire care pathway on an inpatient, outpatient, and day case basis at the Leicester Royal Infirmary and Glenfield Hospitals with varying degrees of nutritional complexity, without direct supervision and whilst exercising a large degree of autonomy.

The post holder will work as an expert and extended scope practitioner undertaking complex assessments in order to diagnose, plan, deliver and monitor complex dietetic intervention(s) independently and as part of the PCD and paediatric CF MDT's.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential Criteria

• A four-year Undergraduate or Post Graduate Degree in Nutrition & Dietetics or similar non-UK qualification.
• HCPC Registration.
• Completion of a Clinical Teaching Skills Course.
• Masters level qualification or post-graduate training in advanced dietetic practice.

Desirable Criteria

• Completion of an Advanced Clinical Supervisory Skills Course.
• Completion of an Advanced Counselling skills course.
• Completion of BDA Paediatric MSc Module.

Experience

Essential Criteria

• Dietetic experience in a varied dietetic environment.
• Dietetic experience in the specialist fields of paediatrics and nutrition support.
• Dietetic experience relevant to the specialist fields of cystic fibrosis and PCD or be able to demonstrate transferable skills.
• Can demonstrate evidence of continued professional development (e.g. keeps a professional portfolio, professional involvement in clinical research).
• Is able to demonstrate ability to initiate and complete quality improvement projects leading to improved patient care.
• Previous involvement with the pre-registration practice training for Dietitians.
• Developed experience in caseload management.

Desirable Criteria

• Previous experience of line management or co-ordination of clinical supervision or providing coaching/mentoring role.
• Dietetic experience in the sub-specialist field of respiratory medicine.

Communication

Essential Criteria

• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills.
• Can demonstrate confidence, leadership, and self-motivation.
• Has a good understanding of teamwork and how this can be used to improve patient care.
• Able to liaise with professionals at all levels and can demonstrate a role in influencing multi-professional practice.
• Is aware of the different communication needs within a culturally diverse community.

Desirable Criteria

• Has undertaken post-registration training in behavioural change and motivational interviewing.

Additional Information

Please submit your application form without delay to avoid disappointment; we will close vacancies prior to the publishing closing date if we receive a sufficient number of completed application forms.

UHL is an equal opportunities employer. We aim to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds who match our job criteria.

Applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria for the job will be interviewed if you indicate you wish to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme.

UHL is committed to helping colleagues balance the demands of both their work and personal needs through flexible working arrangements wherever reasonably practicable and subject to service needs.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

Please note if you are successful in obtaining this position and the post involves regulated activity you will be required to undertake a Disclosure & Barring Service check.

The Trust will pay for the check initially and the money will then be deducted from your salary over a three-month period commencing on your first month's payment.

COVID 19 Risk Assessment

Due to the current Covid pandemic we have introduced a staff risk assessment into our pre-employment process. This now forms part of the mandatory pre-employment checks that will be carried out if you receive a conditional offer.

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust holds the principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything it does and all that it stands for. We are committed to developing a workforce that is representative of the community we serve. We welcome applications from the diverse community of Leicester, Leicester and Rutland, to help deliver healthcare services that meets the needs of our diverse communities.