Specialist Community Dietitian

Job Overview

The post holder will be responsible for the delivery of a specialist dietetic service in Waltham Forest. The post holder will support the band 5's and work closely with the whole Nutrition & Dietetic team as well as the Waltham Forest community.

Main duties of the job

To provide expert nutrition advice, independently or in a MDT, in community dietetics To supervise junior staff and students To ensure effective risk management at team level by reporting, assessing and mitigating risks. To develop Dietetic care pathways, within own specialist area to develop practice. Critically evaluate evidence (including local) in order to provide expert nutrition advice. To develop culturally appropriate paper and e-resources pertaining to own area & to support the design of other material as required. To contribute to the current strong supportive team ethos

Ideally, the post holder will work Tuesdays to Fridays.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities

Leadership

Attend and contribute to department meetings and other appropriate meetings. Prepare for and contribute to the appraisal, supervision and CPD processes. Undertake recruitment activities for junior dietetic staff and/or admin staff To facilitate the development of a positive and supportive team culture To participate in the audit process, linking in with the clinical governance agenda. To ensure evidence-based practice is supported by research and peer reviews. To support student training

Clinical Skills

Advise GPs, healthcare professionals, parents, case conferences, carers and patients, both verbally and in writing, concerning a patients’ nutrition and dietetic management. Confident with holistic nutritional assessment, the interpretation of biochemistry and other parameters To have a working knowledge of the use of enteral feeding pumps and equipment. To make recommendations to the medical team regarding adaptation of medication for the management of clinical conditions eg Diabetes, malabsorption To recommend to the medical team including Consultants and GPs the prescription of nutritional supplements, vitamin, minerals and gluten free products. To use anthropometric equipment for assessment of nutritional status, such as hand grip dynamometer and interpretation of results

Computer/Administration

To be computer literate and encourage implementation of the Trust’s IT policy. To ensure accurate recording of actions, and updating patient’s records, maintaining confidentiality at all times. To plan and administer the day to day running of the caseload on Rio and other diaries.

Communication

To be able to effectively communicate with colleagues, peers, senior managers and clinical leads within the Trust. Undertake audit within own area, and communicate and present findings to a variety of groups including in formal settings. To be aware of different communication styles and patients needs

Training

To ensure own continued professional development and support a culture of lifelong learning in self and others including students. To undertake annual appraisal, develop a personal development plan that includes clinical competencies reflecting the health needs of the local population. To support new staff and their integration within the team. Provide guidance, support and supervision to the Band 5 Dietitians and students. Providing feedback to the junior members of staff, advising on complex nutritional cases, developing clinical reasoning models and mentoring.

Starting with NELFT

NELFT place a great deal of importance on new starters being properly welcomed and inducted into the Trust. All new starters will join the Trust on the first Monday of each month and will undertake a comprehensive induction of up to two weeks which will include mandatory training, systems training and the allocation of equipment. As part of the process new starters will have the opportunity to also meet the executive team, senior managers and attend a number of drop-in sessions focusing on engagement, health and wellbeing and key processes. The induction will be held at our head office in Rainham, Essex.

Probationary Period

This post will be subject to a probationary period. Internal applicants are exempt from the probationary period (unless you are an internal applicant currently part way through a probationary period or currently a bank member of staff).

High Cost Area Supplement Outer London (B&D, Redbridge, Havering and Waltham Forest, CEME)

This post also attracts payment for High Cost Area Supplement of 15% of the basic salary (with a minimum of £4,714 to a maximum of £5,941 p.a. pro rata for part time).

Working for Us

Joining #TeamNELFT means you’ll become part of a welcoming and supportive working environment. We’re CQC rated Good, and we want you to join us on the journey towards an Outstanding rating. NELFT has sites across North East London and Essex. We provide community and mental healthcare services to adults and children within these areas.

The Trust has award-winning equality and diversity initiatives, along with staff health and wellbeing activities. We invest significantly in your development because when you feel valued and supported, we can deliver the highest quality care to our patients. We are a Level 3 Disability Confident Leader, have been recognised in the Working Families Top 10 Employers benchmark for five consecutive years, and hold a Carers UK Level 1 Accreditation. Through our staff networks and training opportunities, we strive to foster a just and compassionate culture at NELFT.