Community dietitian

Job responsibilities

1. Communication and relationship skills

• To assess, advise and liaise with patients and their carers in providing up to date dietary information.
• To work as part of a team of Dietitians in reviewing and updating dietary information for patients and carers.
• Will be required to offer constructive feedback in a non judgement manner to support individuals development.
• To establish rapport with a wide range of patients and carers, working in a non discriminatory fashion.
• To use motivational interviewing technique to overcome barriers to change.
• To deliver difficult or upsetting information in a compassionate manner.
• To translate complex scientific information into easily understood format
• To recognise and respond to non verbal cues.
• To communicate effectively with people who may experience communication difficulties relating to language or disability.
• To review, prepare and present education and training programmes e.g. MUST training, for other organisation, health care professionals and patients as required.

1. Knowledge, training and experience

• BSc (Hons) Nutrition & Dietetic or Post Graduate Diploma in Dietetics
• To work as part of a team of Dietitians in reviewing and updating dietary information for patients and carers.

• To review, prepare and present education and training programmes for other organisation, health care professionals and patients as required.

• To translate complex scientific information into easily understood format
• Knowledge of a wide range of customary diets for all patients regardless of ethnicity.

• Knowledge to tailor dietary advice for a wide range of medical/disease conditions appropriate to individual circumstances.
• Knowledge of patient malnutrition screening using MUST

1. Analytical and judgement skills

• To undertake a yearly audit as deemed appropriate by line manager
• To translate complex scientific information into easily understood format
• To interpret biochemical data and use to formulate dietary requirements and advice.
• To prioritise caseload based on clinical presentation and need.
• To demonstrate good time management skills

1. Planning and organisational skills

• To undertake a yearly audit
• To submit data in a timely fashion and achieve deadlines as set by team lead.
• To develop CPD plan and personal objectives with team lead.
• To review, prepare and present education and training programmes for other organisation, health care professionals and patients as required.
• To prioritise caseload based on clinical presentation and need.
• To demonstrate good time management skills

1. Physical skills

• To review, prepare and present education and training programmes for other organisation, health care professionals and patients as required.

• To use a wide range of computer software at a high level and have good keyboard skills.

• To demonstrate ability to use additional equipment as required for role, e.g. skin fold callipers.

• To work in a range of clinical environments which may be subject to frequent interruptions.
• To follow procedures for moving and handling.
• Drive a vehicle

1. Responsibility for patient / client care

• To work as an autonomous practitioner, responsible for own caseload, under the supervision of Team Lead.

• To provide a nutrition and dietetic service to patients in the community in Medway and Swale, in outpatient clinics, nursing homes and in their own homes as appropriate.
• To promote better health and quality of life through appropriate nutrition and diet therapy.
• To assess, advise and liaise with patients and their carers in providing up to date dietary information.
• To complete documentation relating to patient care in line with department and organisation policy.
• To provide MUST training to nursing home staff, or other health care professionals, as required

1. Responsibility for policy and service development implementation

• To work within Department and Professional Standards
• To undertake a yearly audit
• To contribute to the development of department policies.
• Required to actively contribute to the development and achievement of department objectives.

1. Responsibilities for financial and physical resources

• To make the most efficient use of departmental resources and be mindful of budgetary limitations.

1. Responsibilities for human resources (HR)

• To plan a personal CPD programme and personal objectives in liaison with the team lead.
• Required to supervise student Dietitians and work experience placements
• Required to actively contribute to department clinical supervision programme.

1. Responsibilities for information resources

• To work as part of a team of dietitians in reviewing and updating dietary information for patients and carers.

• To review, prepare and present education and training programmes for other organisation, health care professionals and patients as required.

• To work within the organisations guidance around information governance and be individually responsible for safeguarding information.

1. Responsibilities for research and development (R&D)

• To contribute to department and organisations audit programme
• To develop, plan, undertake and evaluate one audit per year.

1. Freedom to act

• To work within department, professional and organisation policies and procedures.
• Responsible for autonomous management of own clinical caseload as defined by Team Lead.

• To be responsible for own safety by following Department and Organisation lone working policies and procedures.

MCH Values

Essential

• Caring and compassionate, delivering quality and value, working in partnership

Qualifications

Essential

• BSc (Hons) Nutrition & Dietetic or Post Graduate Diploma in Dietetics
• A member of the Health Professions Council

Desirable

• Professional member of the British Dietetic Association

Experience

Essential

• Completion of clinical dietetic work placements

Desirable

• Experience of working independently
• Experience of working in community setting

Special knowledge / expertise

Essential

• Ability to undertake dietary analysis manually.
• Ability to interpret biochemical data.
• Ability to prioritise caseload based on clinical presentation and need.

Desirable

• Ability to undertake dietary analysis using a computer software package.
• Awareness of relevant National clinical guidance

Disposition, adjustment, attitude and commitment

Essential

• Demonstrates a passion for the Dietetic profession.
• Ability to work well as part of a team and on an individual basis
• Ability to work in a wide range of clinical settings.
• Able to demonstrate good time management skills.
• Demonstrates an enquiring mind with a desire for personal development.
• Ability to establish rapport with a wide range of people.

Desirable

• Demonstrates a desire to support others development.

Practical / intellectual skills

Essential

• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to use a wide range of computer software at a competent level
• Drive a vehicle
• Ability to travel to various sites/carry out home visits in a timely manner

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).