Senior Dietetic Assistant

If you would like a supportive and professional department in which to develop a career in nutrition and dietetics, we have the post for you. We are looking for an enthusiastic dietetic assistant to join our team of dietitians, Dietetic Assistant Practitioner, Senior Dietetic Assistant, Nutrition Nurse, and administrative staff.

The post is within the adult Inpatient team which provides dietetic assessment and advice to the elderly, medical, surgical, orthopaedic and critical care wards. Your main duties will include;
- Assisting the dietitian in ensuring that the dietary needs of inpatients are met including reviewing patients on adult wards
- Contributing to service development

We will provide you with opportunities to develop your skills and knowledge in nutrition and dietetics within a supportive, learning environment. There is IT access and a strong commitment to continuing professional development, clinical effectiveness and audit.

The senior dietetic assistant supports the inpatient dietetic team to assess, plan and implement a range of interventions to improve the functional ability and well-being of individuals and/or groups. The post holder will be responsible for activities delegated to them and will work without direct supervision but will have immediate access to a clinician for advice and direction as required. Senior Assistants are expected to continually improve their knowledge and skills and work collaboratively with dietetic colleagues to enhance patient care.

The post holder will have completed a level III QCF qualification, have experience of working with people with a range of health needs and acquired core nutrition and dietetic competencies.

**The post holder will**:

- Independently undertake basic assessments and interventions relevant to delegated caseload
- Contribute to the evaluation of programmes and patient’s progression making minor alterations in consultation with the dietitian
- Manage own workload.
- Support dietitian with complex cases as required
- Assist with the management of out patient referrals and appointments
- Work with team members to ensure the effective functioning of the team
- Participate in activities to improve the dietetic service
- Provide support to other team members and students
- Work flexibly according to patient and service needs

We are always looking for enterprising and innovative approaches to the way we provide our services. We are a national centre for telemedicine and introduced telehealth to the UK offender healthcare sector and also provide the service to patients in their care homes. Community matters to us and we are supported by 400 dedicated volunteers and have strong links with Bradford University, Craven College and Leeds City College to ensure we inspire the workforce of the future.

We want to attract staff who embrace our Right Care behaviours of compassion, a commitment to quality of care and working together for patients we want to make these part of our DNA.

1. Clinical

1.1. Provide timely and efficient dietetic service to delegated patients according to clinical protocols and service priorities.

1.2. Communicate effectively with patients and carers on the wards to obtain diet histories and explain nutritional treatment plans devised by the dietitian.

1.3. Undertake routine assessments of delegated patient including nutrition risk scores, anthropometrics, food intake, fluid balance, swallowing ability and clinical condition as requested.

1.4. Liaise with supervising dietitian to discuss options for care plans

1.5. Develop individual dietetic care plans for delegated patients in conjunction with the supervising dietitian.

1.6. Implement care plans in partnership with the service user, with the carer as necessary and in consultation with supervising dietitian

1.7. Review patients as requested by the dietitian in order to establish if the dietetic care plan is being followed and that they have received the recommended type and quantity of supplements and/or snacks.

1.8. Assist patients in making suitable menu choices for their needs taking into account their food preferences. e.g. low residue, milk free, wheat free, gluten free and assist patients at risk of malnutrition to maximise their food intake by encouraging choice of energy dense meals and offering additional snacks.

1.9. Liaise with and make appropriate referrals to other agencies

1.10. Work with other services such as diet chef, ward hostesses in order to implement recommendations of treatment

1.11. Clearly document each intervention in the patient’s SystmOne record as outlined in organisational policies and procedures

1.12. Create discharge/summary written reports as required.

1.13. Contribute to the review and development of patient pathways.

1.14. Respond to unforeseen situations that take precedence over planned work.

1.15. Provide advice, teaching and instruction for relatives, carers, and other health professionals to promote understanding