Community Dietitian

Job summary

To contribute to the provision of a comprehensive Nutrition and Dietetic service in the Community setting for the people of Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley

The post offers the opportunity to gain clinical experience in a range of dietetic fields and across a wide range of clinical conditions including long term conditions, neurological conditions, malnutrition and obesity. With the opportunity to gain dietetic skills/knowledge in specific clinical areas such as Oncology, Renal disease and paediatrics as part of your development. You will see patients in a variety of settings including their own home, nursing and residential homes and GP clinics. The community dietetic team work closely with other multi-disciplinary teams in the community and Kent & Medway Partnership Trust.

Main duties of the job

To work autonomously within the field of Community Dietetics with no direct supervision, but liaising with senior colleagues in the Acute and Community setting

To communicate with patients and/or carers to gain their consent and agreement with treatment plans and to agree expected outcomes. Patients may have some degree of dementing illness, cognitive impairment, behavioural problems or depression

To undertake comprehensive dietary assessments and advise on treatment plans for patients/carers in Nursing Homes, their own homes and in General Practice clinics

To liaise with General Practitioners and other health care professionals as well as with Social Services and other agencies to ensure optimum care of all patients

To develop and source appropriate literature to support the advice and information given to patients, carers and other professional colleagues

To make recommendations to clinicians in General Practice on the prescription of nutritional supplements for patients requiring nutritional support or on any treatment regimes requiring specialised dietetic or pharmacological agents

To be responsible for the safe use of equipment (weighing scales) within own practice and by Students and Assistants in the department and with patients receiving care

About us

We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse employer. We strive to employ people who reflect the communities we serve, and aim to create an inclusive culture where everyone can reach their full potential. Whatever your race, ethnicity, belief, generation, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, disability or experience, you'll appreciate the opportunities we give you to work in an inclusive atmosphere. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to build on the progress we've achieved to make our Trust diverse and the best place to work. We celebrate the diversity of thought, viewpoints and ideas that help us overcome challenges and embrace new possibilities. We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant Pledge and have a commitment to the Armed Forces Community.

We are dedicated to using our Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) approach as our shared organisation model of change to enhance our services and ensure excellence in patient care.

If you are considering applying for a role, please be aware that as an NHS Employee you may have contact with vulnerable service users. We strongly encourage that all our staff are vaccinated against COVID-19 and are vaccinated annually against Flu, in order to protect the health and safety of our staff and patients. Your commitment will help us to put the safety and care of our patients first, as well as helping us to protect you and your colleagues.

Job description

Job responsibilities

For a detailed description of the Job roles and responsibilities please see the attached job description.

Person Specification

Education/Professional Qualification

Essential

Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics Registered Dietitian by HCPC Minimum of 18 months post-graduate experience in general Nutrition and Dietetics Evidence of relevant post graduate clinical education Trained in facilitated learning for undergraduate placements Motivated to maintain continuing professional development

Desirable

BDA membership membership of a BDA interest group

Skills and Abilities

Essential

Able to work safely and effectively without direct supervision but with senior staff guidance Able to plan workload and supervise assistants and students Ability to work in a team Adequate communication skills-both verbal and written Basic skills Ability to teach effectively Advanced clinical reasoning skills

Desirable

Understanding of clinical audit

Experience

Essential

Use of protocols and care pathways for specific interventions and conditions Worked in Community Dietitians

Desirable

Mental Heath Dietetics An innovative and holistic approach to patient care

Knowledge and Interest

Essential

Motivation towards extending skills and knowledge A knowledge of personal accountability and responsibilities as laid down by Rules of Professional Conduc Evidence of awareness for need for professional development and responsibility Able to plan and deliver workloads to support requirements of the post

Desirable

Awareness of developments in the NHS

Disposition

Essential

Ability to be adaptable to meet changing requirements and needs Ability to work within a MDT and to plan and action patient focused care pathway ys Contribute to safe and effective patient care

Desirable

A knowledge of and experience in working with different cultures and religious beliefs

Circumstances

Essential

Able to work in care homes and Mental Heath Units Current work permit

Desirable

own transport

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