We are looking to recruit a Dietetic Assistant who wishes to develop their skills in supporting patients who require nutritional support during their inpatient stay.
You will work under the direct supervision of the Dietitians. You will be involved in the collection of clinical information to assist dietetic assessment and practical aspects of implementing / monitoring the nutritional recommendations made by the dietitian.
A key aspect of the role involves educating members of the healthcare team and promoting first line nutrition support strategies.
We would like the successful candidate to become an integral part of our team, as well as helping newly recruited dietitians to settle into the area and the department.
As a department we encourage quality improvement and audit work.
You will report to the Acute team, Team Leaders. The department is composed of three teams, Acute, Community and Diabetic teams with a total of 24 staff, including support staff and admin. We provide an integrated service across both our Hospital and Community sites meeting the needs of our patients across the whole of the Bolton population.
This position does not support sponsorship for UK visa and immigration.
Main duties of the job
You will work as a Dietetic Assistant within the Dietetic Department, completing initial assessments and reviews for inpatients referred to the Dietetic department who have been identified as at risk of developing malnutrition during their admission.
You will be required to manage your own caseload, liaising with both Dietetic and Ward staff.
You will be involved in the training of ward based staff with regards to risk of and treatment of malnutrition.
All of the duties will be under the supervision of the Qualified Dietetic Staff.
About us
Here at Bolton our patients are at the heart of everything we do. We ensure our patients receive the highest quality of Care and are guided by our trust Values. We are proud that our Trust is a centre of excellence formaternity, neonataland care for children, and that it has been rated as Good by the Quality Care Commission (CQC). This is in recognition of the patient experience and quality of care that our staff provide to patients. It is also supported by our Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professional Framework for Professional Practice
The aims of this Trust are to improve the health of and provide the best possible care to the population in which we serve and ensure that our staff has joy and pride in their work. We are striving to recruit a workforce that reflects the communities in which we serve. We value our staff and can offer excellent opportunities for further training and development. We are keen to reflect our local population and therefore applications from all sectors of the community are welcomed.
In addition, we can offer you:
o 27 days holiday rising to 33 days (depending on NHS service)
o Eligibility for our NHS Car lease scheme
o Eligibility for our NHS Technology Scheme
o Access to on-site Gymnasium
Job responsibilities
To be able to recognise improvements or adverse developments in the clients condition, report to supervisor and document it.
To implement intervention programmes either in groups, or on an individual basis, under the supervision of a registered dietitian
To prepare the client and environment for therapeutic intervention when required
To maintain hygiene and cleanliness of all relevant clinical areas
To use a range of verbal and non-verbal communication tools, to effectively communicate with and gather information from clients/carers and feedback accurately to therapy colleagues, in order to progress any treatment programmes. This will include clients who may have difficulties understanding or communicating, e.g. speech difficulties.
To identify when intervention with a client is appropriate and to be able to modify intervention within agreed level of competence
To be aware of the local and out of area procedures for the provision of resources as required and complete referrals in liaison with relevant dietitian.
To liaise directly with voluntary and other support agencies in order to gain information on available community services appropriate to clients
To demonstrate understanding of the roles of other MDT members and work in partnership with them in order to contribute to MDT assessment of clients
To maintain effective communication with carers in line with client confidentiality
To possess basic IT and keyboard skills, enabling the use of relevant organisational IT systems necessary to fulfil the role, e.g. booking appointments or accessing email etc.
Person Specification
Qualifications
- oEducation to GCSE level or equivalent, including English & Mathematics
- NVQ III or equivalent Accredited Learning in Nutrition
- Basic Food Hygiene Certificate
Experience
- oExperience of working with patients and carers with different medical conditions and who may be elderly, sick or terminally ill.
- Experience of working in a healthcare setting
- oNVQ level 2 Health Care
- Experience of planning and delivering health education to individuals and groups.
- Experience working with dietitians or other therapists in an acute setting.
Skills
- Good communication skills (verbal and written)
- Basic IT skills
- Basic admin & clerical skills – typing, filing and telephone skills
- Ability to work alone
- Ability to cope with a busy work load, working well as part of a team
- Able to use initiative
- Ability to manage time effectively
- Be able to follow instructions
- Ability to persuade, motivate, explain, and empathise with people who have communication differences or barriers to understanding
- Able to communicate clearly
- Able to take accurate messages
- oAble to act as a role model
Knowledge
- A basic knowledge of nutrition in health and disease including malnutrition, nutrition support and principles of healthy eating.
- A basic knowledge of how disability and illness affects nutritional intake and function.
- Evidence of CPD
- A basic knowledge of health promotion
- A basic knowledge of how nutrition impacts on healing, recovery and rehabilitation
other
- Ability to work flexibly and at weekends as required
- The post requires you to have access to a suitable vehicle to be used within your role, subject to the provision of the DDA
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.
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