Job summary
We are looking to recruit an Advanced Dietetics Assistant to join out team and support the department. The successful candidate will need be able to work as part of team and independently.
Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification
Main duties of the job
- To provide general and advanced (clinical & non-clinical) support to the acute dietetic service for inpatients and outpatients at Derriford Hospital and Mount Gould Hospital, working under the supervision of senior dietitians.
- To enhance the work carried out by ward dietitians, improving service efficiency, streamlining the provision of nutrition care, and facilitating effective patient discharges.
- To undertake other tasks, within the dietetic department, that do not require the expertise of a registered dietitian, as assigned by a supervising dietitian.
- To be involved in all Nutrition and Dietetic departmental activities and contribute to the delivery of a Trust wide dietetic service.
About us
We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure.
PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission.
We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- This post is based in the Nutrition and Dietetic Department of Derriford Hospital and Mount Gould.
- To work independently, but under the direction of an HCPC registered dietitian to perform specific tasks for an individual or group of patients.
- Be responsible for all aspects of own work and demonstrate awareness of own level of responsibility and accountability within the service, and when to seek advice from the dietitians.
- Undertake patient reviews of selected patients under the supervision of the dietitian. This will include checking if a patient is following their nutrition plan, liaising with relevant healthcare professionals, and providing feedback to the dietitian. The role will also involve giving advice, to help patients make dietary changes and diet histories.
- This post may require physically restraining patients under the Mental Health Act.
- Retrieve and record biochemistry results and inform the dietitian of results as appropriate.
- To work within protocols and competencies specific to this post. To act as first contact in specific situations.
- Calculating and monitoring oral food intake e.g., food record charts and discussing nutritional intake with patients directly and any barriers preventing them from meeting the nutritional care plan goals.
- Strict adherence to outcome monitoring on dedicated spreadsheets
- Documenting in medical notes and nursing notes as part of the nutritional assessment the patients food and fluid intakes including estimated energy/calorie and protein intakes as part of the nutritional assessment reviews.
- Check and support the use of nutritional screening tools, this will involve weighing and measuring patients as well as ongoing staff training.
- Implementation of MUST care plan, introduction of oral nutritional supplements and monitoring of compliance.
- Work flexibly and carry out duties as directed and agreed with the dietitian.
- Assist the Dietitian, and nursing staff with effective discharge planning including facilitating the safe discharge of patients requiring Home Enteral Tube Feeding, and training patients / carers in the use of equipment e.g. feeding pump training.
- Patient management includes: nutritional assessment and information gathering to identify patient needs; development of nutritional care plans and review of progress at regular intervals.
- Ordering and management of adequate stock levels of nutritional supplements, dietary booklets and resources.
- Assist the dietitians with data collection for audit / research projects. This may include clinical data collection to demonstrate outcomes of care, patient satisfaction surveys and audit of screening in the hospital.
- Be aware of limitations of own knowledge and experience and seek advice and guidance as required.
- Assist in the collection of relevant data for facilitating care plans such as, referral information, medical summaries, requesting information from GP surgeries/other hospitals etc.
- To monitor the progress of patients receiving interventions and communicate changes back to dietitian.
- Reinforce advice given to patients/carers by dietitian as requested.
- Follow up patients by means of telephone and/or face to face reviews.
- Contribute to departmental and external meetings as delegated by a dietitian.
- Assist in the development and delivery of education and training programmes to other health professionals, patients and carers, taking into account the diverse needs of the population.
- Assist in the training and education of other members of staff including students and other assistant staff.
- Provide PowerPoint presentations to groups of Hospital staff as directed by senior Dietitians.
- To demonstrate compassion, empathy and sensitivity to patients, carers and families
- To deal sensitively with patients; in distressing or emotional circumstances, who may have communication difficulties, providing care for distressed patients or those with challenging behaviour.
- Communicate effectively with colleagues within and outside of the department, including third party company staff in order to be able to deliver an effective service to patients and carers and to facilitate multidisciplinary working.
- Be able to identify when there may be communication difficulties; take appropriate action to ensure the patient is not disadvantaged and to ensure this information is communicated to colleagues.
- Act as a link with other healthcare professionals, agencies and third-party companies as directed by the dietitian. This will include communication of diet needs to ward staff, housekeepers, and catering staff.
- Maintain competency with Trust recording systems e.g. Tiara, SeeEHR, speciality spreadsheets and ensure all contacts are recorded in agreed timescales.
- Ensure all records relating to patient care are recorded in line with Trust Record Keeping Policy and are accurate reflection of care delivered.
- Collect information and data as requested by Trust or dietitian.
- Complete mandatory training as required by the Trust and access other role specific training as agreed with dietitian.
- Maintain spreadsheets as directed by the dietitian.
- To participate in the appraisal process and follow a programme for CPD as drawn up in individual performance review and achieved agreed objectives within agreed timescales.
- To remain cost aware and utilise equipment and resources in a cost-effective manner.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- This post is based in the Nutrition and Dietetic Department of Derriford Hospital and Mount Gould.
- To work independently, but under the direction of an HCPC registered dietitian to perform specific tasks for an individual or group of patients.
- Be responsible for all aspects of own work and demonstrate awareness of own level of responsibility and accountability within the service, and when to seek advice from the dietitians.
- Undertake patient reviews of selected patients under the supervision of the dietitian. This will include checking if a patient is following their nutrition plan, liaising with relevant healthcare professionals, and providing feedback to the dietitian. The role will also involve giving advice, to help patients make dietary changes and diet histories.
- This post may require physically restraining patients under the Mental Health Act.
- Retrieve and record biochemistry results and inform the dietitian of results as appropriate.
- To work within protocols and competencies specific to this post. To act as first contact in specific situations.
- Calculating and monitoring oral food intake e.g., food record charts and discussing nutritional intake with patients directly and any barriers preventing them from meeting the nutritional care plan goals.
- Strict adherence to outcome monitoring on dedicated spreadsheets
- Documenting in medical notes and nursing notes as part of the nutritional assessment the patients food and fluid intakes including estimated energy/calorie and protein intakes as part of the nutritional assessment reviews.
- Check and support the use of nutritional screening tools, this will involve weighing and measuring patients as well as ongoing staff training.
- Implementation of MUST care plan, introduction of oral nutritional supplements and monitoring of compliance.
- Work flexibly and carry out duties as directed and agreed with the dietitian.
- Assist the Dietitian, and nursing staff with effective discharge planning including facilitating the safe discharge of patients requiring Home Enteral Tube Feeding, and training patients / carers in the use of equipment e.g. feeding pump training.
- Patient management includes: nutritional assessment and information gathering to identify patient needs; development of nutritional care plans and review of progress at regular intervals.
- Ordering and management of adequate stock levels of nutritional supplements, dietary booklets and resources.
- Assist the dietitians with data collection for audit / research projects. This may include clinical data collection to demonstrate outcomes of care, patient satisfaction surveys and audit of screening in the hospital.
- Be aware of limitations of own knowledge and experience and seek advice and guidance as required.
- Assist in the collection of relevant data for facilitating care plans such as, referral information, medical summaries, requesting information from GP surgeries/other hospitals etc.
- To monitor the progress of patients receiving interventions and communicate changes back to dietitian.
- Reinforce advice given to patients/carers by dietitian as requested.
- Follow up patients by means of telephone and/or face to face reviews.
- Contribute to departmental and external meetings as delegated by a dietitian.
- Assist in the development and delivery of education and training programmes to other health professionals, patients and carers, taking into account the diverse needs of the population.
- Assist in the training and education of other members of staff including students and other assistant staff.
- Provide PowerPoint presentations to groups of Hospital staff as directed by senior Dietitians.
- To demonstrate compassion, empathy and sensitivity to patients, carers and families
- To deal sensitively with patients; in distressing or emotional circumstances, who may have communication difficulties, providing care for distressed patients or those with challenging behaviour.
- Communicate effectively with colleagues within and outside of the department, including third party company staff in order to be able to deliver an effective service to patients and carers and to facilitate multidisciplinary working.
- Be able to identify when there may be communication difficulties; take appropriate action to ensure the patient is not disadvantaged and to ensure this information is communicated to colleagues.
- Act as a link with other healthcare professionals, agencies and third-party companies as directed by the dietitian. This will include communication of diet needs to ward staff, housekeepers, and catering staff.
- Maintain competency with Trust recording systems e.g. Tiara, SeeEHR, speciality spreadsheets and ensure all contacts are recorded in agreed timescales.
- Ensure all records relating to patient care are recorded in line with Trust Record Keeping Policy and are accurate reflection of care delivered.
- Collect information and data as requested by Trust or dietitian.
- Complete mandatory training as required by the Trust and access other role specific training as agreed with dietitian.
- Maintain spreadsheets as directed by the dietitian.
- To participate in the appraisal process and follow a programme for CPD as drawn up in individual performance review and achieved agreed objectives within agreed timescales.
- To remain cost aware and utilise equipment and resources in a cost-effective manner.
Person Specification
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Proven experience of working within an NHS clinical setting.
- Willingness to undertake relevant departmental training to achieve required clinical competencies.
Desirable
- Proven experience of Audit.
Qualifications
Essential
- Foundation degree or equivalent or higher or, Minimum NVQ / diploma in healthcare or equivalent level 3.
- Minimum NVQ / diploma in healthcare or equivalent level 3.
Desirable
- GCSEs Maths & English Levels 9-4 (A-C or equivalents).
Aptitude & Attitude
Essential
- Demonstrable communication skills both verbal and written.
- Able to present information, written and oral, in a clear and logical manner for patient notes and departmental documentation. oProfessional and patient focussed approach acting as a role model to colleagues and junior staff members.
Desirable
- Knowledge of the dietetic process.
Person Specification
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Proven experience of working within an NHS clinical setting.
- Willingness to undertake relevant departmental training to achieve required clinical competencies.
Desirable
- Proven experience of Audit.
Qualifications
Essential
- Foundation degree or equivalent or higher or, Minimum NVQ / diploma in healthcare or equivalent level 3.
- Minimum NVQ / diploma in healthcare or equivalent level 3.
Desirable
- GCSEs Maths & English Levels 9-4 (A-C or equivalents).
Aptitude & Attitude
Essential
- Demonstrable communication skills both verbal and written.
- Able to present information, written and oral, in a clear and logical manner for patient notes and departmental documentation. oProfessional and patient focussed approach acting as a role model to colleagues and junior staff members.
Desirable
- Knowledge of the dietetic process.
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.
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).
Additional information
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.
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).
