Job summary
We are seeking an enthusiastic Dietitian specialised in eating disorders to join our team. An exciting opportunity has arisen for a full-time position, (open to flexible working) 8-month fixed term, maternity cover post, starting on the 5th of January 2025.
Wisteria Ward is a 12 bedded national inpatient eating disorders unit for children and adolescents aged between 11 and 18 based at Springfield University Hospital. The service is commissioned by NHS England and managed in the SLP CAMHS Tier 4 Provider Collaborative. The ward moved into a newly refurbished building in 2022, which includes beautiful artwork from our young people. Wisteria Ward as an inpatient CAMHS eating disorders unit aims to keep admission length less than 12 weeks focusing on weight restoration, supportive psychological therapies, individualised care plans, key nurse session, medical monitoring, communication and support for parents and family interventions.
Main duties of the job
The postholder will provide highly specialised dietetic input to young people receiving inpatient treatment for eating disorders at South West London and St. George's Mental Health Trust.
The successful applicant will manage a caseload of young people with eating disorders, conduct dietetic assessments, deliver therapeutic interventions, and work as an integral member of the multidisciplinary team. Additionally, the role includes providing nutritional advice, education, and training to nursing staff, doctors, dietetic students, and other healthcare professionals. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in the field of eating disorder treatment within a supportive and dynamic environment.
About us
We are Proud to Belong at South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust.
We have expert services, a rich history and a clear commitment to providing the best quality care for those with mental ill-health. The Care Quality Commission already rates our services as 'good' - we aspire to be 'outstanding'.
This is a great time to join us. We are transforming the way we care for our communities to support our mission of Making Life Better Together. We have built two brand new mental health facilities at Springfield University Hospital, which are amongst the best in the world. More developments are planned across our sites and services as we invest a further £120m to upgrade and modernise our estate by 2027.
We are inclusive and diverse and strive to be actively anti racist. We want to attract people from all backgrounds and experiences to enrich the work we do together. We are proud to co-produce and involve our local communities in all that we do.
We offer flexible working, career development and a variety of benefits to enable a positive, welcoming environment in which our people and their careers can thrive.
Come and join our inclusive teams and help our patients on their recovery journey.
About our locations:
Springfield University Hospital, Tooting
Job description
Job responsibilities
To undertake clinical assessments and appropriate dietetic intervention for service users within the mental health inpatient services at Springfield Hospital. This may include service users in acute admissions, rehabilitation, forensics, older peoples services, as well as CAMHs.
To work with clients with complex physical and psychological needs, using outcome measures as appropriate.
To be aware of patients at high psychiatric risk and liaise with the team regarding the management of these patients.
To act as autonomous practitioner, with full responsibility for the Dietetic management of the agreed caseload.
To decide clinical priorities for own work area, balancing client related activities with other professional clinical demands.
To work effectively as a team member of the dietetic service, providing a flexible service, covering as appropriate other dietetic services.
To maintain a high standard of clinical practice.
To work as a member of the multidisciplinary team, establishing collaborative working relationships, sharing skills and information.
To be actively involved in clinical team meetings, wards rounds, community meetings and care plan review meetings as required.
To adhere to any clinical standards and guidelines produced by the British Dietetic Association
Job description
Job responsibilities
To undertake clinical assessments and appropriate dietetic intervention for service users within the mental health inpatient services at Springfield Hospital. This may include service users in acute admissions, rehabilitation, forensics, older peoples services, as well as CAMHs.
To work with clients with complex physical and psychological needs, using outcome measures as appropriate.
To be aware of patients at high psychiatric risk and liaise with the team regarding the management of these patients.
To act as autonomous practitioner, with full responsibility for the Dietetic management of the agreed caseload.
To decide clinical priorities for own work area, balancing client related activities with other professional clinical demands.
To work effectively as a team member of the dietetic service, providing a flexible service, covering as appropriate other dietetic services.
To maintain a high standard of clinical practice.
To work as a member of the multidisciplinary team, establishing collaborative working relationships, sharing skills and information.
To be actively involved in clinical team meetings, wards rounds, community meetings and care plan review meetings as required.
To adhere to any clinical standards and guidelines produced by the British Dietetic Association
Person Specification
Training & Qualification
Essential
- Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics
- Registered as Dietitian with HCPC
Desirable
- Member of the British Dietetic Association and the Specialist Mental Health Group
- Completion of the BDA clinical supervisory skills course
Experience
Essential
- Post graduate experience with significant experience working at specialist level
- Experience of carrying a caseload of service users with complex and diverse needs in a mental health setting
- Experience related to food provision and catering
- Experience working with mental health service users
- Experience of working with children and/ or adolescents
Desirable
- Experience of the supervision of junior staff within a formal supervision scheme.
Knowledge & Skills
Essential
- Knowledge of professional code of conduct both BDA, HPC and their application practice
- A medical understanding of mental illness & its effects on nutritional status
- Specialist knowledge of mental health dietetics
- Ability to be flexible, adapting approaches to suit different settings and service users
- Knowledge of professional standards of practice and familiar with principles of clinical governance
Desirable
- Counselling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and/ or Motivational Interviewing skills
- Knowledge of safeguarding vulnerable adults and children
Person Specification
Training & Qualification
Essential
- Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics
- Registered as Dietitian with HCPC
Desirable
- Member of the British Dietetic Association and the Specialist Mental Health Group
- Completion of the BDA clinical supervisory skills course
Experience
Essential
- Post graduate experience with significant experience working at specialist level
- Experience of carrying a caseload of service users with complex and diverse needs in a mental health setting
- Experience related to food provision and catering
- Experience working with mental health service users
- Experience of working with children and/ or adolescents
Desirable
- Experience of the supervision of junior staff within a formal supervision scheme.
Knowledge & Skills
Essential
- Knowledge of professional code of conduct both BDA, HPC and their application practice
- A medical understanding of mental illness & its effects on nutritional status
- Specialist knowledge of mental health dietetics
- Ability to be flexible, adapting approaches to suit different settings and service users
- Knowledge of professional standards of practice and familiar with principles of clinical governance
Desirable
- Counselling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and/ or Motivational Interviewing skills
- Knowledge of safeguarding vulnerable adults and children
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).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
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).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
