Dietetic Assistant

The Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust

This job is now closed

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen within Nutrition and Dietetic Services at Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust for motivated individuals to join the Dietetic team as Band 4 Dietetic Assistant. The post is ideal for an individual with an interest in nutrition and health care, especially those who may want to train as a Dietitian in the future. The Trust covers 3 hospitals: Dewsbury Hospital, Pontefract Hospital and Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield, home to the Regional Burns Unit.

The post is full time permanent and will be based at either Pinderfields Hospital or Dewsbury Hospital but with some requirement to work cross-site as and when required. The main remit of the post will be supporting the Dietitians in the management of patients both in the hospital and wider community for adult and/or paediatrics; this will include reviewing patients on the wards and undertaking telephone reviews for outpatients/telehealth clinics. The adult caseload will be based around nutritional support and malnutrition; the paediatric caseload may involve nutritional support; home enteral feeding; food allergies/intolerance.

Main duties of the job

To support the Dietitian in the assessment and implementation of treatment programmes for patients

To pursue and acquire ongoing knowledge and expertise for practice with relevant client groups.
To help organise and contribute to the assessment of patients using diet therapy materials and related equipment (eg weighing scales and anthropometric tools eg skinfold callipers) to meet dietetic goals identified by the dietitian.
To assess patients nutritional progress and provide advice as required under the supervision of the dietitian.
To undertake administrative duties as required supporting the supervising dietitians.
To undertake dietetic tasks in both 1:1 and group settings.
To work in conjunction with: Nursing and all staff on wards and clinics, medical staff, dietetic colleagues, other members of the multidisciplinary team, patients, relatives, carers and catering staff.
To work under the direct and indirect supervision of qualified staff in the performance of specific tasks using some autonomous initiative, some self-directed planning and time management.
To help organise and contribute to outpatient clinics and home visits to meet dietetic goals identified by the dietitian
To manage a caseload of patients (supported by specialist dietitian)

To promote effective nutrition care plans and best practice in all care settings by providing education, training and support for healthcare professionals and staff in care agencies.

To undertake an element of Lone Working while on Home Visits.

About us

We provide care and support to over a million people in Wakefield and Kirklees in their homes, community settings and across our three hospital sites at Pontefract, Dewsbury and Pinderfields (Wakefield).

Always striving for excellence, we are at the forefront of innovation and research, and we invest in teaching and the development of our workforce.

We live by our values of caring, improving, being respectful and maintaining high standards. We listen and learn because we aim to make Mid Yorkshire the best place to work and receive care.

We value diversity and welcome talent and enthusiasm irrespective of age, disability, neurodivergence, sex, gender identity and gender expression, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or other personal circumstances including providing unpaid carers support to someone with a health and care need. As ethnic minority groups, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and people with a disability/neurodivergence are currently under-represented across the organisation, we encourage applications from members of these groups. We have policies and procedures to ensure all applicants are treated fairly and consistently.

We are proud of our staff networks - who offer valuable guidance and feedback from those with lived experience.

We have a clear vision and you could be part of this! If you share our values and you want to make a difference to the lives of our patients and their families and carers, we would love to hear from you.

Date posted

25 July 2023

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£25,147 to £27,596 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9377-ATS7116

Job locations

Pinderfields Hospital

Aberford Road

Wakefield

West Yorkshire

WF1 4DG

Job description

Job responsibilities

To work to the National Professional Standards for Dietitians practicing in healthcare.
To provide cover for colleagues during spells of absence (e.g. annual leave), as determined by service needs
To be responsible for maintaining own continual professional development
To give talks and presentations, e.g. wound care, cardiac rehabilitation
To ensure that all groups of the population irrespective of age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, culture and circumstances receive an appropriate nutritional intake.
Provide health promotion advice on study days etc. to health professionals and members of the general public
To be professionally and legally accountable and responsible for all aspects of own work, including the management of patients in your care, both inpatients and outpatients.
To develop and implement treatment plans for patients following assessment and analysis of diagnostic criteria, nutritional history, biochemical and clinical data, and social/psychological circumstances.
To provide individualised nutritional care plans for patients.
To continually develop and maintain practical and theoretical skills through continuing professional development by attending relevant study days, tutorials, and through case load experience.
To produce evidence based information in various media for all users
To know the professional and personal scope of own practice and make appropriate and timely referrals to other agencies.
To be able to use research, clinical reasoning and problem solving skills to identify the therapeutic benefit of client centred interventions and make professional judgements with individuals with diverse or complex needs, or multiple problems.
To undertake visits and/or assessments in a variety of settings as required by the need of the service, including the ward, department, home or other community environments.
To be involved in the triaging of referrals into the dietetic service prioritising and signposting as appropriate
Give accurate feedback and advice to relevant staff i.e. GP, medical staff, nurses, co- coordinators, other health care professionals and family/carers.
To be aware of and act appropriately with regards to own and others personal safety when working in community setting, including the ability to effectively deal with and de-escalate confrontational situations.
To be expected to work alone on a regular basis and to be potentially exposed to undesirable home environments with varying degrees of cleanliness, space and temperatures.
Work effectively as a member of the interdisciplinary team
The post holder may regularly be exposed to distressing circumstances, e.g. Dealing with a range of patients/careers who may be distressed or have challenging behaviour
To maintain confidentiality in line with Professional, National and Trust standards and policies.
Communication skills of persuasion, motivation, explanation and gaining informed consent will be used with a variety of patients, occasionally those with complex emotional, physical and psychological conditions. To understand and overcome barriers to effective communication, e.g. loss of hearing, affected perception, expressive and receptive dysphasia, pain, fear and language barriers.
To communicate complex information effectively, overcoming barriers to understanding, with patients, carers and the wider MDT to ensure understanding of condition and dietary treatment, in general wards, outpatient clinics, and community settings, as required
Undertake timely and accurate computerised collection of data on patient referrals, contacts and outcomes.
To review and reflect on own practice and make effective use of regular supervision and appraisal, in line with the Trusts Appraisal and Clinical Supervision policies.
To contribute to the setting and maintenance of quality standards within the Dietetic Service
To take an active role in the facilitation of ongoing development within the Dietetic teams
To contribute to developments in service delivery within the Dietetic Service in line with National guidelines and government and/or Trust initiatives.
To actively participate in the delivery of the Therapies plan
To demonstrate understanding of national guidelines and legislation relating to health and social care and their impact on Dietetic Service provision

Job description

Job responsibilities

To work to the National Professional Standards for Dietitians practicing in healthcare.
To provide cover for colleagues during spells of absence (e.g. annual leave), as determined by service needs
To be responsible for maintaining own continual professional development
To give talks and presentations, e.g. wound care, cardiac rehabilitation
To ensure that all groups of the population irrespective of age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, culture and circumstances receive an appropriate nutritional intake.
Provide health promotion advice on study days etc. to health professionals and members of the general public
To be professionally and legally accountable and responsible for all aspects of own work, including the management of patients in your care, both inpatients and outpatients.
To develop and implement treatment plans for patients following assessment and analysis of diagnostic criteria, nutritional history, biochemical and clinical data, and social/psychological circumstances.
To provide individualised nutritional care plans for patients.
To continually develop and maintain practical and theoretical skills through continuing professional development by attending relevant study days, tutorials, and through case load experience.
To produce evidence based information in various media for all users
To know the professional and personal scope of own practice and make appropriate and timely referrals to other agencies.
To be able to use research, clinical reasoning and problem solving skills to identify the therapeutic benefit of client centred interventions and make professional judgements with individuals with diverse or complex needs, or multiple problems.
To undertake visits and/or assessments in a variety of settings as required by the need of the service, including the ward, department, home or other community environments.
To be involved in the triaging of referrals into the dietetic service prioritising and signposting as appropriate
Give accurate feedback and advice to relevant staff i.e. GP, medical staff, nurses, co- coordinators, other health care professionals and family/carers.
To be aware of and act appropriately with regards to own and others personal safety when working in community setting, including the ability to effectively deal with and de-escalate confrontational situations.
To be expected to work alone on a regular basis and to be potentially exposed to undesirable home environments with varying degrees of cleanliness, space and temperatures.
Work effectively as a member of the interdisciplinary team
The post holder may regularly be exposed to distressing circumstances, e.g. Dealing with a range of patients/careers who may be distressed or have challenging behaviour
To maintain confidentiality in line with Professional, National and Trust standards and policies.
Communication skills of persuasion, motivation, explanation and gaining informed consent will be used with a variety of patients, occasionally those with complex emotional, physical and psychological conditions. To understand and overcome barriers to effective communication, e.g. loss of hearing, affected perception, expressive and receptive dysphasia, pain, fear and language barriers.
To communicate complex information effectively, overcoming barriers to understanding, with patients, carers and the wider MDT to ensure understanding of condition and dietary treatment, in general wards, outpatient clinics, and community settings, as required
Undertake timely and accurate computerised collection of data on patient referrals, contacts and outcomes.
To review and reflect on own practice and make effective use of regular supervision and appraisal, in line with the Trusts Appraisal and Clinical Supervision policies.
To contribute to the setting and maintenance of quality standards within the Dietetic Service
To take an active role in the facilitation of ongoing development within the Dietetic teams
To contribute to developments in service delivery within the Dietetic Service in line with National guidelines and government and/or Trust initiatives.
To actively participate in the delivery of the Therapies plan
To demonstrate understanding of national guidelines and legislation relating to health and social care and their impact on Dietetic Service provision

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

NVQ level 3 or diploma or A levels (including science), or equivalent experience (previous HCA or therapy/dietetic support worker)
Willing to complete core training programme for Dietetic Assistants.
Achieving or willing to work towards qualification for foundation degree
GCSE level English and Maths or equivalent

Desirable

Basic food hygiene.
Certificate of Higher Education in Nutritional Health

Experience

Essential

Experience of working within a care environment or with relevant service groups.
Experience of working with and supporting people to make changes in order to influence their health.
Experience of working with specialist clinical areas
Previous extensive experience as a dietetic assistant/ support worker in a hospital setting
Previous experience working in a Multidisciplinary team in health, social care or education

Desirable

Previous experience of working within an acute hospital environment.
Experience of working with a mixed caseload of patients/clients with various needs and challenges.
Awareness of healthcare nutrition needs of a hospital population.
Experience of working with groups.
Experiencing of delivering training.
Basic counselling skills

Knowledge and Awareness

Essential

Knowledge of the client group and evidence of related training.
Previous competency based training in a relevant field
An understanding of the needs and issues concerning illness and disability and the effect on nutritional intake.
An ability to work on own and make appropriate decisions, seeking help appropriately particularly in unforeseen circumstances.
An understanding of the issues when working in service users own homes if appropriate: Lone working awareness.
Health and Safety awareness.

Desirable

Understanding & knowledge of specialist equipment.
Understanding of wider interagency issues.
Demonstrate a knowledge of current food and nutrition issues.

Skills and Abilities

Essential

Effective oral communication skills with individual patients using verbal and non verbal communication skills.
Effective communication skills with Consultants, GPs, nursing staff, carers and relatives.
Evidence of professional development, commitment to lifelong learning
Accurate basic keyboard skills data inputting, word processing, internet and dietary analysis.
Accurate anthropometrical measurement skills.
Goal setting and negotiating skills.
Evaluation and audit skills.
Ability to produce effective evidence based resources
Good presentation skills and ability to work with individuals and groups.
Able to work on own initiative within competency base, planning and prioritising own workload and that of supervisees.
Knowledge of the effect of nutrition on the health and wellbeing of patients in acute care.
Demonstrates positive attitudes and behaviours.
Able to work independently with service users without direct supervision.
Problem solving/decision making skills based on patients needs.
Ability to deal sensitively with distressing, emotional situations.
Ability to relate to others and adapt approach accordingly.
Able to motivate others.
Awareness of cultural issues and valuing diversity.

Desirable

Ability to cope with distressing situations.
Awareness of standards of record keeping.

Personal Attributes

Essential

Confident, Caring and Empathetic.
Self motivated.
Flexible adaptive and creative.
Able to respond to unpredictable work patterns and frequent interruptions.
Able to set priorities.
Able to reflect and appraise own performance.
Able to maintain effective working relationships with relevant stakeholders.
Able to organise information.
Effective team worker.
Demonstrates professional demeanour at all times.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

NVQ level 3 or diploma or A levels (including science), or equivalent experience (previous HCA or therapy/dietetic support worker)
Willing to complete core training programme for Dietetic Assistants.
Achieving or willing to work towards qualification for foundation degree
GCSE level English and Maths or equivalent

Desirable

Basic food hygiene.
Certificate of Higher Education in Nutritional Health

Experience

Essential

Experience of working within a care environment or with relevant service groups.
Experience of working with and supporting people to make changes in order to influence their health.
Experience of working with specialist clinical areas
Previous extensive experience as a dietetic assistant/ support worker in a hospital setting
Previous experience working in a Multidisciplinary team in health, social care or education

Desirable

Previous experience of working within an acute hospital environment.
Experience of working with a mixed caseload of patients/clients with various needs and challenges.
Awareness of healthcare nutrition needs of a hospital population.
Experience of working with groups.
Experiencing of delivering training.
Basic counselling skills

Knowledge and Awareness

Essential

Knowledge of the client group and evidence of related training.
Previous competency based training in a relevant field
An understanding of the needs and issues concerning illness and disability and the effect on nutritional intake.
An ability to work on own and make appropriate decisions, seeking help appropriately particularly in unforeseen circumstances.
An understanding of the issues when working in service users own homes if appropriate: Lone working awareness.
Health and Safety awareness.

Desirable

Understanding & knowledge of specialist equipment.
Understanding of wider interagency issues.
Demonstrate a knowledge of current food and nutrition issues.

Skills and Abilities

Essential

Effective oral communication skills with individual patients using verbal and non verbal communication skills.
Effective communication skills with Consultants, GPs, nursing staff, carers and relatives.
Evidence of professional development, commitment to lifelong learning
Accurate basic keyboard skills data inputting, word processing, internet and dietary analysis.
Accurate anthropometrical measurement skills.
Goal setting and negotiating skills.
Evaluation and audit skills.
Ability to produce effective evidence based resources
Good presentation skills and ability to work with individuals and groups.
Able to work on own initiative within competency base, planning and prioritising own workload and that of supervisees.
Knowledge of the effect of nutrition on the health and wellbeing of patients in acute care.
Demonstrates positive attitudes and behaviours.
Able to work independently with service users without direct supervision.
Problem solving/decision making skills based on patients needs.
Ability to deal sensitively with distressing, emotional situations.
Ability to relate to others and adapt approach accordingly.
Able to motivate others.
Awareness of cultural issues and valuing diversity.

Desirable

Ability to cope with distressing situations.
Awareness of standards of record keeping.

Personal Attributes

Essential

Confident, Caring and Empathetic.
Self motivated.
Flexible adaptive and creative.
Able to respond to unpredictable work patterns and frequent interruptions.
Able to set priorities.
Able to reflect and appraise own performance.
Able to maintain effective working relationships with relevant stakeholders.
Able to organise information.
Effective team worker.
Demonstrates professional demeanour at all times.

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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