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Detailed job description and main responsibilities

GSTT Band 7 Job Description

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. To be responsible for the development and provision of a specialist, evidence based dietetic service.
2. To take the lead in providing expert dietetic advice to the multidisciplinary team through attendance and participation in multidisciplinary team meetings and clinics.
3. To attend appropriate clinics and multidisciplinary meetings in order to provide expert advice to clinicians, patients and carers regarding provision of nutritional support for patients based on clinical evidence.  This will involve nutritional assessment, to include the calculation of nutritional requirements based on the interpretation of biochemistry, anthropometry clinical condition and other physical parameters.
4. To provide highly complex nutrition counselling to patients and/or their carers requiring post registration cognitive behavioural therapy and use of reassurance and motivational skills to overcome barriers to change particularly where there is non-compliance.
5. Ability to utilise developed communication and teaching skills to educate the diverse and multicultural population with barriers to understanding, both on a one to one basis and in groups.  This will include patients with severe communication problems.
6. To be responsible for ensuring that patients and carers have consented prior to dietetic intervention in line with professional guidelines
7. To communicate and liaise with medical, nursing and other professional staff. To attend appropriate ward rounds and meetings, providing highly specialised expert advice based on interpretation of biochemical parameters and fluid status monitoring, and care guidelines.
8. To have a thorough knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act and its implications.
9. To lead on the design, implementation and evaluation of multi-disciplinary protocols and procedures aimed at improving nutritional status.
10. To communicate and liaise with the community multidisciplinary team regarding nutrition related prescriptions and nutritional management of outpatients and where necessary providing information and education to clinicians, patients and carers.
11. To directly prescribe nutritional supplements, vitamin and minerals.
12. To be responsible for the ordering and maintenance of adequate stock levels of feeds and supplements at ward level.
13. To develop, implement and audit innovative methods of delivering education sessions.
14. To research, develop, produce and publish evidence-based literature, including use of patient forums.
15. To be responsible for the safe discharge planning and follow up for those patients requiring artificial nutritional support in the community.
16. To be trained to trainer level in the use of enteral feeding pumps and equipment.
17. To be trained to trainer level in the use of anthropometric equipment for assessment of nutritional status, such as bioelectrical impedance, callipers and hand grip dynamometer and interpretation of results.
18. To develop and lead Nutrition teaching programmes on postgraduate Dietetic, nursing and other courses as appropriate.
19. To develop and lead nutrition teaching programmes for medical staff within the trust.
20. To be responsible for the development and undertaking of the specialist training programme of the Department’s junior staff.
21. To participate, where deemed appropriate by clinical lead dietitian, in the recruitment and selection of junior members of staff.
22. To be responsible for the clinical supervision and appraisal of junior staff, facilitating their professional development and post-graduate learning.
23. To undertake mentoring of junior members of staff as appropriate
24. To provide regional teaching of qualified dietitians on nutrition.
25. To participate in the training and assessment of student dietitians
26. To contribute to operational and strategic planning for the dietetic service within the specialist area.
27. To ensure safe practice through development of caseload management plan taking into account risk management and documentation and reporting of critical incidents as outlined in the Trust policy.
28. To take responsibility for ongoing clinical excellence through evidence-based practice and development of standards, policies and guidelines in conjunction with the departmental standards committee.
29. To advise and liaise with the catering staff concerning the dietary needs of patients, and to assist in instructing chefs on preparation of special meals as required. To adapt and analyse the menu cycle to ensure suitability, and make recommendations to the site Catering Manager
30. To initiate and participate in regular research and audit in line with departmental research and audit procedures. This includes co-ordination and supervision of research projects for undergraduate dietetic students. It will be expected that any relevant findings should be published or presented at appropriate conferences.
31. To actively participate in departmental evidence based groups and help to ensure that the trusts clinical governance requirements are met.
32. To keep statistics and written records of all in patient and outpatient contacts in accordance with trust and departmental standards for record keeping.
33. To comply with professional codes of practice, professional guidelines and departmental policies.
34. To maintain strict confidentiality in accordance with the Trust policy and Health Professions Council standards.
35. To be an active team member of the Dietetic Department at Guy’s and St Thomas’ participating in departmental developments and projects and attending monthly staff and continuing professional development meetings.
36. To participate fully in the appraisal process and develop a strategy for continuing professional development encompassing a portfolio-based assessment in line with national legislation.
37. To carry out good office practice in accordance with the department’s policies and procedures.
38. To have an understanding of the Trust’s Equal Opportunities policy and provide a fair and non-biased service.
39. To have an understanding of the Trust’s Health & Safety policy and be aware of responsibilities.
40. To provide cover for colleagues during periods of absence.
41. In consultation with the post-holder, undertake any other duties appropriate to the grade as requested by the Dietetic Services Manager.