BHSCT -Advanced Practitioner Level 1/Specialist Dietitian Bank Band 7

Branch: Belfast HSCT
Location: Dept of Nutrition & Dietetics Trustwide
Salary: Band 7 (£47,810 - £54,710)
Contract Type: Bank
Opening date: 10/11/26
Closes: Tue, 24 November 2026 @ 4:30 PM
Interview Dates: To be confirmed
Notes: We accept online applications only

A waiting list may be created for similar posts that may arise while the waiting list is live, this may include temporary or part-time posts. This will be managed in line with the updated HSC waiting list principles effective from 1 April 2026.

Where a part-time waiting list is required, one part-time waiting list will be created- regardless of any specific hours advertised, this waiting list will cover all future vacancies where part-time posts arise. A part-time post is defined as any post that has less than 37.5 hours per week.

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Flexible Working
We welcome flexible working requests from day one. All HSC organisations offer a range of flexible working options. The options available for this post will depend on the requirements of the role.
Find out more about flexible working options on our website.

Flexible Working
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Full job description documents:
Band 7 - Advanced Practitioner Level 1- Specialist Dietitian

JOB TITLE: Advanced Practitioner Level 1/ Specialist Dietitian
BAND: 7
LOCATION: Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Trustwide
REPORTS TO: Assistant Dietetic Manager
ACCOUNTABLE TO: Nutrition and Dietetic Service Manager

JOB SUMMARY/MAIN PURPOSE:

• The post holder in conjunction with the Assistant Nutrition and Dietetics Manager will contribute to the provision, operational management and overall development of the Nutrition and Dietetic Service.
• The postholder will assist in implementing the objectives of the Dietetic Service and ensure the delivery of effective multidisciplinary working and the most efficient use of all resources.
• The postholder will provide a high quality, evidence based nutritional service to patients referred to the nutrition and dietetic department.
• The postholder will use specialised knowledge to manage a caseload in specified clinical areas.

Main Duties / Responsibilities
For each of the following, the postholder will:

• To support the Nutrition and Dietetic Service Manager in the provision of a quality service to the Acute and Unscheduled Care Team.
• Have the expertise to manage a highly specialised clinical caseload and undertake complicated assessment, diagnosis, management and treatment of patients within this speciality.
• Undertake anthropometric measurements to measure, for example mid arm circumference (MAC), Mid Arm muscle circumference (MAMC), Triceps skin fold thickness (TSF) and grip strength, using callipers, handgrip dynamometry and bio-electrical impedance equipment and be able to apply the results in the development of a nutritional management plan for the patients.
• Monitor biochemical blood profiles, interpret clinical information and have responsibility for devising and revising enteral nutrition prescriptions and regimens for inpatients and outpatients.
• Ensure detection of micronutrient deficiencies in 'at risk' groups of patients and ensure adequate and timely micronutrient supplementation in conjunction with the ward pharmacist.
• Be aware of the social factors that may influence the nutritional status of patients with various disease states and the variety of strategies that can be utilised to promote changes.
• Be aware of the role of disease specific medications which can impact on the nutritional management of the patient and liaise with the consultant staff and pharmacist with regards to changes as required.
• Identify non-nutritional factors which are negatively impacting the nutritional outcomes of the patient being achieved i.e. symptoms, medications, fluid restrictions etc. Liaise verbally and in writing with relevant clinicians within the MDT to problem solve. High level communication is essential.
• Provide training to patients and carers on the management of the enteral tube feeding system and associated equipment for discharge home.
• To advise and liaise with catering staff concerning the dietary needs of inpatients and ensure special dietary restrictions are catered for.
• To ensure discharge planning is timely, appropriate and seamless.
• As part of the dietetic assessment, carry out thorough, detailed assessments of habitual dietary intake and ensure employment of thorough nutritional education to modify diets to meet nutritional requirements. Use advanced motivational techniques to engage non-compliant patients and ensure implementation of recommendations to improve nutritional outcomes.
• Use clinical judgement and experience to identify patients who are at risk of severe malnutrition. Carry out nutritional assessment and implement comprehensive nutritional care plans to ensure outcomes are met.
• Provide cover to other dietetic service areas as required.
• To co-ordinate, individual patient care by providing the link between a range of healthcare professionals and clinicians within BHSCT and throughout N. Ireland in order to ensure the patient receives seamless care.
• Be aware of national policy, guidelines and consultations and in conjunction with the team leader, develop local policies and care pathways within this specialist area.
• To take part in quality improvement and audit.

Communication

• To maintain advanced level communication skills including counselling skills, motivation and behaviour change strategies.
• To maintain effective communication with the MDT and other health professionals, internal and external to the Trust.
• To work autonomously, using professional judgement and advanced clinical expertise to interpret and analyse highly complex situations. This will include using advanced negotiating skills in situations which are highly emotional and challenging following life changing diagnosis.
• Have the ability to communicate with patients with a learning disability or people who speak a foreign language using adapted resources and accessing interpreters when necessary to ensure effective communication and understanding of complex dietary information.
• Have the ability to communicate effectively with patients and/or carers to ensure compliance with and understanding of very detailed and complicated treatments within the hospital and community settings.

Education and Training

• To educate adults, their families and carers about their nutritional care, taking into consideration social background, communication difficulties or psychological factors that may have an impact on learning or understanding.
• Provide training and advice to other health care professionals, for example, acute and community nursing teams with regard to the safe and cost-effective management of medical devices such as enteral feeding systems.
• To provide ongoing education/training for patients both in the inpatient and outpatient setting.
• To develop and evaluate nutritional training and resource materials, e.g. training packs, educational tools, leaflets, posters etc for nutrition support team patients.
• To act as an educational resource and provide practical training and lectures for dietitians, other professionals and University students.
• Contribute to the development, implementation and evaluation of evidence based regional and national guidelines in the area of your specialty.
• To mentor and clinically supervise junior members of dietetic staff and be involved in staff induction.
• To participate in student dietetic training programme in BHSCT.
• To participate in peer review.

Professional and Organisational

• To ensure the impact of clinical governance and risk management is understood and working practices comply with standards.
• To promote evidence-based practice in the management of patients within the specialist area you are working in.
• To contribute to the dietetic team within the Nutrition and Dietetic Service e.g. by contributing to staff meetings and sharing expertise.
• To prioritise own work area to ensure a balance between clinical, education and training responsibilities.
• To keep legible, comprehensive electronic records to agreed departmental standards, and to ensure patient confidentially is maintained.
• To collate statistical data for use in performance management and to inform service development and business cases.
• Requires highly developed computer skills requiring data entry and analysis.
• To maintain professional standards and be willing to undertake professional updating, and PCF.
• To adhere to HPC Standards of Proficiency – Dietitians, Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics and Professional Standards.
• To undertake training required to carry out the responsibilities and tasks associated with the job, including mandatory training.
• In addition to relevant clinical experience and expertise will also possess advanced knowledge gained from recognised post graduate training at M level.
• Mentor dietetic students and junior members of the dietetic team and effectively manage underperformance and deal with delicate personal issues whilst maintaining confidentiality.
• To assist with any other appropriate relevant duties as deemed necessary by the Nutrition and Dietetics Services Manager/Clinical Services Manager.
• The post holder may be required to work shifts, weekends, out of hours and statutory days. In response to continued service development the duties of the post may be conducted over a 7-day period.

General Responsibilities
Employees of the Trust are required to promote and support the mission and vision of the service for which they are responsible and:

• At all times provide a caring service and to treat those with whom they come into contact in a courteous and respectful manner.
• Demonstrate their commitment by their regular attendance and the efficient completion of all tasks allocated to them.
• Comply with the Trust's Smoke Free Policy.
• Carry out their duties and responsibilities in compliance with the Health and Safety Policies and Statutory Regulations.
• Adhere to Equality and Good Relations duties throughout the course of their employment.
• Ensure the ongoing confidence of the public in-service provision.
• Maintain high standards of personal accountability.
• Comply with the HPSS Code of Conduct.

Information Governance
All employees of Belfast Health & Social Care Trust are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as part of their business within the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, including patient/client, corporate and administrative records whether paper based or electronic and also including e-mails. All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Environment Regulations 2004, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Employees are required to be conversant and to comply with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust policies on Information Governance including for example the ICT Security Policy, Data Protection Policy and Records Management Policy and to seek advice if in doubt.

For further information on how we use your personal data within HR, please refer to the Privacy Notice available on the HUB or Your HR

Environmental Cleaning Strategy
The Trusts Environmental Cleaning Strategy recognizes the key principle that "Cleanliness matters is everyone's responsibility, not just the cleaners" Whilst there are staff employed who are responsible for cleaning services, all Trust staff have a responsibility to ensure a clean, comfortable, safe environment for patients, clients, residents, visitors, staff and members of the general public.

Infection Prevention and Control
The Belfast Trust is committed to reducing Healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) and all staff have a part to play in making this happen. Staff must comply with all policies in relation to Infection Prevention and Control and with ongoing reduction strategies. Standard Infection Prevention and Control Precautions must be used at all times to ensure the safety of patients and staff.
This includes:-

• Cleaning hands either with soap and water or a hand sanitiser at the appropriate times (WHO '5 moments');
• Using the correct '7 step' hand hygiene technique;
• Being 'bare below the elbows' when in a clinical environment;
• Following Trust policies and the Regional Infection Control Manual (found on intranet);
• Wearing the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE);
• Ensuring correct handling and disposal of waste (including sharps) and laundry;
• Ensuring all medical devices (equipment) are decontaminated appropriately i.e. cleaned, disinfected and/or sterilised;
• Ensuring compliance with High Impact Interventions.

Values
The Belfast Trust aims to recruit staff not only with the right skills but also with the right values to ensure the delivery of excellent patient care and experience. Staff will be expected to be committed to provide safe, effective, compassionate and person centered care by:-

• Treating Everyone with Dignity and Respect
• Displaying Openness and Trust
• Being Accountable
• Being Leading Edge
• Maximising Learning and Development

By embedding the above values we will make a significant contribution to the delivery of the Trust's Vision.

Personal Public Involvement
Staff members are expected to involve patients, clients, carers and the wider community were relevant, in developing, planning and delivering our services in a meaningful and effective way, as part of the Trust's ongoing commitment to Personal Public Involvement (PPI).

Please use the link below to access the PPI standards leaflet for further information.

Clause: This job description is not meant to be definitive and may be amended to meet the changing needs of the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION
JOB TITLE: Advanced Practitioner Level 1 / Specialist Dietitian
BAND: Band 7

Notes to applicants: You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria. Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form. Please note the Trust reserves the right to use any desirable criteria outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet the desirable criteria. Proof of qualifications and/or professional registration will be required if an offer of employment is made – if you are unable to provide this, the offer may be withdrawn.

Essential Criteria
Experience: A minimum of 5 years clinical experience in dietetics of which 3 years should be working at Band 6 or equivalent. Post-graduate/Masters Level training in Nutrition support or willing to undertake same. Experience of working with patients who require artificial nutrition support. Shortlisting by Application Form.
Qualifications/ Registration: Degree in Nutrition and/or Dietetics or a related Degree with a post-graduate diploma in Dietetics and be currently registered with the Health and Care Professions Council. Shortlisting by Application Form.
Other: Hold a current full driving license valid in the UK with access to a car – this criteria may be waived in the case of an applicant whose disability prohibits driving but who is able to organise suitable alternative arrangements. Shortlisting by Application Form.

Section 2 (measured at interview):
Skills / Abilities: Ability to manage a highly specialised clinical caseload and undertake complicated assessment, diagnosis, management and treatment of patients within this speciality. Ability to undertake and deliver service quality improvement. Ability to demonstrate effective communication skills. Interview.
Knowledge: A Knowledge of Oral and Enteral Nutrition Support. Interview.

Desirable Criteria
Section 3: Experience: Member of PENG. Shortlisting by Application Form.

Candidates who are shortlisted for interview will need to demonstrate at interview that they have the required competencies to be effective in this demanding leadership role. The competencies concerned are set out in the NHS Healthcare Leadership Model, details of which can be found at http://www.leadershipacademy.nhs.uk/resources/healthcare-leadership-model. Particular attention will be given to the following dimensions:

• Inspiring shared purpose
• Leading with care
• Evaluating information
• Connecting our service
• Sharing the vision
• Engaging the team
• Holding to account
• Developing capability
• Influencing for results

All staff are expected to display the HSC Values at all times.