Job summary
We have an exciting opportunity to join our established gastroenterology and hepatology dietetic service at UHCW NHS Trust. This vacancy has arisen following the relocation of the previous post holder, and we are now seeking a successor to continue the excellent work established within the role.

Applications will be welcomed by experienced Band 5 Dietitians or those already working at Band 6 level who have a passion for gastroenterology. Previous gastroenterology experience is desirable but not essential; applicants with relevant transferable skills will be supported through clinical supervision, training and opportunities to attend specialist courses.

You will work alongside the operational lead for gastroenterology, the service lead for hepatology and our two specialist dietitians for gastroenterology. The applicant will join our wider gastroenterology and hepatology MDT consisting of consultants, ACPs, specialist nurses and Nutrition Team.

The role will be predominantly based within the outpatient setting assessing patients with a wide range of gastrointestinal disorders. The successful candidate will also provide cover to our dedicated gastroenterology ward alongside the rest of the team.

Successful applicants will be required to provide an immunisation and vaccination report, from either their current UK occupational health provider or their UK GP.

Main duties of the job

• To carry out dietetic assessment appropriate to role and experience, provide nutritional diagnosis and provide a dietetic treatment plan for patients / clients.
• To hold responsibility for your own outpatient and shared inpatient caseload.
• Maintain clinical records in line with local / Trust documentation guidelines
• To liaise with dietetic colleagues and other members of the multidisciplinary team as necessary e.g. medical, nursing, catering and other health care professionals
• To work within National and Trust policies / guidelines; and HCPC and BDA standards and codes of conduct
• To have an understanding of national and local standards and able to monitor own practice against these

About us
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, rated as good by the Care Quality Commission, is one of the largest teaching Trusts in the UK.

We are extremely proud of our employees across our hospital sites, with high quality patient care at the heart of everything we do.

Boasting some of the most modern facilities in Western Europe, the Trust is renowned for being at the forefront of research and innovation as part of its blossoming reputation as a worldwide leader in healthcare.

We are proud to be recognised as a Pathway to Excellence designated organisation - please click the link for further details about this prestigious award. Pathway To Excellence - University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire (uhcw.nhs.uk)

By joining our exciting journey, you will form part of a passionate, talented team and will be able to access a wide range of learning and development opportunities. There has never been a better time to join our team.

The Trust is committed to building an organisation that makes full use of the talents, skills, experience, and different perspectives available in our diverse society. We want everyone to feel they are respected, valued, can achieve their potential and receive the most appropriate and relevant care. We will create an environment where the equality and human rights principles of fairness, respect, equality, dignity and autonomy are promoted and are part of the organisation's core values.

Job description
Job responsibilities
Who are we? We are a Dietetic Department at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire based just under 10 minutes from the M69/M6 interchange. We are diverse in both skill and experience but also in personnel. We are a department of nearly seventy Dietitians (across Coventry and Rugby Hospitals) whose specialities include gastroenterology, critical care, surgery, stroke, major trauma, oncology, renal, diabetes, specialist weight management, paediatrics and community nutrition support.

We also provide student placements to neighbouring universities in Coventry and Birmingham. As a department we are actively involved in both research and audit and actively encourage staff to identify and attend courses relevant to their role and future development.

We are one of the largest acute Trusts in the country specialising in major trauma, cardiothoracics and neurosciences and that's just the beginning. We are one of just five Trusts in the whole of the UK that offers you 'Lean' and leadership training based upon the teachings of one of the 'Hospitals of the decade, the Virginia Mason Institute - we call this methodology UHCWi and you can learn more about it on our website. If you are looking for a career in a supportive and dynamic department then this is for you.

• Carry out dietetic / nutritional assessments (including interpretation of biochemistry, anthropometrics, clinical condition and diet history) to determine nutritional diagnosis
• Use enhanced clinical reasoning skills to provide specialist individual dietetic advice and treatment plans for patients who may present with multiple / complex clinical conditions taking into consideration patients own goals and incorporate discharge planning as appropriate
• Evaluate patient progress, reassess and alter treatment plans as required
• Communicate nutrition and dietetic information in an understandable form to staff, clients and carers using teaching, motivation and counselling skills including situations where there are barriers to change
• Undertake department audit and service development work, translating findings into practice
• Plan and organise the clinical supervision of student dietitians on clinical placement including planning, timetables and written assessments
• Support teaching / nutrition education of peers and multi professional colleagues
• Engage in department and own CPD activities
• Cover the work of colleagues and deputise for senior colleagues during periods of absence or peak workloads
• Participate in health promotion activities of the department
• Participate in other duties as required

For further details of the role please see the attached job description.

Closing Date: Please be advised that this job advert will close as soon as sufficient applications have been received. Please apply for this job as soon as you can, if interested.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics
• HCPC registration
• Clinical supervisory skills student training course
• Documented evidence of continuous professional development
• Evidence of recent post graduate training relevant to this post or in a specialist area

Desirable

• BDA member
• Member of relevant BDA specialist interest group

Experience
Essential

• Solid experience gained within the NHS as a registered dietitian starting to manage more complex situations
• Can demonstrate experience of good caseload management and organisational skills
• Experience of leading on group and individual dietetic sessions including preparation, delivery and evaluation
• Experience of working as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Experience in clinical supervision of student dietitians
• Can give examples of involvement in quality initiatives, audit and / or service improvement work

Desirable

• Minimum of 12 months post registration dietetic experience

Knowledge
Essential

• Up to date dietetic knowledge acquired through degree qualification and continuous professional development
• Understanding of national strategy, policy and guidance and how they can be applied in planning of services
• Aware of the format of pre-registration placement for dietitians
• Aware of the different communication needs within a culturally diverse community and how this may impact on professional practice

Desirable

• Post registration training in behavioural change and motivational interviewing

Skills
Essential

• Able to communicate with clients using enhanced dietary counselling, motivational and negotiation skills
• Able to analyse complex information and make judgements on dietetic issues
• Able to adapt written and oral communication style to meet the needs of various audiences including people from a variety of backgrounds and communication needs without risk of misunderstanding
• Keyboard and IT skills to support clinical practice
• Flexible approach and willingness to adapt to change

Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours
Essential

• Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust's values. (As detailed in UHCW's Values in Action document below)
• Applicants applying for job roles with managerial responsibility will be required to demonstrate evidence of promoting equal opportunities through work experience

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).

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).