The Inpatient Dietitian and Catering Teams at Stockport NHS Foundation Trust are recruiting for a highly experienced Catering Lead Dietitian. This is an exciting opportunity to work in one of the 20 Exemplar Catering Trusts in the country. The team has developed links with NHS England to lead on national catering initiatives as well as working alongside the winners of the NHS Chefs of the Year 2023. The Catering department is well recognized for its innovation and high standard of meal delivery.
This jointly funded post will be based in the Catering department and report to the Inpatient Dietitian team based at Stepping Hill Hospital. The team is part of the integrated Nutrition and Dietetic Service and you will work alongside and be supported by Clinical Lead Dietitians in other specialist areas. The team comprises of a Service Lead, Team Lead, Specialist Dietitians, Dietitians, Dietetic Apprentice, Dietetic Support Workers, and Secretary. There are five Diet Chefs who work on a rota in the kitchens as meals are all cooked in-house. You will be an integral member of the 'Power of 3' alongside the Catering Manager and Estates and Facilities Matron.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Dietitian to join our teams to drive the Catering and Nutrition initiatives for patients and staff forward within the Trust whilst providing safe, effective, and evidence-based practice.
Main duties of the job
* To provide a safe, effective, and consistently high-quality Nutrition and Dietetic service at Stockport Foundation Trust.
* To act as a clinical expert and autonomous practitioner within the nutritional aspects of catering. To assess, plan, and implement patient-centered, evidence-based interventions.
* To provide evidence-based care, education, and information to patients, carers, healthcare professionals, and the catering service.
* Provide line management to Diet Chefs and supervision to Dietetic Support workers.
* To support and develop the dietetic service within Catering, leading on the implementation of specialized dietary provision.
* To support the Nutrition and Dietetic Service Lead with operational and strategic planning, deputizing as required.
Job responsibilities
* Lead planning and service development of the nutritional aspects of catering for the Trust alongside the catering department.
* Work with the catering department to develop and analyze nutritional aspects of catering in line with patient requirements and/or changes to government directives.
* Act as an independent practitioner and be professionally accountable and responsible for aspects of own work. Decide priorities for own work, balancing patient-related and professional demands in consultation with other Dietitian team leaders and Service Lead.
* To be responsible for planning and service development within specialist areas.
* Participate in meal evaluations on inpatient wards.
* Participate in the ongoing menu planning, development, and evaluation.
* Contribute to and monitor recipe analysis to meet National guidelines.
* Code menus to ensure these meet national guidance.
* Review and advise on food wastage alongside the catering team.
* To identify service needs and maximize the efficiency of the team within the resources available.
* To work alongside the Service Lead and Dietetic Team leads to integrate service and pathways and implement any changes within the team.
* To provide line management for the team including recruitment and selection, induction, monitoring sickness and absence, performance and development reviews, one-to-one meetings, and clinical supervision.
* To be a source of clinical expertise for the team providing supervision and mentorship.
* To work alongside consultants, specialist nurses, and ward staff to provide specialist nutritional treatment plans as part of holistic patient care.
* To attend ward rounds, MDT meetings, and best interest meetings as needed, promoting an understanding of the role of diet and nutrition in achieving the best outcome for each patient.
* Provide training to healthcare professionals regarding nutritional care and interventions, including presentations.
* Develop and implement pathways, diet sheets, and teaching materials in relation to nutrition and dietetics for use by the department and other professions.
* Collect all data necessary to meet local requirements for service monitoring.
* Work in conjunction with colleagues on the development and implementation of local policies based on national nutritional guidance.
* To identify and undertake clinical audit.
* Maintain professional competence and expertise, keeping up-to-date with current research, working practices, and models of working.
* Participate in personal and professional development through objective setting and regular job review.
* Work as a committed and effective member of the Inpatient Dietitian, Integrated Nutrition and Dietetic, Therapy, and wider MDT Teams in order to maximize the potential of the service and profession.
* Support other specialist dietitians with caseloads in their absence. As required, offer support to other clinical areas to ensure all patients are seen in a timely manner.
* Observe the provisions of, and adhere to, all Trust policies and procedures.
* Comply with professional guidelines and Code of Practice.
Person Specification
Education & Qualifications
Essential
* BSc in Human Nutrition and Dietetics (or equivalent qualification).
* Registered dietitian - Health Professions Council.
* Masters level or equivalent courses, or experience in relevant specialty.
Desirable
* Attendance at courses.
* Member of the British Dietetic Association (BDA).
* Member of relevant professional special interest groups/organisation.
* Successful completion of a professional validated specialist course.
* Evidence of leadership courses relevant to the post.
* Food Safety certificate.
Knowledge
Essential
* Specialist knowledge across a range of nutrition and dietetic procedures acquired through degree and postgraduate experience.
* Knowledge of policies, procedures, and guidelines relevant to the role.
* Specialist knowledge relevant to clinical area.
* Understanding of audit and its role in clinical practice/service development.
* Awareness of dietetic products and clinical reason(s) for use expert clinical practice in rehabilitation and frailty/malnutrition.
* Understanding of NHS structure and systems.
* Awareness of cultural diversity and equality issues.
* Experience of providing clinical supervision to members of the team.
* Knowledge of catering standards and ability to implement and audit these.
Desirable
* Awareness of relevant national legislation guidance such as Food Safety Act.
Experience
Essential
* Significant post-registration experience in area relevant to the post.
* Relevant and recent experience in inpatient and/or catering Dietetics.
* Experience working in a multi-disciplinary team.
* Evidence of leadership and supervision.
* Ability to work autonomously.
* Experience of supervising/mentoring junior staff, dietetic assistants, and students.
Desirable
* Presenting training sessions/talks.
* Participation in audit/research.
* Experience of participating or leading on projects/service improvements.
Skills & Abilities
Essential
* Excellent written communication.
* Excellent verbal communication.
* Good listening skills and an ability to offer empathy.
* Ability to communicate complex information to clients, carers, and other professionals in a sensitive manner.
* Ability to motivate others to facilitate change.
* Organizational skills and ability to manage time effectively, prioritize own and staff caseloads and meet deadlines.
* Able to use judgement and clinical expertise to interpret and analyze information.
* Able to assess a situation holistically.
* Documented evidence of CPD.
* Engagement in service improvement within clinical areas/services including policy development.
* Confident and self-motivated being able to work independently and communicate effectively at all levels.
* Flexibility/adaptability in handling work pressures, competing interests, and busy caseload to meet service needs.
* Well-developed problem-solving/analytical skills.
* Well-motivated, with a commitment to developing the service.
* Strong commitment to personal development.
* IT skills.
Desirable
* Behaviour change skills.
Work Related Circumstances
Essential
* Exposure to potentially distressing or emotional situations pertaining to the clinical or social circumstances of patients.
* Must maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
* Able to work flexibly to meet the needs of the Service.
Employer details
Employer name
Stockport NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Stepping Hill Hospital
Poplar Grove
Stockport
SK2 7JE
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