Dietitian, Senior (Gastroenterology)

(Grade Code: 3395)

There is currently one permanent, whole-time vacancy available in Cork University Hospital.

A panel may be formed as a result of this campaign for Dietitian, Senior (Gastroenterology) from Cork University Hospital, which current and future, permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part-time duration may be filled.

Email: fiona.byrne@hse.ie

Tel: 086 7872018

CUH is the tertiary referral centre for the HSE Southern area, and the supra regional area of Limerick, Clare, Tipperary, Waterford and Kilkenny. CUH therefore acts as a regional centre for secondary and tertiary care for the catchment population of 550,000 served by the HSE Southern area and a supra-regional centre for a total population of 1.1 million.

CUH has 830 beds and this will increase further to 1,000 beds on completion of the transfer of additional services to the CUH campus. CUH currently employs 3,269 (WTE) staff of multiple professions and is the primary teaching hospital for the Faculty of Health and Science in University College Cork. See more at http://www.cuh.hse.ie/

The Department of Nutrition & Dietetics of CUH/CUMH currently employs 30 WTE dietitians providing clinical nutrition services across the specialities of Paediatrics; Nephrology; Endocrinology; Oncology; Cystic Fibrosis; Surgery; Gastroenterology; General Intensive Care; Cardiology & Heart Failure; Neonatology; Ketogenics; Stroke; Food Provision; Respiratory; Neurosurgery; Cardiac Intensive Care; Neurology; Rheumatology, Orthopaedic & Trauma; Geriatrics; Infectious Diseases; Acute Medicine; Cardiothoraics; Urology, Plastics and Maternity. The Department is divided into five competency-based groups of four to seven dietitians.

 Professional /Clinical (Relevant to both posts)

 ·        Develop, implement and monitor a plan of care, based on assessment of the patients’ nutritional needs.

·        Liaise with the multidisciplinary team, staff colleagues and dietitians in other acute settings and in primary care as appropriate to ensure continuity and safe care of all patients.

·        Ensure appropriate discharge planning in conjunction with patient’s families/carers and the multidisciplinary team.

·        Liaise with catering staff regarding the provision of therapeutic diets.

·        Work within own scope of professional competence in line with principles of best practice, professional conduct and clinical governance.

·        Prioritise and manage a patient caseload according to the needs of the department and service.

·        Recognise the need for effective self-management of workload, available time and resources.

·        Work in a manner that maintains patient/client confidentiality and that upholds the client’s and families/carers trust.

·        To provide cover for colleagues during periods of absence  and to take lead in the provision of service during cover/ leave.

·        Be responsible for the organisation, co-ordination, provision and evaluation of the nutrition & dietetic services to patients and their families within their designated speciality.

·        Develop and implement policies, protocols, guidelines and care plans, as required for the benefit of best nutrition practice in providing for the dietetic needs of the patient therefore, abiding by national strategies and policies in order to maintain best practice in their assigned area.

·        Participate in audit, research and other quality improvement projects that maintain high quality services.

·        Assist in the development of diet sheets and nutrition education material in collaboration with colleagues.

·        Provide evidence-based nutrition training to health care professionals/colleagues as appropriate.

·        Contribute to development, implementation and evaluation of standards and policies within the hospital and the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics.

·        Comply with professional, CORU, hospital and department policies, procedures and standards of care.

·        Initiate and/or participate in initiatives within their specialist area or the department in general, that enhance the standard of care to clients.

·        Maintain professional standards with regard to patient and data confidentiality.

·        Promote a high standard of service, which respects the role of other health professionals and works in accordance with relevant codes of practice and clinical governance.

·        Know the limits of their practice and when to seek advice or refer to another health professional.

·        Contribute to the development and implementation of database, information and audit systems and shared care arrangements.

·        Provide leadership to Staff Grade Dietitians through the process of professional supervision, mentoring and tutoring with a view to enabling the dietitian to identify areas for skill development.

·        Represent the clinical nutrition & dietetic service at meetings committees and project work.

·        Promote a culture that values equality, diversity and respect in the workplace.

·        Comply with the Dietitian’s Registration Board Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics.

Ongoing Professional Education (Relevant to both posts)

 ·        Maintain professional knowledge on relevant scientific research and practice development.

·        Maintain standards of practice and levels of clinical knowledge by participating in continuous professional development initiatives and attendance at relevant courses as appropriate in line with CORU requirements.

·        Act as a resource by participating in the education and training of dietetic colleagues, other health professionals and service user groups as required.

·        Participate in the development and evaluation of nutrition education resource material.

·        Attend mandatory training programmes ensuring it is up to date at all times. (Child First /Manual Handling / Fire safety).

·        Supervise the work of staff grade dietitians when required.

·        Provide induction and mentoring to professional colleagues.

·        Manage, participate and play a key role in the practice education of student Dietitians.

·        Engage in career and personal development planning in collaboration with the Dietitian Manager or another nominated person.

·        Engage in professional supervision and reflective practice.

·        Engage in career and personal development planning in collaboration with the Dietitian Manager or designated other person.

 Health & Safety (Relevant to both posts)

 ·        Comply with and contribute to the development of policies, procedures and safe professional practice and adhere to relevant legislation, regulations and standards.

·        Work in a safe manner with due care and attention to the safety of self and others.

·        Be aware of risk management issues, identify risks and take appropriate action.

·        Report any adverse incidents or near misses.

·        Adhere to HSE policies in relation to the procurement, care and safety of any equipment supplied for the fulfilment of duty.

·        Participate and cooperate with legislative and regulatory requirements with regard to Quality, Risk and Safety.

·        Participate and co-operate with the Hospital Quality, Risk and Safety initiatives as required.

·        Participate and co-operate with internal and external evaluations of hospital structures, services and processes as required, including but not limited to, the National Hygiene Audit, National Decontamination Audit, Health and Safety Audits and other audits specified by the HSE or other regulatory authorities.

·        To initiate, support and implement quality improvement initiatives in their area which are in keeping with the hospital’s quality, risk and safety requirements.

·        Have a working knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc and comply with associated HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role.

·        To support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service.

Administrative (Relevant to both posts)

 ·        Provide supervision to assigned Staff Grade Dietitians/appropriate others and co-ordinate service delivery.

·        Contribute to policy development, performance monitoring, business planning and budgetary control as advised by the Dietitian Manager or designated other person.

·        Prepare progress reports/statistics as required and in line with agreed templates/business plans.

·        Work towards and deliver on key performance indicators.

·        Ensure the maintenance of appropriate records in accordance with organisational, departmental and professional requirements.

·        Contribute to the development and oversee the implementation of information sharing protocols, audit systems, referral pathways, and share care arrangements.

·        Maintain professional standards with regard to patient and data confidentiality.

·        Keep up to date with organisational developments within the Irish Health Service.

·        Carry out other duties appropriate to the post as required by the Dietitian Manager or designated other person.

·        To deputise for the Dietitian Manager if required.

Relevant to Post (B) Senior Dietitian in Practice Education:

·        Have a lead role in the development of a practice education programme of student dietitians.

·        Contribute to the co-ordination, and scheduling of practice education placements.

·        Act as a liaison between the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics and the University programme co-ordinators, and academic dietetic tutors.

·        Foster and establish robust links between the university and the hospital.

·        Lead the development of training resources for example training videos, tutorials, and case studies to facilitate the practice education.

·        Lead student induction and ensure students are familiar with departmental guidelines, policies and procedures.

·        Identify multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary training needs associated with dietetic practice education and liaise with practice development departments of the relevant professions to establish a programme that meets multidisciplinary needs.

·        Contribute to the training of registered dietitians in providing practice education, including supporting dietitians to provide feedback to the students.

·        Play a lead role in the completion of practice education paperwork for students.

·        Contribute to continuous professional development and learning beyond registration of all dietitians across the department of nutrition and dietetics.

·        Support and facilitate developmental needs of students who are finding practice placements challenging in an appropriate manner in line with the University and liaise with University tutors and placement co-ordinators to support students.

The above Job Specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

Qualifications and/ or experience

1.      Statutory Registration, Professional Qualifications, Experience, etc

2.      Annual Registration

3.       Health  

A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and  efficient service.

4.      Character 

Each candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character.

·        Relevant to Dietitian, Senior (Gastroenterology): Excellent knowledge of the dietetic management of Gastroenterology and relevant guidelines.

·        Nutritional assessment.

·        Biochemical interpretation and dietary manipulation in the management of metabolic abnormalities.

·        Calculation and prescription of nutritionally adequate intake.

·        Provision of nutrition support.

·        Prevention and management of complications associated with disease and treatment.

• Dietary management of multiple co-existing conditions.

·        An awareness and appreciation of the service user and a commitment to providing a quality service.

• Evidence of ability to empathise with and treat patients, relatives and colleagues with dignity and respect.
• Motivation with an innovative approach to developing and managing the clinical functions of the post.
• A willingness to develop Information technology skills relevant to the role.
• Flexibility and openness to change.
• An ability to plan and manage resources in an effective and resourceful manner.
• High motivation with an innovative approach to developing and managing the clinical functions of the post.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Awareness of and commitment to meeting organisational, regulatory and professional Codes of Practice.
• Effective interpersonal, counselling and communications skills.

·        Effective team working skills and clinical supervision skills.

·        A commitment to continuing professional development of self and others.

·        Leadership skills through support, mentoring and coaching of other nutrition and dietetic colleagues, student dietitians and MDT members.

Ranking/Shortlisting / Interview

Failure to include information regarding these requirements may result in you not being called forward to the next stage of the selection process.

Those successful at the ranking stage of this process (where applied) will be placed on an order of merit and will be called to interview in ‘bands’ depending on the service needs of the organisation.

Codes of practice are published by the CPSA and are available on https://www.hse.ie/eng/staff/jobs in the document posted with each vacancy entitled “Code of Practice, Information for Candidates” or on https://www.cpsa.ie/.

This Job Specification is a guide to the general range of duties assigned to the post holder. It is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive and is subject to periodic review with the employee concerned.

The post is pensionable. A panel may be created from which permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part time duration may be filled. The tenure of these posts will be indicated at “expression of interest” stage.

Appointment as an employee of the Health Service Executive is governed by the Health Act 2004 and the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004 and Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Amendment Act 2013.

€54,136 – €55,290 – €56,480 – €57,660 – €58,841 – €60,082 – €61,391 – €62,697 – €63,742

New appointees to any grade start at the minimum point of the scale. Incremental credit will be applied for recognised relevant service in Ireland and abroad (Department of Health Circular 2/2011). Incremental credit is normally granted on appointment, in respect of previous experience in the Civil Service, Local Authorities, Health Service and other Public Service Bodies and Statutory Agencies.

HSE Circular 003-2009 “Matching Working Patterns to Service Needs (Extended Working Day / Week Arrangements); Framework for Implementation of Clause 30.4 of Towards 2016” applies. Under the terms of this circular, all new entrants and staff appointed to promotional posts from Dec 16^th, 2008, will be required to work agreed roster / on call arrangements as advised by their line manager. Contracted hours of work are liable to change between the hours of 8am-8pm over seven days to meet the requirements for extended day services in accordance with the terms of the Framework Agreement (Implementation of Clause 30.4 of Towards 2016).

* Public Servants not affected by this legislation:

Public servants joining the public service or re-joining the public service with a 26-week break in service, between 1 April 2004 and 31 December 2012 (new entrants) have no compulsory retirement age.

Public servants, joining the public service or re-joining the public service after a 26-week break, after 1 January 2013 are members of the Single Pension Scheme and have a compulsory retirement age of 70.

Key responsibilities include:

•        Developing a SSSS for the department/service[1], as applicable, based on the identification of hazards and the assessment of risks, and reviewing/updating same on a regular basis (at least annually) and in the event of any significant change in the work activity or place of work.

•        Ensuring that Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is integrated into day-to-day business, providing Systems of Work (SOW) that are planned, organised, performed, maintained, and revised as appropriate, and ensuring that all safety related records are maintained and available for inspection.

•        Consulting and communicating with staff and safety representatives on OSH matters.

•        Ensuring a training needs assessment (TNA) is undertaken for employees, facilitating their attendance at statutory OSH training, and ensuring records are maintained for each employee.

•        Ensuring that all incidents occurring within the relevant department/service are appropriately managed and investigated in accordance with HSE procedures[2].

•        Seeking advice from health and safety professionals through the National Health and Safety Function Helpdesk as appropriate.

•        Reviewing the health and safety performance of the ward/department/service and staff through, respectively, local audit and performance achievement meetings for example.

Note: Detailed roles and responsibilities of Line Managers are outlined in local SSSS.