Dietitian (Staff Grade)

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Dietitian (Staff Grade)

  • Post Date:23rd July 2021
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Job Description

Proposed Interview Date (s)

It is anticipated that interviews will be held early September 2021.  Please note you may be called forward for interview at short notice.

Location of Post: 

A national panel will be created as a result of this campaign to fill Dietitian Staff Grade posts in all HSE Community and HSE Acute Hospital sites. The panel will fill all current and future, permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part-time duration.

An illustration of the types of roles available are in Appendix 6 of Additional Campaign Information.

The specific location and full details of individual posts are provided at Expression of Interest stage to panel members.

Details of Service:

The person appointed to the post will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team delivering a coordinated approach to client care.  S/he will be required to work as a key worker for particular cases.

Further post specific information will be provided to candidates at the ‘expression of interest’ stage of the recruitment process.

Reporting Relationship:

Dietician roles in HSE Community settings: Your professional reporting relationship for clinical governance and clinical supervision will be to the Discipline Manager or Senior Dietitian.  Existing accountability for day-to-day operational matters will continue to be to the Discipline Manager or Senior Dietitian until such a time as arrangements have been finalised on a system for the management of teams.

Dietician roles in HSE Acute Hospital settings: The post holder will report to the Dietitian Manager or their nominee.

Purpose of the Post:

The Dietitian (Staff Grade) will function as an efficient and effective member of the dietetic team with the aim of ensuring optimum delivery of a clinical nutrition and dietetic service to clients, and ensuring appropriate follow up as necessary.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

The Dietitian Staff Grade will:

 Professional / Clinical

  • Ensure that professional standards are maintained in accordance with the requirements as set out by CORU https://coru.ie/files-recognition/standards-of-proficiency-for-dietitians.pdf
  • Operate within the relevant care plans (hospital/community) and provide a dietetic service that is evidence based, including specific objectives, strategies and relevant evaluation.
  • Assist in the ongoing functioning and organisation of the dietetic service within scope of role and practice.
  • Prioritise and manage a patient caseload according to the needs of the service.
  • Deliver on an effective self-managed workload, maximising the use of time and resources.
  • Identify nutritional problems through individual assessment of nutritional status and estimation of requirements.
  • Instigate the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (M.U.S.T.) / Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST) and/or relevant other adapted screening tools or resources for patient groups as relevant.
  • Devise and implement appropriate nutritional care plans so that patients are assessed and advised appropriately.
  • Liaise with catering staff (where relevant) in the development of menus and specialised therapeutic diets in accordance with national and local policies.
  • Provide a dietetic service that is evidence based, encompassing specific objectives, strategies, audit and evaluation.
  • Contribute to the development and implementation of standards and quality improvement initiatives.
  • Participate effectively in multidisciplinary teams, team meetings and case conferences.
  • Participate in research and in developing databases for relevant patient groups.
  • Know the limits of own practice and when to seek advice / refer to another health professional or operational lead.
  • Communicate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, colleagues, Dietitians in relevant services, service users and families.
  • Manage clinical and non-clinical caseloads appropriate to the post.
  • Carry out any other duties and responsibilities appropriate to the post that may be assigned by the Dietitian Manager or Senior Dietitian.

Education & Training

  • Strive to maintain standards of practice and levels of clinical knowledge by participating in continuous professional development initiatives.
  • Participate in professional groups and forums relevant to clinical nutrition and dietetics.
  • Provide evidence-based nutrition training to health care professionals / colleagues as appropriate.
  • Produce and evaluate nutrition education materials for patients and multidisciplinary teams.
  • Participate in clinical supervision, mentoring, appraisal, clinical reflection and be open to reflective practice.
  • Participate in the practice education of student Dietitians.

Quality and Risk, Health and Safety Management

  • Work in accordance with relevant HSE policies, legislation and professional policies, guidelines and requirements to ensure safe practice and high standards of service delivery.
  • 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 all adverse incidents and near misses.
  • Adhere to HSE policies in relation to the procurement, care and safety of any equipment supplied for the fulfilment of duty.
  • 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, National Guidance on Food and Nutrition etc. and comply with associated HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role.
  • Support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service.

Administrative

  • Contribute to service planning and development in their area of assignment and prepare and present information that will aid operational and strategic planning for future service development.
  • Maintain appropriate patient records, metrics and statistics in accordance with HSE and local guidelines. Prepare patient progress reports, performance indicators or statistics as required.
  • Maintain legal and professional standards with regard to patient and data confidentiality e.g. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Freedom of Information (FOI).
  • Represent the department at meetings, committees and/or conferences as required.
  • Make efficient use of developments in Information Technology.
  • Keep up to date with organisational developments within the Irish Health Service.
 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 them from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

Eligibility Criteria, Qualifications and/ or experience:

Applications are welcome from individuals due to qualify prior to 16 February 2022

 Statutory Registration, Professional Qualifications, Experience, etc.

  • i) Be registered, or be eligible for registration, as a Dietitian by the Dietitians Registration Board at CORU.

And

  1. ii) Candidates must have the requisite knowledge and ability (including a high standard of suitability and professional ability) for the proper discharge of the duties of the office.

And

  • iii) Provide proof of Statutory Registration on the Dietitians Register maintained by the Dietitians Registration Board at CORU before a contract of employment can be issued.

 Annual Registration

  • On appointment practitioners must maintain annual registration on the Dietitians Register maintained by the Dietitians Registration Board at CORU.
  • Practitioners must confirm annual registration with CORU to the HSE by way of the annual Patient Safety Assurance Certificate (PSAC).

Health

Candidates 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.

Character

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

Applications are welcome from individuals due to qualify prior to 16 February 2022

Post Specific Requirements:

Demonstrate depth and breadth of dietetic experience as relevant to the role.

Other requirements specific to the post:

Any specific requirements for particular posts (e.g. access to appropriate transport in order to fulfil the requirements of the role, fluency in Irish etc.) will be outlined expression of interest stage.

Skills, competencies and/or knowledge:

Candidates must demonstrate:

Professional Knowledge and Experience

  • A high level of clinical knowledge to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the role.
  • Knowledge of the various theoretical models and approaches that apply in current practice.
  • Knowledge of a range of appropriate interventions relevant to the client group and an ability to apply knowledge to best practice.
  • The knowledge, abilities and clinical skills required to provide safe, efficient and effective service in the area of practice.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to promoting evidence based practice and research.
  • Commitment to Continuous Professional Development, including a willingness to undertake specific training / gain competence in new areas of practice. Engages effectively in professional supervision.
  • Demonstrate evidence of computer skills including use of Microsoft Word, Excel, email and PowerPoint systems, as relevant to the role.
  • Maximises the use of ICT with a willingness to develop IT skills relevant to the role

Planning and Managing Resources

  • Effective planning and organising skills including awareness of resource management and importance of value for money.
  • Effective time management skills including the ability to effectively prioritise multiple tasks.
  • Foresees potential problems or competing priorities and takes appropriate action to ensure service standards don’t suffer / deadlines are met.
  • Takes responsibility for the achievement of delivery targets.

Team Player Skills

  • The ability to work independently as well as part of multidisciplinary teams.
  • Effectively builds and maintains relationships. Understands and values individuals and their respective professional roles.
  • Actively communicates and consults with team members / relevant others as required.
  • React constructively to setbacks and is able to both give and receive feedback.

Commitment to Providing a Quality Service

  • Demonstrates a commitment to providing a quality service.
  • Demonstrates sound knowledge and evidence based practice when providing a service.
  • Takes immediate action and informs management when problems arise or standards slip.
  • Demonstrates an ability to be flexible and embrace change in order to enhance service delivery and improve service user care.
  • Demonstrates innovation, enthusiasm, and self-motivation in their approach to service delivery, health promotion and client care.

Evaluating Information and Judging Situations

  • The ability to assess a situation, determine the nature and severity of the problem and initiate a resolution within their professional and personal scope of practice.
  • The ability to formulate, articulate and demonstrate sound clinical reasoning.
  • The ability to gather information from enough sources and other people to make well-founded decisions.
  • The ability to establish integrity by ensuring that the professional, ethical and safety factors are fully considered in decisions.
  • The ability to recognise when it is appropriate to refer decisions to a higher level of authority or to include other colleagues in the decision.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

  • Demonstrate effective communication skills including the ability to present information in a clear and concise manner.
  • Tailors the communication method and the message to match the needs of the audience.
  • Effective interpersonal skills; the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships.
  • Demonstrate awareness and an appreciation of the service user.
  • Ability to empathise with and treat patients, relatives and colleagues with dignity and respect.
  • Good negotiation skills and is assertive as required.

Campaign Specific Selection Process / Ranking/Shortlisting / Interview

A ranking and or shortlisting exercise may be carried out on the basis of information supplied in your application form.  The criteria for ranking and or shortlisting are based on the requirements of the post as outlined in the eligibility criteria and skills, competencies and/or knowledge section of this job specification.  Therefore it is very important that you think about your experience in light of those requirements.

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.

The HSE is an equal opportunities employer.

Code of Practice

CPL will run this campaign on behalf of The Health Service Executive in compliance with the Code of Practice prepared by the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA). The Code of Practice sets out how the core principles of probity, merit, equity and fairness might be applied on a principle basis. The Code also specifies the responsibilities placed on candidates, facilities for feedback to applicants on matters relating to their application when requested, and outlines procedures in relation to requests for a review of the recruitment and selection process and review in relation to allegations of a breach of the Code of Practice.  Additional information on the HSE’s review process is available in the document posted with each vacancy entitled “Code of Practice, Information for Candidates”.

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/.

The reform programme outlined for the Health Services may impact on this role and as structures change the Job Specification may be reviewed.

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.

Terms and Conditions of Employment

Tenure

A panel will be created from this campaign from which current and future permanent, specified purpose, whole-time and part-time posts will be filled.  The tenure of these posts will be indicated at “expression of interest” stage.  The posts are pensionable.

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.

Remuneration

The Salary Scale for this post is (as at 01/10/2020):

€ 37,022 – € 39,214 – € 41,018 – € 42,330 – € 43,440 – € 44,591 – € 45,727 – € 46,894 – € 48,054 – € 49,213 – € 50,434 – € 51,719 – € 53,002 – € 54,029 LSI

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.

Working Week

The standard working week applying to the post is to be confirmed at Job Offer stage.

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 16th, 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).

Annual Leave

The annual leave associated with the post will be confirmed at Contracting stage.

Superannuation

This is a pensionable position with the HSE. The successful candidate will upon appointment become a member of the appropriate pension scheme.  Pension scheme membership will be notified within the contract of employment.  Members of pre-existing pension schemes who transferred to the HSE on the 01st January 2005 pursuant to Section 60 of the Health Act 2004 are entitled to superannuation benefit terms under the HSE Scheme which are no less favourable to those which they were entitled to at 31st December 2004

Age

The Public Service Superannuation (Age of Retirement) Act, 2018* set 70 years as the compulsory retirement age for public servants.

* 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

Probation

Every appointment of a person who is not already a permanent officer of the Health Service Executive or of a Local Authority shall be subject to a probationary period of 12 months as stipulated in the Department of Health Circular No.10/71

Protection for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998

As this post is one of those designated under the Protection for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998, appointment to this post appoints one as a designated officer in accordance with Section 2 of the Act.  You will remain a designated officer for the duration of your appointment to your current post or for the duration of your appointment to such other post as is included in the categories specified in the Ministerial Direction. You will receive full information on your responsibilities under the Act on appointment

Infection Control

Have a working knowledge of 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

Health & Safety

It is the responsibility of line managers to ensure that the management of safety, health and welfare is successfully integrated into all activities undertaken within their area of responsibility, so far as is reasonably practicable. Line managers are named and roles and responsibilities detailed in the relevant Site Specific Safety Statement (SSSS).

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

To Apply

NRS10309 – Dietitian, Staff Grade – HSE.ie