Senior Dietitian

 (Grade Code: 3395)

Panels will be formed as a result of this campaign for Dietitian, Senior within CHO 6, 7 and 9.

These panels will be used to fill current and future vacancies submitted to the National Recruitment Service by CHO 6, 7 and 9 for permanent, and specified purpose posts of full or part-time/ duration.

Panels will be formed by CHO Area.  Posts will be issued in the first instance to the relevant CHO panel.  CHO 6, CHO 7 and CHO 9: If a post remains unfilled following its expression to the CHO 6, CHO 7 and CHO 9 panels CPL MSP reserves the right to combine the panels created for CHO 6, CHO 7 and CHO 9 and issue the expression of interest for posts in these areas to this wider amalgamated panel.

Maureen McGowan, Dietitian Manager

Email: maureen.mcgowan@hse.ie

Tel: 087 6042817

Or

 Ruth Sargent, Dietitian Manager

Email: ruth.sargent@hse.ie

Tel: 086 7810336

Mairead Aherne, Dietitian Manager

Email: mairead.aherne@hse.ie

Tel: 087 9683015

 Or

 Claire Ramsay, Dietitian Manager

Email. claire.ramsay@hse.ie

Tel: 087-1382731

 Or

 Marianne O’ Reilly, Dietitian Manager

Email: Marianne.oreilly@hse.ie

Tel: 087-4693626

Sheena Rafferty, Dietitian Manager

Email:   sheena.rafferty@hse.ie

Tel:        086-3837415

Or

 Siobhán Brennan, Dietitian Manager

Email: siobhana.brennan@hse.ie

Tel: 086 3889918

The Community Nutrition and Dietetic Teams in CHOs 6, 7 and 9 are dynamic and progressive teams with many experienced dietitians who have been involved in innovative projects and quality improvements in diabetes care, paediatrics, weight management, home enteral feeding, care of older persons and community cooking programmes. The teams have shown leadership in progressing much of this work at a national level. In addition, there are regular team meetings, opportunities for CPD and research, implementation of the nutrition care process model, ongoing support of student training, a health and wellbeing remit including participation in the Healthy Food Made Easy community cookery programme and the development and promotion of national resources and programmes. Team members are currently involved in pilots for national programmes including the online DISCOVER diabetes programme and the national community-based weight management and diabetes prevention programmes for adults.

The National Service Plan (2020) includes provision to commence a targeted reform programme in line with Slaintecare to Enhance Community Care (ECC) and redesign acute hospital pathways to support older people and those with chronic disease. This plan includes roll out of Community Healthcare Networks across each Community Healthcare Organisation (CHO) and Community Specialist Teams (hubs) for Older People and People with Chronic Disease.

The following outlines the structure of the Community Nutrition and Dietetic Teams within CHO 6, 7 and 9; including the geographical areas covered.

Community Healthcare East, CHO Area 6

Community Healthcare East, CHO Area 6 covers Dublin South, Dublin South East and Wicklow. The Community Nutrition and Dietetic Service is a team of 2 x 0.5 WTE Dietitian Managers, 14.7 Dietitians and a 0.5 WTE clerical officer. This includes dietitians working in primary care, diabetes, older persons, mental health and national Slaintecare projects on diabetes care. The team are based in HSE offices in various locations across the area including Clonskeagh, Churchtown, Balally, Dun Laoghaire, Shankill, Bray, Newtownmountkennedy and Wicklow.

It is expected that there will be a total of 21 WTE additional Dietitian posts in Community Healthcare East, CHO 6 under the HSE Enhanced Community Care Programme of which 11.5 WTE are anticipated at Senior Grade. There are eight CHNs in CHE and each will have at least one senior dietitian assigned to that area to provide a primary care dietetic service to adults and children. Many networks will have more than one dietitian. Alongside this, integrated care teams for Chronic Disease will be established (initially located in Clonskeagh and Bray) to provide specialist secondary care to Older People and adults with Chronic disease. It is anticipated that there will be 3 senior dietitians appointed to each Chronic Disease Management team for diabetes care and 1.5 WTE senior Dietitians attached to the Integrated Care Programme for Older People (ICPOP) Community Specialist teams in Community Healthcare East CHO 6.

It is anticipated that this campaign will also include replacement posts from the current teams.

Community Healthcare Dublin South, Kildare & West Wicklow (CHO Area 7)

This CHO covers the former LHO areas of Dublin South City/Dublin West/Dublin South West & Kildare West Wicklow. Dietetic staff are currently based in HSE offices in various locations across the area including Heytesbury St, Thomas St, Pierce St, Rathfarnham, Ballyfermot, Clondalkin, Cherry Orchard, Inchicore, Tallaght, Armagh Road, Curlew Road, Clane, Celbridge, Kilcock and Kildare Town but other offices will be available as the service expands. The service is managed by 2 WTE Dietitian Managers (1WTE and 2*0.5WTEs) and thus has 3 dietetic departments with 14 dietitians currently working across the area. Dietitians work across various areas including Primary Care (adult and paediatric services), Chronic Disease /Diabetes Clinical Care Programme, Social Care (Older Persons/Disability services) and Health Promotion and Improvement.

It is expected that there will be a total of 50 WTE additional Dietitian posts in Community Healthcare Dublin South, Kildare & West Wicklow (CHO7) under the HSE Enhanced Community Care Programme of which 35 WTE are anticipated at Senior Grade. There are fourteen CHNs in CHO7 and each will have at least one senior dietitian assigned to that area to provide a primary care dietetic service to adults. Dietitians covering paediatric caseloads will work across networks. Many networks will have more than one dietitian. Included in this also, 4 integrated care teams for Chronic Disease will be established (initially located in Tallaght, City Centre, Ballyfermot, and Naas) to provide specialist care to adults with Chronic disease. It is anticipated that there will be 3 senior dietitians appointed to each Chronic Disease Management team for diabetes care. Additionally, the Integrated Care Programme for Older People (ICPOP) Community Specialist teams are expanding – we are recruiting 1WTE for the Tallaght ICPOP (already established team) and 0.5WTE each for the ICPOP teams in the St James Hospital and Naas General Hospital catchment areas.

It is anticipated that this campaign will also include replacement posts from the current teams.

Community Health Care Organisation Dublin North City and County (CHO 9)

The service covers Dublin North City and County is comprised of 12 Community Health networks. Dublin North department is located between Balbriggan Health Centre, Malahide Health Centre, Kilbarrack Health centre, St. Ita’s Campus Portrane and Airside Swords. Dublin North City Department is located between North Inner city, Summerhill and Ballymun and Dublin North West encompassing Blanchardstown, Cabra and Finglas areas. There is an existing team of 14 team members working across two Dietetic Departments. The teams cover home enteral nutrition services, diabetes, primary care in adults and paediatrics as well as health promotion and improvement.

In CHO 9 each of the 12 Community Healthcare Networks has been allocated an additional 2 WTE senior dietetic posts (24 additional seniors) There are three chronic disease hubs across the area (Aligned to Connolly, Mater and Beaumont hospitals) which have been allocated 12 additional senior posts for Diabetes care and Prevention as well as weight management as part of the hub team. These Hubs are community based with the initial location in Glasnevin. Some of these posts have been filled to date. An additional 1.5 senior posts is anticipated for the Integrated care teams for older people aligned to Connolly, Mater and Beaumont hospitals, based in the community setting.

It is anticipated that this campaign will also include replacement posts from the current teams: therefore CHO 9 anticipates a total of 38.5 senior Dietetic posts to be recruited.

Existing accountability for day-to-day operational matters will continue to be to the Head of Discipline until such a time as arrangements have been finalised on a system for the management of teams.

The Senior Dietitian will work within the local Community Health Care Network, Chronic Disease Hub, Older Persons Integrated Care Team with the relevant manager of the service. The Senior Dietitian will also work within the dietetic team with the Dietitian Managers and dietetic colleagues across the CHO and nationally.

Professional / Clinical

·         Ensure professional standards are maintained in accordance with the requirements as set out by the CORU https://coru.ie/files-recognition/standards-of-proficiency-for-dietitians.pdf

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

·         Keep up to date with scientific research findings and current practices and identify and update relevant measures in response to these findings, as designated by Dietitian Manager or designated Dietitian.

·         Plan and deliver the organisation, provision, and evaluation of the Nutrition & Dietetic service to clients within their designated area.

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

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

·         Advise and liaise closely with the family / carers in the practical aspects of the agreed plan.

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

·         Liaise with the multidisciplinary team and healthcare colleagues in other services / settings, as appropriate.

·         Participate in multidisciplinary meetings, case conferences and clinical meetings as required.

·         Initiate and / or participate in initiatives that enhance the standard of care to service users.

·         Provide line management supervision to assigned Staff Grade Dietitians / appropriate others.

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

·         Participate in the development of nutrition related health promotion initiatives.

Education & Training

·         Maintain professional knowledge and competence in relation to scientific research and practice through continuous professional development initiatives, attendance at mandatory training programmes and other relevant activities.

·         Provide expertise on nutrition to colleagues.

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

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

·         Participate within the professional and clinical supervision structure and be open to reflective practice.

·         Provide induction and mentoring to professional colleagues.

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

Quality and Risk, Health and Safety Management

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

·         Participate in audit, research and other quality improvement projects that maintain and aim to improve the quality-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 any adverse incidents or near misses.

·         Adhere to HSE policies on 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 Safer Better 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.

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

·         Ensure the ongoing review of existing resources and develop and evaluate new resources to support the needs of the target audience.

·         Contribute to the development, implementation and evaluation of standards and policies.

·         Support the delivery of the service to meet key performance indicators.

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

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

·         Maintain professional standards with regard to patient and data confidentiality e.g., FOI & GDPR.

·         Prepare progress reports / statistics as required and according to agreed templates / business plans.

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

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

·         Deputise for the Dietitian Manager if required.

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. 

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.

·         Demonstrate depth and breadth of experience in the application of lifestyle behaviour change techniques, as relevant to the role.

Skills, competencies and/or knowledge

·         A high level of clinical knowledge and evidence-based practice to carry out 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.

·         Demonstrates a commitment to promoting evidence-based practice and research.

·         The knowledge, abilities and clinical skills required to provide safe, efficient and effective service in the area of practice.

·         Knowledge of the role of health promotion and the importance of preventative health care.

·         Maximises the use of ICT with a willingness to develop IT skills relevant to the role.

·         Knowledge of lifestyle behaviour change techniques.

·         Sufficient clinical knowledge and evidence-based practice to carry out duties and responsibilities of the role.

·         Knowledge of the range of community dietetic structures and services.

·         An ability to apply knowledge to best practice.

·         The ability to effectively evaluate information and make appropriate decisions.

·         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.

Planning and Managing Resources

·         Demonstrates the ability to plan activities and co-ordinate resources to ensure value for money and maximum benefit for the organisation.

·         Demonstrates an ability to manage deadlines and effectively handle multiple tasks.

·         Is flexible, adaptable and prioritises the most important tasks on an ongoing basis.

·         Demonstrates strong motivation and an innovative approach to overcoming resource limitations and to developing and managing the clinical functions of the post.

·         Evidence of effective planning, organising and time management skills.

Leadership and Development of Self & Others

·         Demonstrate the ability to lead the development of nutrition and dietetic services.

·         Demonstrates the ability to work independently as well as part of multidisciplinary teams.

·         Adapts leadership style to suit the dynamic demands of the service and the people involved.

·         Demonstrates team management skills, delegates appropriately and reviews the work of the team to ensure its quality and accuracy.

·         Demonstrates a commitment to continuing professional development and facilitates staff development by providing support such as supervision, mentoring, coaching and development planning.

Commitment to Providing a Quality Service

·         Demonstrates a commitment to providing and assessing a quality service.

·         Has a knowledge and understanding of national and international standards and guidelines relating to nutrition and dietetics.

·         Has a knowledge and understanding of the concerns and needs of the service-user population.

·         Demonstrates flexibility and openness to change.

Evaluating Information and Judging Situations

·         Formulates, articulates and demonstrates sound clinical reasoning.

·         An ability to effectively evaluate and analyse information, problem solve and make effective decisions.

·         The ability to make decisions in a transparent manner by involving and empowering others where appropriate.

·         The ability to explain the rationale behind decisions confidently when faced with opposing or competing demands.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

·         Effective communication skills (written and verbal). Tailors the communication method and the message to match the needs of the audience.

·         Effective interpersonal skills. Demonstrates sensitivity, diplomacy and tact when dealing with others.

·         Demonstrate the ability to deal with conflict or negative attitudes from others.

·         Strong negotiation skills remain firm but flexible when putting forward a point of view.

·         Maintains a professional relationship in all communications, treating others with dignity and respect.

·         Excellent interpersonal, counselling, communication and presentation skills.

·         An ability to communicate in a manner suited to target groups as well as health professionals.

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.