Advanced Dietician – Children and Young People (CYP)

Job overview

Advanced Dietitian – CYP tier 4 inpatients, Band 7 – Darwin Centre (Tier 4 provision):

We are looking for a dynamic and innovative Dietitian with an interest in children and young people’s mental health to join our friendly multi-disciplinary team. This is a full-time post (part time would be considered), based in our Tier 4 unit. We are looking for an experienced Dietitian who is ready to take their next step in their career and keen to make a difference to our children and young people.

The post holder will have the opportunity to contribute to the development of key policies, standard operating procedures and pathways to support our children and young people with eating disorders, disordered eating and those identified as being at high nutritional risk. A large part of the role will involve working closely with the Darwin team, providing education and support as required. This role will involve travelling to children and young people’s homes where needed to provide dietetic meal support to families and young people.

This is a varied, challenging and exciting role in which the post holder will be in a unique position to lead on changes making a significant difference to children and young people.

The post holder will be well supported in their development by the trust Lead Dietitian, Darwin nursing team and multi-disciplinary team.

To find out more about the Darwin centre please visit: https://www.combined.nhs.uk/services/darwin-centre/

Main duties of the job

To provide a clinical lead dietetic role within the Children and Young People’s (CYP) inpatient unit, the Darwin Centre.

To deliver a highly specialist dietetic service with a focus on CYP with diagnosed or suspected eating disorders, disordered eating, or those at high nutritional risk, while also providing accessible support and advice to the wider inpatient population as required.

To work collaboratively with local CAMHS community services, including undertaking home visits and providing meal support.

To ensure safe and effective dietetic discharge planning for CYP transitioning from the Darwin Centre, including provision of community follow-up and home visits as required.

To act as a source of expertise on the dietary management of CYP with eating disorders, disordered eating or those identified as being at high nutritional risk, to medical staff, therapy staff, other health professionals, GPs, external agencies such as local community mental health teams and trust dietitians.

To make recommendations for the purchasing of supplements, ward menu’s and relevant equipment within the budget held by the Ward Manager.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To provide a highly specialist dietetic service to CYP within the Darwin centre. Working closely CYPs with an eating disorder, disordered eating or those identified as being at high nutritional risk at the Darwin centre. This involves working with young people, their families and MDT members to identify and address the complex psychological and social factors that affect compliance with dietary treatment, enabling long term / permanent lifestyle changes.

To undertake comprehensive assessments of each patient’s diet and lifestyle to formulate individualised management and treatment plans, ensuring optimal outcome whilst minimising risk. These assessments should follow the British Dietetic Association (BDA model) and process, including interpreting biochemical data and using quantitative / qualitative analysis of nutritional information.

To be aware of and be able to identify CYP at high physical risk, including the risk of refeeding syndrome, nutritional deficiencies and obesity. To be able to provide appropriate nutritional advice regarding the management of risk together with the MDT, linking with medical and dietetic colleagues in acute medical services as necessary.

To be aware of and able to identify CYP at high psychiatric risk and liaise with the MDT regarding the management of risk in these CYP.

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.