Dietetic Assistant

Job overview

We are looking to recruit a Dietetic Assistant who wishes to develop their skills in supporting patients who require nutritional support during their inpatient stay.

You will work under the direct supervision of the Dietitians. You will be involved in the collection of clinical information to assist dietetic assessment and practical aspects of implementing / monitoring the nutritional recommendations made by the dietitian.

A key aspect of the role involves educating members of the healthcare team and promoting first line nutrition support strategies.

We would like the successful candidate to become an integral part of our team, as well as helping newly recruited dietitians to settle into the area and the department.

As a department we encourage quality improvement and audit work.

You will report to the Acute team, Team Leaders.  The department is composed of three teams, Acute, Community and Diabetic teams with a total of 24 staff, including support staff and admin. We provide an integrated service across both our Hospital and Community sites meeting the needs of our patients across the whole of the Bolton population.

This position does not support sponsorship for UK visa and immigration.

Main duties of the job

You will work as a Dietetic Assistant within the Dietetic Department, completing initial assessments and reviews for inpatients referred to the Dietetic department who have been identified as at risk of developing malnutrition during their admission.

You will be required to manage your own caseload, liaising with both Dietetic and Ward staff.

You will be involved in the training of ward based staff with regards to risk of and treatment of malnutrition.

All of the duties will be under the supervision of the Qualified Dietetic Staff.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• To be able to recognise improvements or adverse developments in the client’s condition, report to supervisor and document it.

To implement intervention programmes either in groups, or on an individual basis, under the supervision of a registered dietitian

To prepare the client and environment for therapeutic intervention when required

To maintain hygiene and cleanliness of all relevant clinical areas

To use a range of verbal and non-verbal communication tools, to effectively communicate with and gather information from clients/carers and feedback accurately to therapy colleagues, in order to progress any treatment programmes.  This will include clients who may have difficulties understanding or communicating, e.g. speech difficulties.

To identify when intervention with a client is appropriate and to be able to modify intervention within agreed level of competence

To be aware of the local and out of area procedures for the provision of resources as required and complete referrals in liaison with relevant dietitian.

To liaise directly with voluntary and other support agencies in order to gain information on available community services appropriate to clients

To demonstrate understanding of the roles of other MDT members and work in partnership with them in order to contribute to MDT assessment of clients

To maintain effective communication with carers in line with client confidentiality

To possess basic IT and keyboard skills, enabling the use of relevant organisational IT systems necessary to fulfil the role, e.g. booking appointments or accessing email etc.