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

• 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.) and 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.

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 fora 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 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.

**CVs will be rejected - please download and submit completed application form as provided below**