Mental Health Inpatient Dietitian
Want to make a real difference and have a truly rewarding career? Join 'Team Derbyshire Healthcare' and become part of a talented, compassionate and enthusiastic workforce committed to a vision of ‘making a positive difference in people's lives’.
We’ve been rated ‘good’ overall by the CQC, with some outstanding services. The CQC commented at our most recent inspection on how our colleagues “treated patients with compassion and kindness” and “felt positive and proud about working for the trust.
We are passionate about making equality, diversity and inclusion part of our DNA. We take pride in our “People First Culture” which creates a workplace where everyone feels a genuine sense of belonging, difference is celebrated, and people are comfortable to bring their whole selves to work.We value the richness that comes from having colleagues that are fully representative of the local community. We welcome people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, protected characteristics, and with all backgrounds and experiences.
Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated dietitian to join the inpatient mental health dietetics team in Derbyshire. This is a band 6 role but we welcome dietitians new to the NHS to apply for a band 5 role as we are able to provide a structured competency framework to support them to develop the knowledge and skills required to progress from a band 5 to band 6 specialist dietitian role within this team.
The postholder will provide a specialist dietetics service to our mental health inpatient units. You will also deliver training, supervise dietetic students/apprentices/assistants, and contribute to service development projects. You will be supported by a small, friendly team, committed to clinical supervision and CPD.
The post will be based at Kingsway Hospital in Derby; however, weekly ability to travel to the local Radbourne unit and both Chesterfield sites (Derwent Unit and Walton Hospital) is required. Travel time within working hours and travel expenses to Chesterfield units (fuel/ train) are included as agreed with your line manager and Trust Policy.Wards are divided amongst the team to support regular working days at designated units, but location flexibility may be required to accommodate caseload balance, last minute urgent referrals, or staff illness/leave coverage.
Please answer all additional application questions.
For more information, please contact Megan Lomax, Clinical and Operational Lead Dietitian, [email protected]
Main duties of the job
As a Specialist Inpatient Mental Health Dietitian, you will contribute to the delivery of an effective, high quality, evidence based mental health nutrition and dietetic service across the Trust. You will work within the Specialist Care Services division providing patient-centred dietetic input primarily across four inpatient sites across Derbyshire (Derby and Chesterfield).
You will manage a caseload of referrals, including but not limited to nutrition support, weight management, diabetes, and eating disorders/disordered eating, with regular supervision and support from the Trust’s Inpatient Lead Dietitian. Additionally, liaising with other specialist dietetic services may be required for further support and guidance for the management of more complex, specialist nutritional issues.
You will also provide continuity of care across inpatient and community pathways, advise, and support other healthcare professionals in nutrition and hydration. You will be responsible for the delivery of nutritional training to healthcare professionals as required.
Working for our organisation
Join 'Team Derbyshire Healthcare' and become part of a talented, compassionate and enthusiastic workforce committed to a vision of 'making a positive difference in people's lives'.
CQC rated us as 'GOOD' overall, commenting on how our colleagues "treated patients with compassion and kindness" and "felt positive and proud about working for the trust."
Benefits include:
- Commitment to flexible working where this is possible
- 27 days annual leave/year plus bank holidays, increasing to 29 days after 5 years & 33 days after 10 years' service
- Yearly appraisal and commitment to ongoing training
- Generous NHS pension scheme
- Good maternity, paternity and adoption benefits
- Health service discounts and online benefits
- Incremental pay progression
- Free confidential employee assistance programme 24/7
- Access to our LGBT+ network, BAME Network and Christian Network
- Health and wellbeing opportunities
- Structured learning and development opportunities
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see job description and person specification for detailed information on main duties and responsibilities of the Band 6 role.
If you are appointed in the Band 5/6 development role due to being newly qualified as a Dietitian, the aim will be to work through the development competencies (attached) and the preceptorship programme over a specified timeframe, accounting for some flexibility based on rate of progress and ability to meet all competencies .Clinical/management sign off will prompt promotion to band 6 specialist mental health dietitian.
If you reside in/around north Derbyshire and prefer to be assigned mainly to Chesterfield units with minimal Derby travel, this is also an option. Please call/email in advance to clarify any questions you may have on working patterns/locations.
If you want to find out more about the post, please contact: Megan Lomax, Inpatient Clinical and Operational Lead Mental Health Dietitian, [email protected], 01332 623700, extension 33602
Person specification
Essential-Attainment and qualifications
Essential criteria- A four year Undergraduate or a two year Post Graduate Degree in Nutrition & Dietetics or similar UK/non-UK qualification
- HCPC registration as a dietitian
- Is a member of the British Dietetic Association (BDA)
- Is a member of the BDA specialist Mental Health group
Essential-Knowledge, skills, and experience
Essential criteria- Travel requirements of the post include the ability to travel to various sites across the county, including Derby (Kingsway Hospital, Radbourne unit @RDH site) and Chesterfield (Derwent Unit @CRH site, Bluebell ward at Walton Hospital). Kingsway site is the primary location for most inpatient units. The service requires a willingness and ability to travel to Derby and Chesterfield sites (based on need) within working hours and ability to manage referrals within the designated ward days. Travel time is incorporated into working time within reason (amount to be agreed with operational lead) and travel costs (fuel, standard train/bus) reimbursed according to Trust policy. You must be able to transport equipment (laptop and accessories in wheeled case) site to site across the county on a day-to-day basis regardless of weather. Please explain how you will meet the travel requirements (including which type of vehicle/public transportation/route you will use) of the post as listed above.
Knowledge skills & experience
Essential criteria- Experience working or training in a mental health setting or working/being trained with service users with mental health conditions. Please include relevant special interest professional courses completed. Please explain how you meet this criteria.
- Able to demonstrate a variety of post graduate dietetic experience relevant to this post. Please explain how you meet this criteria.
Additional Information
Flexible Working
As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for our service and for you. Speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement whether that's job share, part time or another flexible pattern.
Disability Confident Employer
The Trust is a Disability Confident Employer. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you in the recruitment process please let us know.
If you require any support in completing the application form please do not hesitate to contact the Recruitment Team, 01332 564856, option 1, option 1 or email [email protected] and we will be happy to provide assistance.
DBS Checks
The cost of undertaking a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) disclosure will be met by the individual. The Trust will meet the initial costs of the disclosure which will be deducted from your first month’s salary.
This job may close early if a large number of applications are received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid missing your chance to apply.