Bhsct - Band 7 - Advanced Practitioner Dietitian/ Team Lead Hepatology - Temporary in Belfast

Advertised role location: ROYAL VICTORIA HOSPITAL

Official document: Job Description/Personnel Specification (Updated 24/09/2026) (doc)

JOB DESCRIPTION

POST: Advanced Practitioner Dietitian level 1 - Clinical Specialist Dietitian/ Team Leader – Hepatology - Temporary

LOCATION: Nutrition and Dietetics - RVH

BAND: 7

REPORTS TO: Clinical Lead Hepatology Dietitian

RESPONSIBLE TO: Nutrition and Dietetics Services Manager

Job Summary / Main Purpose

To assist the Nutrition and Dietetic Services Manager in the development and management of a quality Nutrition and Dietetic Service within the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.

To provide a high quality, evidence based nutritional service to patients referred to the specialist hepatology dietitian, which includes complex inpatients and outpatient’s pre and post liver transplant, to include discharge planning prompt but safe discharge.

To contribute to the development of operational policies and guidelines in the area of liver disease both locally and regionally and when necessary provide and interpret information which may shape decision making at higher management level.

To act as a source of clinical expertise for the region in the management of patients with liver disease, delivering multidisciplinary training for all grades of staff throughout Northern Ireland and locally

Main Duties / Responsibilities

For each of the following, the postholder will;

To support the Nutrition and Dietetic Service Manager in the provision of a quality service to the Acute and Unscheduled Care Team.

As a clinical specialist and integral member of the Acute and Unscheduled Care Team, have the expertise to manage a highly specialised clinical caseload and undertake complicated assessment, diagnosis, management and treatment of patients within this speciality.

To work autonomously alongside the clinical lead dietitian using professional judgement and advanced clinical expertise to assess, interpret and analyse highly complex clinical data and take the lead on formulation of dietetic treatment plan for Hepatology inpatients and outpatients.

Undertake anthropometric measurements to measure, for example mid arm circumference (MAC), Mid Arm muscle circumference (MAMC), Triceps skin fold thickness (TSF) and grip strength, using callipers, handgrip dynamometry and bio-electrical impedance equipment and be able to apply the results in the development of a nutritional management plan for the patients.

Monitor biochemical blood profiles, interpret clinical information and have responsibility for devising and revising enteral nutrition prescriptions and regimens for inpatients and outpatients.

Ensure detection of micronutrient deficiencies in ‘at risk’ groups of Hepatology patients and ensure adequate and timely micronutrient supplementation in conjunction with the ward pharmacist.

Be aware of the social factors that may influence the nutritional status of patients with liver disease and the variety of strategies that can be utilised to promote changes.

Be aware of the role of disease specific medications which can impact on the nutritional management of the patient and liaise with the consultant staff and pharmacist with regards to changes as required.

Identify non-nutritional factors which are negatively impacting the nutritional outcomes of the patient being achieved i.e symptoms, medications, fluid restrictions etc. Liaise verbally and in writing with relevant clinicians within the MDT to problem solve. High level communication is essential.

Provide training to patients and carers on the management of the enteral tube feeding system and associated equipment for discharge home.

To advise and liaise with catering staff concerning the dietary needs of inpatients and ensure special dietary restrictions are catered for.

To ensure discharge planning is timely, appropriate and seamless.

As part of the dietetic assessment, carry out thorough, detailed assessments of habitual dietary intake and ensure employment of thorough nutritional education to modify diets to meet nutritional requirements. Use advanced motivational techniques to engage non-compliant patients and ensure implementation of recommendations to improve nutritional outcomes.

Use clinical judgement and experience to identify patients who are at risk of severe malnutrition. Carry out nutritional assessment and implement comprehensive nutritional care plans to ensure outcomes are met.

To provide dietetic cover to the transplant service in the absence of the clinical lead, both with in-patients at ward level and within the ambulatory care unit and at out-patients.

Liaise with the appropriate dietetic/ward staff should transplant patients who remain under your nutritional care be admitted to other hospitals regionally or nationally.

Provide cover to other dietetic service areas as required.

In the absence of the hepatology clinical lead, attend ward rounds, monthly Kings College Clinic, clinical governance meetings and other meetings as required.

To co-ordinate, individual patient care by providing the link between a range of healthcare professionals and clinicians within BHSCT and throughout N.Ireland in order to ensure the patient receives seamless care.

Be aware of national policy, guidelines and consultations and in conjunction with the team leader, develop local policies and care pathways within this specialist area.

To contribute to the development of policies and guidelines in the area of Hepatology both locally and regionally and when necessary in conjunction with the clinical lead, provide and interpret information which may shape decision making at higher management level.

To deputise as a team leader in the absence of a team leader on the RVH site.

To plan and deliver nutritional multidisciplinary training for all grades of staff across BHSCT and regionally as required.

Communication

To maintain advanced level communication skills including counselling skills, motivation and behaviour change strategies.

To maintain effective communication with the MDT and other health professionals, internal and external to the Trust.

To work autonomously, using professional judgement and advanced clinical expertise to interpret and analyse highly complex situations. This will include using advanced negotiating skills in situations which are highly emotional and challenging following life changing diagnosis.

Have the ability to communicate with patients with a learning disability or people who speak a foreign language using adapted resources and accessing interpreters when necessary to ensure effective communication and understanding of complex dietary information.

Have the ability to communicate effectively with patients and/or carers to ensure compliance with and understanding of very detailed and complicated treatments within the hospital and community settings.

Education and Training

To educate adults, their families and carers about their nutritional care, taking into consideration social background, communication difficulties or psychological factors that may have an impact on learning or understanding.

Provide training and advice to other health care professionals, for example, acute and community nursing teams with regard to the safe and cost effective management of medical devices such as enteral feeding systems.

To provide ongoing education/training for patients both in the inpatient and outpatient setting.

To develop and evaluate nutritional training and resource materials, e.g. training packs, educational tools, leaflets, posters etc for nutrition support team patients.

To act as an educational resource and provide practical training and lectures for dietitians, other professionals and University students and present at professional conferences.

Contribute to the development, implementation and evaluation of evidence based regional and national guidelines in the area of your speciality.

To plan and deliver into study days and professional conferences across the region and throughout Ireland and UK.

To investigate research opportunities and initiate or participate in research or clinical trials as requested by medical staff in liaison with the Nutrition and Dietetic Services Manager.

To mentor and clinically supervise junior members of dietetic staff and be involved in staff induction

To participate in student dietetic training programme in BHSCT.

To participate in peer review.

Professional and Organisational

To ensure the impact of clinical governance and risk management is understood and working practices comply with standards.

To promote evidence based practice in the management of hepatology patients.

To contribute to the dietetic team within the Nutrition and Dietetic Service e.g. by contributing to staff meetings and sharing expertise.

To prioritize own work area to ensure a balance between clinical, education and training responsibilities.

To keep legible, comprehensive electronic records to agreed departmental standards, and to ensure patient confidentially is maintained.

To collate statistical data for use in performance management and to inform service development and business cases.

Requires highly developed computer skills requiring data entry and analysis.

To maintain professional standards and be willing to undertake professional updating, and PCF.

To adhere to HPC Standards of Proficiency – Dietitians, Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics and Professional Standards.

To undertake training required to carry out the responsibilities and tasks associated with the job, including mandatory training.

In addition to relevant clinical experience and expertise will also possess advanced knowledge gained from recognised post graduate training at M level.

Mentor dietetic students and junior members of the dietetic team and effectively manage underperformance and deal with delicate personal issues whilst maintaining confidentiality.

To assist with any other appropriate relevant duties as deemed necessary by the Nutrition and Dietetics Services Manager/Clinical Services Manager.

The post holder may be required to work shifts, weekends, out of hours and statutory days. In response to continued service development the duties of the post may be conducted over a 7 day period.

General Responsibilities

Employees of the Trust are required to promote and support the mission and vision of the service for which they are responsible and:

At all times provide a caring service and to treat those with whom they come into contact in a courteous and respectful manner.

Demonstrate their commitment by their regular attendance and the efficient completion of all tasks allocated to them.

Comply with the Trust’s Smoke Free Policy.

Carry out their duties and responsibilities in compliance with the Health and Safety Policies and Statutory Regulations.

Adhere to Equality and Good Relations duties throughout the course of their employment.

Ensure the ongoing confidence of the public in-service provision.

Maintain high standards of personal accountability.

Comply with the HPSS Code of Conduct.

Information Governance

All employees of Belfast Health & Social Care Trust are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as part of their business within the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, including patient/client, corporate and administrative records whether paper based or electronic and also including e-mails. All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Environment Regulations 2004, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Employees are required to be conversant and to comply with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust policies on Information Governance including for example the ICT Security Policy, Data Protection Policy and Records Management Policy and to seek advice if in doubt.

For further information on how we use your personal data within HR, please refer to the Privacy Notice available on the HUB or Your HR

Environmental Cleaning Strategy

The Trusts Environmental Cleaning Strategy recognizes the key principle that “Cleanliness matters is everyone’s responsibility, not just the cleaners” Whilst there are staff employed who are responsible for cleaning services, all Trust staff have a responsibility to ensure a clean, comfortable, safe environment for patients, clients, residents, visitors, staff and members of the general public.

Infection Prevention and Control

The Belfast Trust is committed to reducing Healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) and all staff have a part to play in making this happen. Staff must comply with all policies in relation to Infection Prevention and Control and with ongoing reduction strategies. Standard Infection Prevention and Control Precautions must be used at all times to ensure the safety of patients and staff.

This includes:

• Cleaning hands either with soap and water or a hand sanitiser at the appropriate times (WHO ‘5 moments’);
• Using the correct ‘7 step’ hand hygiene technique;
• Being ‘bare below the elbows’ when in a clinical environment;
• Following Trust policies and the Regional Infection Control Manual (found on intranet);
• Wearing the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE);
• Ensuring correct handling and disposal of waste (including sharps) and laundry;
• Ensuring all medical devices (equipment) are decontaminated appropriately i.e. cleaned, disinfected and/or sterilised;
• Ensuring compliance with High Impact Interventions.

Values

The Belfast Trust aims to recruit staff not only with the right skills but also with the right values to ensure the delivery of excellent patient care and experience. Staff will be expected to be committed to provide safe, effective, compassionate and person centered care by:

• Treating Everyone with Dignity and Respect;
• Displaying Openness and Trust;
• Being Accountable;
• Being Leading Edge;
• Maximising Learning and Development;

By embedding the above values we will make a significant contribution to the delivery of the Trust’s Vision.

Personal Public Involvement

Staff members are expected to involve patients, clients, carers and the wider community were relevant, in developing, planning and delivering our services in a meaningful and effective way, as part of the Trust’s ongoing commitment to Personal Public Involvement (PPI).

Please use the link below to access the PPI standards leaflet for further information.

http://www.publichealth.hscni.net/sites/default/files/PPI_leaflet.pdf

Clause: This job description is not meant to be definitive and may be amended to meet the changing needs of the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION

JOB TITLE

Advanced practice Clinical specialist Dietitian / Team Lead -Hepatology Temporary

BAND

7

DIRECTORATE

ACOPS and AHP

Notes to applicants:

You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria.

Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form. Please note the Trust reserves the right to use any desirable criteria outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet the desirable criteria.

Proof of qualifications and/or professional registration will be required if an offer of employment is made – if you are unable to provide this, the offer may be withdrawn.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

SECTION 1: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will initially be measured at shortlisting stage although may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form whether or not you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is stated below.

Factor

Criteria

Ideally no more than 6-8 criteria in this section

Method of Assessment

Experience

Have a minimum of 5 years post registration clinical experience in dietetics by the application end date and of which 2.5 years or more should be working at Band 6 or equivalent level and have experience working with patients who have liver disease.

Have significant experience working with patients requiring nutrition support

Evidence of leadership skills

Current Belfast Trust Employee

Shortlisting by Application Form

Qualifications/ Registration

Degree or Diploma in Nutrition and / or Dietetics OR a related Degree with post graduate qualification in Dietetics

Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council in dietetics

Have completed masters level qualification: eg, Advanced Clinical Nutrition/PENG or willing to undertake

Shortlisting by Application Form

Other

HHold a current full driving licence valid in the UK/Ireland and access to a car on appointment. ‘Where disability prohibits driving, this criteria will be waived if the applicant is able to organise suitable alternative arrangements’ Shortlisting by Application Form

SECTION 2: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will be measured during the interview/ selection stage:

Skills / Abilities

Demonstrate highly skilled and compassionate communication with individuals, their family and carers

Interview

Knowledge

kKnowledge on formulating, implementing and managing dietary treatments which are complex and individual to the patient

Interview

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

SECTION 3: these will ONLY be used where it is necessary to introduce additional job related criteria to ensure files are manageable. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted

Factor

Criteria

Method of Assessment

Experience

Membership of relevant specialist group e.g PENG, BDA Specialist Interest group d-liver or willing to join on appointment

Shortlisting by Application Form

Skills

Leadership skills training or willingness to undertake on appointment

Shortlisting by Application Form

All staff are expected to display the HSC Values at all times

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