Dietitian, Senior
Diaitéiteach, Sinsearach
Job Specification & Terms and Conditions
Job Title, Grade Code
Dietitian, Senior
Diaitéiteach, Sinsearach
(Grade Code: 3395)
Remuneration
The salary scale for the post is as at 01/03/2025:
€63,279- €64,629-€66,021-€67,399-€68,779-€70,231-€71,760-€73,285-€74,509
New appointees to any grade start at the minimum point of the scale. Incremental credit will be applied for recognised relevant service in Ireland and abroad (Department of Health Circular 2/2011).
Campaign Reference
CHW27DS25
Closing Date
Thursday 17th of April 2025 at 12 noon.
Proposed Interview Date (s)
Candidates will normally be given at least two weeks' notice of interview. The timescale may be reduced in exceptional circumstances.
Taking up Appointment
A start date will be indicated at job offer stage.
Location of Post
There is currently one permanent whole-time vacancy available for Senior Dietitian in Mayo Mental Health Service, St Mary’s Campus, Castlebar, Co Mayo.
A supplementary panel may be formed as a result of this campaign for Dietitian, Senior, Community Services (Mayo, Galway, Roscommon) from which current and future, permanent and specified purpose vacancies of whole-time or part-time duration may be filled across mental health, primary care, disability (Galway, Mayo and Roscommon).
Informal Enquiries
We welcome enquiries about the role.
Contact: Mairead Doyle Dietitian manager in Charge III, CAMHS Inpatient Unit, Merlin Park, Galway.
E-Mail: Mairead.doyle@hse.ie
Phone: 0872582429
Contact: Marie Mulkerrin, Dietitian Manager in charge III Primary Care Galway.
E-Mail: marieb.gallagher@hse.ie
Phone: 0870544761
Contact: Heather Miller, Dietitian manager in Charge III Primary Care Mayo & Roscommon.
E-Mail: heather.miller@hse
Phone: 0874531996
Details of Service
The Community Nutrition and Dietetic Service in HSE West encompasses Galway / Roscommon Integrated Health Area and Mayo Integrated Health Area. The dietetic service is governed by the relevant dietitian manager in each of the Primary Care, Mental Health and Disability divisions.
As part of Sharing the Vision, mental health services are being further developed nationally. It is estimated that one in four people in Ireland will experience some mental health problems in our lifetime, from low mood to more serious depression, to a small number who will experience severe mental health problems.
Mayo is divided geographically into 5 sectors for mental health. Each community mental health team is led by a Consultant Psychiatrist and has a multi-disciplinary team comprised of professionals from disciplines such as Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Clinical Psychology, Dietitians, Social Workers, Addiction Counsellors, Cognitive Behavioural Therapists and Peer Support Workers.
Reporting Relationship
Your professional reporting relationship for clinical governance and clinical supervision will be to the dietitian manager, or named deputy.
Key Working Relationships
* The Dietitian Senior will work as part of a multidisciplinary team and as an integral part of the Mental Health Dietitian Department/Primary Care Dietetic department.
* The Dietitian Senior will also work with the Dietitian Managers and dietetic colleagues across HSE West and nationally.
* The Dietitian Senior will facilitate and support dietetic student placements as part of the community nutrition and dietetic service.
Purpose of the Post
To further develop the nutrition and dietetic service according to identified and prioritised needs.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
The Dietitian, Senior will:
Professional / Clinical
· Ensure professional standards are maintained in accordance with the requirements as set out by the CORU https://coru.ie/files-recognition/standards-of-proficiency-for-dietitians.pdf
· Work within own scope of professional competence in line with principles of best practice, professional conduct and clinical governance.
· Work in accordance with the principles and values of recovery as described in the National Framework for Recovery for Irish Mental Health Services 2018-2020.
· Plan and deliver the organisation, provision and evaluation of the Nutrition & Dietetic service to clients within their designated area.
· Prioritise and manage a client caseload according to the needs of the service.
· Develop, implement and monitor a plan of care, based on assessment of the service users’ nutritional needs.
· Advise and liaise closely with the family / carers in the practical aspects of the agreed plan.
· Liaise with catering staff regarding the provision of therapeutic diets as relevant.
· Liaise with the multidisciplinary team and healthcare colleagues in other services / settings, as appropriate.
· Participate in multidisciplinary meetings, case conferences and clinical meetings as required.
· Initiate and / or participate in initiatives that enhance the standard of care to service users.
· Provide line management supervision to assigned Staff Grade Dietitians / appropriate others.
· Know the limits of own practice and when to seek advice / refer to another health professional.
Education and Training
· Maintain professional knowledge and competence in relation to scientific research and practice through continuous professional development initiatives, attendance at mandatory training programmes etc.
· Provide expertise in the area of nutrition to colleagues.
· Provide evidence-based nutrition training to healthcare professionals / colleagues as appropriate.
· Participate in the development and evaluation of nutrition education resource material.
· Participate within the professional and clinical supervision structure, be open to reflective practice.
· Engage in the HSE performance achievement process in conjunction with your Line Manager and staff as appropriate.
· Provide induction and mentoring to professional colleagues.
· Manage, participate and play a key role in the practice education of student Dietitians.
Quality and Risk, Health and Safety Management
· Comply with and contribute to the development of policies, procedures and safe professional practice and adhere to relevant legislation, regulations and standards.
· Participate in audit, research and other quality improvement projects that maintain and seek to improve the quality of service deliver.
· Work in a safe manner with due care and attention to the safety of self and others.
· Be aware of risk management issues. Adequately identifies, assesses, manages and monitors risk within their area of responsibility.
· Report any adverse incidents or 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.
· Be familiar with The Mental Health Commission (MHC) which is an independent statutory body to foster and promote high standards of care and good practice in the delivery of mental health services and to ensure that the interests of those involuntarily admitted are protected, pursuant to the Mental Health Act 2001.
Administrative
· Contribute to policy development, performance monitoring, and business planning and budgetary control as advised by the Dietitian Manager or designated other person.
· Ensure the ongoing review of existing resources and develop and evaluate new resources to support the needs of the target audience.
· Contribute to the development, implementation and evaluation of standards and policies.
· Support the delivery on of key performance indicators.
· Ensure the maintenance of appropriate records in accordance with organisational, departmental and professional requirements.
· Maintain professional standards with regard to patient and data confidentiality e.g. FOI & GDPR.
Eligibility Criteria
Qualifications and/ or experience
1. Statutory Registration, Professional Qualifications & Experience:
Candidates for appointment must:
(i) Be Registered, or be eligible for registration, as a Dietician by the Dieticians Registration Board at CORU
AND
(ii) Have 3 years full time (or an aggregate of 3 years full time) post qualification dietetic experience
AND
(iii) Candidates must have the requisite knowledge an ability (including a high standard of suitability and professional ability) for the proper discharge of the duties of the office.
AND
(iv) Provide proof of Statutory Registration on the Dieticians Register maintained by the Dieticians Registration Board at CORU before a contract of employment can be issued
2. Annual Registration
(i) On appointment practitioners must maintain annual registration on the Dieticians Register maintained by the Dieticians Registration board at CORU.
AND
(ii) Practitioners confirm annual registration with CORU to the HSE by way of the annual Patient Safety Assurance Certificate (PSAC)
3. Health
A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.
4. Character
Each candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character.
Post Specific Requirements
Demonstrate a high level of clinical knowledge and evidence based practice of nutrition and dietetics to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the role.
Other requirements specific to the post
Flexibility regarding working hours to meet the demands of Senior Dietitian.
Access to transport.
Skills, competencies and/or knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate:
Professional Knowledge and Experience
· A high level of clinical knowledge and evidence based practice to carry out duties and responsibilities of the role.
· Knowledge of the various theoretical models and approaches that apply in current practice.
· Knowledge of a range of appropriate interventions relevant to the client group and an ability to apply knowledge to best practice.
· Demonstrates a commitment to promoting evidence based practice and research.
· The knowledge, abilities and clinical skills required to provide safe, efficient and effective service in the area of practice.
· Knowledge of the role of health promotion and the importance of preventative health care.
· Demonstrate evidence of computer skills including use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and email and PowerPoint systems, as relevant to the role.
· Maximises the use of ICT with a willingness to develop IT skills relevant to the role.
Planning and Managing Resources
· Demonstrates the ability to plan activities and co-ordinate resources to ensure value for money and maximum benefit for the organisation.
· Demonstrates an ability to manage deadlines and effectively handle multiple tasks.
· Is flexible and adaptable; prioritises the most important tasks on an ongoing basis.
· Demonstrates strong motivation and an innovative approach to overcoming resource limitations and to developing and managing the clinical functions of the post.
Managing and Developing (Self and Others)
· Demonstrates the ability to work independently as well as part of multidisciplinary teams.
· Adapts leadership style to suit the demands of the situation and the people involved.
· Demonstrates team management skills; delegates appropriately and reviews the work of the team to ensure its quality and accuracy.
· Demonstrates a commitment to continuing professional development and facilitates staff development by providing support such as supervision, mentoring, coaching and development planning.
Commitment to Providing a Quality Service
· Demonstrates a commitment to providing a quality service.
· Has a knowledge and understanding of the concerns and needs of the service-user population.
· Has the ability to empathise with and treat service users, relatives and colleagues with dignity and respect.
· Demonstrates flexibility and openness to change.
Evaluating Information and Judging Situations
· Formulates, articulates and demonstrates sound clinical reasoning, synthesises and analyses information available.
· An ability to effectively evaluate information, problem solve and make effective decisions.
· The ability to make decisions in a transparent manner by involving and empowering others where appropriate.
· The ability to explain the rationale behind decisions confidently when faced with opposing or competing demands.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
· Effective communication skills (written and verbal). Tailors the communication method and the message to match the needs of the audience.
· Effective interpersonal skills. Demonstrates sensitivity, diplomacy and tact when dealing with others. Is patient and tolerant when dealing with conflict or negative attitudes from others.
· Maintains a professional relationship in all communications, treating others with dignity and respect.
· Strong negotiation skills, remains firm but flexible when putting forward a point of view.
Campaign Specific Selection Process
Ranking/Shortlisting / Interview
A ranking and or shortlisting exercise may be carried out on the basis of information supplied in your application form. The criteria for ranking and or shortlisting are based on the requirements of the post as outlined in the eligibility criteria and skills, competencies and/or knowledge section of this job specification. Therefore it is very important that you think about your experience in light of those requirements.
Failure to include information regarding these requirements may result in you not progressing to the next stage of the selection process.
Those successful at the ranking stage of this process, where applied, will be placed on an order of merit and will be called to interview in ‘bands’ depending on the service needs of the organisation.
Diversity, Equality and Inclusion
The HSE is an equal opportunities employer.
The HSE is committed to creating a positive working environment whereby all employees inclusive of age, civil status, disability, ethnicity and race, family status, gender, membership of the Traveller community, religion and sexual orientation are respected, valued and can reach their full potential.
Code of Practice
The Health Service Executive will run this campaign in compliance with the Code of Practice prepared by the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA).
The CPSA is responsible for establishing the principles to be followed when making an appointment. These are set out in the CPSA Code of Practice.
The reform programme outlined for the health services may impact on this role, and as structures change the Job Specification may be reviewed.
Dietitian, Senior
Diaitéiteach, Sinsearach
Terms and Conditions of Employment
Tenure
The current vacancy available is permanent and whole time.
The post is pensionable. A supplementary panel may be created from which permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part time duration may be filled. The tenure of these posts will be indicated at “expression of interest” stage.
Working Week
The standard weekly working hours of attendance for your grade are 35 hours per week. Your normal weekly working hours are 35 hours.
Annual Leave
The annual leave associated with the post will be confirmed at Contracting stage.
Superannuation
This is a pensionable position with the HSE. The successful candidate will upon appointment become a member of the appropriate pension scheme.
Age
The Public Service Superannuation (Age of Retirement) Act, 2018* set 70 years as the compulsory retirement age for public servants.
* Public Servants not affected by this legislation:
Public servants joining the public service or re-joining the public service with a 26 week break in service, between 1 April 2004 and 31 December 2012 (new entrants) have no compulsory retirement age.
Public servants, joining the public service or re-joining the public service after a 26 week break, after 1 January 2013 are members of the Single Pension Scheme and have a compulsory retirement age of 70.
Probation
Every appointment of a person who is not already a permanent officer of the Health Service Executive or of a Local Authority shall be subject to a probationary period of 12 months.
Protection of Children Guidance and Legislation
The welfare and protection of children is the responsibility of all HSE staff. You must be aware of and understand your specific responsibilities under the Children First Act 2015, the Protections for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998 in accordance with Section 2, Children First National Guidance and other relevant child safeguarding legislation and policies.
Infection Control
Have a working knowledge of 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.
Health & Safety
It is the responsibility of line managers to ensure that the management of safety, health and welfare is successfully integrated into all activities undertaken within their area of responsibility, so far as is reasonably practicable.
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