Paediatric Dietetic Assistant inBirmingham inBirmingham PUBLISHED
MON 27 JAN 2025
Opportunity to make a positive impact on the health and well-being of children and families by providing essential nutritional support.
Collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, allowing for diverse learning experiences and professional development.
Hands-on experience in a hospital setting, gaining practical skills in dietetics and patient care.
Role variety that includes both clinical responsibilities and administrative tasks, enhancing a wide range of job skills.
Access to training and resources from Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, which is known for its commitment to staff development.
Ability to work closely with dietitians and healthcare professionals, fostering mentorship and networking opportunities.
The rewarding aspect of helping young patients navigate their dietary needs during crucial developmental years.
The Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a full-time Paediatric Dietetic Assistant to support a team of Dietitians in providing nutritional interventions for children and young people, along with their families. The role involves reviewing and advising patients in various settings, including wards and outpatient clinics, under the supervision of a Dietitian. The assistant will collaborate with a multi-professional team, which includes medical staff and nurses, while also managing administrative tasks such as generating clinical letters, organizing special diets, and coordinating with healthcare professionals.
In this position, the assistant will assess patients’ nutritional statuses and provide dietary advice following established guidelines. Additionally, the role entails creating resources for patients and families, as well as ensuring efficient communication and organisation regarding feed deliveries and prescriptions. Candidates are encouraged to thoroughly demonstrate their relevant experience and qualifications when applying, as the Trust may close applications early if interest is high.
In this position, the assistant will assess patients’ nutritional statuses and provide dietary advice following established guidelines. Additionally, the role entails creating resources for patients and families, as well as ensuring efficient communication and organisation regarding feed deliveries and prescriptions. Candidates are encouraged to thoroughly demonstrate their relevant experience and qualifications when applying, as the Trust may close applications early if interest is high.
We are looking for a full time Dietetic Assistant to work alongside our team of Paediatric Dietitians supporting children, young people and their families who require nutritional interventions. The post holder will work under the supervision of a Dietitian and review and advise patients in wards, clinics and by telephone.
The post holder will work as a member of the multi-professional team, working closely with Dietitians, Special Feed Unit, Medical staff, AHPs, Nursing staff, and Catering staff. In addition to the clinical role, the post holder will undertake administrative duties to support the service, including generation of clinical letters, ordering special feeds and diets for patients in hospital, liaising with GP's Health Visitors and school nurses , organising feed deliveries and prescriptions for home, creation of resources for use by patients and their families.
- To review patients who are in hospital or in outpatient clinics under supervision of a Dietitian and to give nutritional advice within specific guidelines.
- To accurately assess and document the nutritional status of the patient.
- To support Dietitians in administrative duties including generating clinical letters, organising feeds for inpatient and outpatient use, liaising with other health care professionals regarding the nutritional management of the patient, creation of resources for use by patients and families.
About us
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification to view the full details for this opportunity at Birmingham Womens and Childrens NHS Foundation Trust.
When completing your application, please ensure you have evidenced how you meet the job description and person specification to include transferable experience, qualifications, skills along with professional registration details (if applicable).
Occasionally we receive a large number of applications for our roles and when that happens we sometimes bring the closing date forward, so please apply promptly to avoid disappointment.
More information related to this job opportunity, from jobsincare:
Here are 5 questions you could be
asked
if you apply for this job:
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1. Can you describe your understanding of the nutritional needs of children and any specific dietary requirements that you have encountered in previous roles?
2. How would you assess the nutritional status of a paediatric patient? What factors would you consider?
3. How do you ensure effective communication within a multi-professional team? Can you provide an example where teamwork led to improved patient care?
4. How would you explain dietary advice to a child and their family to ensure they understand and can follow the recommendations?
5. What steps do you take to ensure accuracy when generating clinical letters and documents?
1. Can you describe your understanding of the nutritional needs of children and any specific dietary requirements that you have encountered in previous roles?
2. How would you assess the nutritional status of a paediatric patient? What factors would you consider?
3. How do you ensure effective communication within a multi-professional team? Can you provide an example where teamwork led to improved patient care?
4. How would you explain dietary advice to a child and their family to ensure they understand and can follow the recommendations?
5. What steps do you take to ensure accuracy when generating clinical letters and documents?
More about the NHS
The National Health Service (NHS) is a cornerstone of healthcare in the United Kingdom, established in 1948 with the simple yet profound principle of providing healthcare to all citizens, free at the point of use. This revolutionary system aimed to ensure that access to medical services would not depend on an individual’s financial situation, a concept that has since become fundamental to British societal values. Learn more...
Useful skills for a Paediatric Dietetic Assistant:
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To work as a Paediatric Dietetic Assistant in the UK, you’ll need a combination of specific skills, knowledge, and personal attributes. Here are some key skills and qualifications that are important for this role:
Essential Skills:
1. Nutritional Knowledge: Understanding basic nutrition, particularly as it pertains to children and specific dietary needs or restrictions.
2. Communication Skills: Ability to communicate effectively with children, parents, and healthcare professionals. This includes explaining dietary recommendations in a clear and approachable manner.
3. Interpersonal Skills: Building rapport with families and children, as well as working collaboratively with the dietetic team and other healthcare staff.
4. Organizational Skills: Competency in managing schedules, maintaining records, and organizing tasks to support dietitians effectively.
5. Attention to Detail: Precision in dietary planning and record-keeping, ensuring that all information is accurate.
6. Empathy and Patience: Understanding the challenges faced by children and families dealing with dietary restrictions or health issues.
7. Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to think critically and help families find practical solutions to dietary challenges.
8. Computer Literacy: Familiarity with using software for record-keeping, reporting, and potentially dietary analysis tools.
Educational Background:
While specific qualifications can vary, having a background in nutrition, dietetics, health sciences, or a related field is advantageous. Some employers may require:
- Relevant Qualifications: A diploma or degree in nutrition, dietetics, or a related field can be beneficial.
- Certifications: Additional certifications in food safety or health care support roles may be an advantage.
Experience:
- Voluntary Experience: Experience working with children, either through volunteering or in a related role, can strengthen your application.
- Work Experience in Healthcare: Experience in a healthcare setting, particularly with children, is highly valuable.
Personal Attributes:
- Compassion and Understanding: A genuine interest in promoting children's health and well-being.
- Flexibility: Ability to adapt to changing needs and priorities in a dynamic work environment.
- Team Player: Willingness to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Professional Development:
- Joining professional organizations, such as the British Dietetic Association (BDA), can provide opportunities for networking, further training, and professional development.
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