Job overview

We have an exciting opportunity for a registered dietitian to become the hepatology lead dietitian within our acute adult team. Hepatology services within the Trust have recently expanded and we are seeking a specialist dietitian to further develop dietetics in hepatology at UHS. This post is funded at a band 7 level but we would be happy to consider a band 6 to 7 progression post for someone with a keen interest in hepatology who would like to further develop in this area. If recruited at a band 6 level the successful candidate would progress to a band 7 position on completion of agreed competencies. 

The hepatology service is a regional unit for complex liver disease, managing patients from the Wessex area, the Channel Islands and the Falklands. Conditions include cirrhosis, alcohol related liver disease, fatty liver disease, drug induced liver injury, viral hepatitis, auto immune and biliary conditions and hepatocellular carcinoma. The team are a key satellite centre and work closely with the transplant team at Addenbrookes Hospital, holding a monthly MDT clinic. 

Main duties of the job

Attached you will find the person specification document which provides more detail about the essential and desirable skills and experience needed for this role. We highly recommend you review this document and use it when completing your application as these criteria are used by hiring managers as guidance during shortlisting. 

For an overview of the main duties of the role please see the ‘Job Description and Main Responsibilities’ section below. To understand the day-to-day responsibilities in more detail please read the full job description document attached. 

Working for our organisation

As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to. UHS is rated ‘Good’ by the CQC and in the latest national NHS Staff Survey, we were in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement and for staff recommending the hospital as a place to work or receive care. 

All non-clinical roles may involve a mixture of on site and remote working, Specific details and flexible working options can be discussed as part of the interview process. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.

Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 20% lower than London and 14 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The successful applicant will work closely with the hepatology MDT and dietetic team. This role involves direct patient contact alongside service development of dietetic hepatology services at a large acute teaching hospital. You will join a friendly team of dietitians working in acute medicine and be supported with service developments and complex clinical cases by the medicine team lead dietitian, lead adult dietitian and the hepatology MDT.

You will be an integral member of the specialist hepatology multidisciplinary team.
On completion of competencies you will:
•    Be the dietetic clinical lead responsible for the provision of a highly specialist dietetic service to hepatology patients at UHS, including on the GI Bleed unit.
•    Provide complex nutritional support to patients with hepatology related conditions including cirrhosis, alcohol related liver disease, fatty liver disease, drug induced liver injury, viral hepatitis, auto immune conditions, biliary conditions, and hepatocellular carcinoma. This includes inpatient and outpatient support. 
•    Provide nutritional support to patients undergoing regular outpatient paracentesis.
•    Provide complex nutritional support to patients pre and post liver transplant liaising with the specialist hepatology dietitians and transplant coordinator at Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge. This is part of a once monthly MDT clinic. 
•    Work with the medical team lead dietitian and lead acute dietitian on planning, developing, and progressing the new hepatology dietetic service.
•    Work in a variety of clinical settings including acute medical wards and out-patient clinics. 
•    Work within an experienced team of medical dietitians covering gastrointestinal diseases, respiratory medicine, acute medical admissions, neurology and medicine for older people.
•    Be a key member of the multidisciplinary teams working closely with hepatology consultants, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Advanced Nurse Practitioners, and ward nurses on the specialist medical wards. 
•    Provide educational talks on the importance of nutrition in hepatology to inform patients, nurses, and junior doctors. 
•    Be involved with the supervision and support of junior dietitians, dietetic assistants, and dietetic students.
Less experienced dietitians will be provided with CPD opportunities to develop to the above standard. 

What we are looking for:
We are looking for someone who has a keen interest in acute dietetics and nutrition support, with evidence of relevant, strong clinical skills.  Flexibility, ability to prioritise and manage a busy, complex caseload is essential.  You must have excellent communication skills as well as an empathic nature to help patients manage their condition and be aware of the psychological impact this may have. You should have experience of working with complex nutritional support patients requiring enteral nutrition in the acute setting. Experience of working with hepatology patients is desirable but not essential as full training will be provided. If you do not have experience of working with this patient group but are interested in this role please get in contact to discuss the option of a band 6/7 training role (details of competencies can be provided on request).

Person specification

Trust Values

Essential criteria

• Patient First
• Always Improving
• Working Together

Qualifications, knowledge and experience

Essential criteria

• Degree or equivalent in Nutrition and Dietetics
• Masters level qualification or equivalent experience
• HCPC (Health and Care professions Council) registered dietitian (RD)
• Evidence of post-graduate training in relevant speciality
• Experience of supervising staff
• Experience and involvement with training
• Evidence of extensive dietetic knowledge and highly specialist expertise in relevant specialist area with recent experience demonstrating this
• Ability to carry out physical anthropometric measurements and assess nutritional status
• Demonstration of understanding of clinical governance and its implications for service delivery

Desirable criteria

• Member of British Dietetic Association (BDA) and relevant specialist groups
• Experience of leading or co-ordinating audit or research work.
• Clinical supervisory skills training

Skills and competencies

Essential criteria

• Presentation skills
• Teamwork
• Microsoft Office skills
• Communication
• Record keeping
• Attention to detail
• Interpersonal skills
• Organisational skills
• Prioritisation
• Keyboard skills
• Numeracy skills
• Policy development
• Report writing
• Leadership
• Advanced analytical thinking
• Mentoring skills

Please be advised that this vacancy may close earlier than stated if large numbers of applications are received.

Due to the volume of applications we receive, we are unable to acknowledge receipt of your application. If you have not heard from us within four weeks of the closing date of this post, please presume that you have not been selected for interview.

Applicants from University Hospitals Southampton NHS Foundation Trust whose posts are considered to be ‘At Risk’ will be given prior consideration for this post

Our Trust runs the return to practice course each year for nurses who have been out of the profession and wish to return. To find out more please visit our website:

http://www.uhs.nhs.uk/WorkingHere/Typesofjob/Nurses/Returntonursing.aspx

http://www.discoversouthampton.co.uk/   Information on Southampton as a place to live and enjoy

https://www.uhs-vle.co.uk/   See what fantastic training and development we have on offer at UHS

http://www.youtube.com/user/SouthamptonHospitals learn about the Trust through visiting our YouTube channel 

Getting to Work

Application can be made for parking on site at UHS or through one of the park and ride schemes. This will be based on specific criteria to determine eligibility for site parking as this can be very limited.  UHS encourages staff to utilise other green methods of getting to work such as cycling or walking where possible. UHS is well connected through bus services to the city centre and other areas.

Please note that we will not accept any applications or queries via agencies, under any circumstances.

Our staff are positive about working at UHS and rate us above average compared to other NHS Trusts in the Staff Attitude Survey. We are rated strongly on a number of areas including teamwork, communication and engagement.

Equality remains at the centre of all Trust policy making, service delivery and employment practice with all employees being given equality of opportunity to develop, apply for promotion and have working arrangements that enable them to achieve a manageable work-life balance.

The Trust actively promotes a work environment free from harassment and discrimination and provides training for managers and staff to ensure this happens. The Trust also closely monitors recruitment activity, training and development and employment practices to ensure equality of practice with regard to race, colour, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, disability, marital status and age.

As a service provider the Trust ensures equality of access and delivery of our services through the provision of interpreter services, facilities for the disabled and sensitivity for patients ethnic and religious differences and needs.

Relocating to Southampton

If you are thinking of moving to the Hampshire area, please find below a link to our website which offers guidance on finding accommodation:

http://www.uhs.nhs.uk/relocating-to-southampton

The Trust is under a duty to protect the public funds it administers, and to this end may use the information you have provided on this form for the prevention and detection of fraud. It may also share this information with other bodies responsible for auditing or administering public funds for these purposes.