Advanced Specialist Mental Health Dietitian

Job overview

The post holder will work as a member of the large AHP and physical health team within the North London Forensic Service (NLFS). NLFS provides medium and low secure in-patient services for those suffering from mental illness and/or learning disabilities, forensic intensive care unit and forensic outreach services.

This is an exciting opportunity for a dietitian who is passionate about working as part of a multi-disciplinary team for the North London forensic service. The successful candidate will gain invaluable experience working with complex mental health conditions, within a specialist forensic mental health inpatient unit, focusing upon nutrition support, weight management, diabetes and gastroenterology. You will be expected to have a strong commitment to ongoing professional and personal development. There will be a community component to the role when required. The role will involve the assessment and implementation of care plans for patients. The post holder will work as an autonomous advanced practitioner, and provide a high standard of assessment, diagnosis, treatment and highly specialist expert advice to patients and carers. You will develop and promote a holistic, supportive and patient centered service.

Main duties of the job

• To undertake a full and comprehensive dietetic assessment of patients with highly complex presentations using advanced clinical reasoning skills and dietetic assessment techniques.
• To assess the individual physical, psychological and emotional needs of the patient and work in conjunction with other professionals to deliver appropriate care.
• To be competent in a range of service relevant clinical dietetic procedures.
• Request and interpret appropriate investigations as necessary to monitor and manage patients with clinical condition.
• To provide advanced specialist dietetic treatment including assessing and reviewing medication, in accordance with legislation and treatment guidelines, where appropriate.
• To provide advanced specialist dietetic treatment and advice to patients and carers relating to clinical condition including those with complex needs who are principally cared for by other specialist teams.
• To anticipate care needs and develop individual lifestyle management plans ensuring that patient values, beliefs and views are reflected in their management plan.
• Be proactive in the rigorous monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of agreed care management plans.
• To promote strategies to equip patients in the self-management of their illness and promote concordance with treatment programmes.
• Take an active role in the promotion of health and the prevention of ill-health.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

See Job description / person specification for full details

The post holder will have responsibility for the delivery of a high quality, efficient and effective clinical service ensuring this is delivered to local and national targets/standards and  will act as a positive role model, leading by example, mentoring and supervising staff and providing opportunities for continuing professional development for all grades of staff.

.