The Dietitian Clinical Specialist (Obesity) will:

• The SpecialistDietitian is responsible for the nutrition and dietetic management of patients living with complex obesity requiring weight management, pharmacotherapy, or surgical interventions.
• Act as a resource and provide expert opinion, advice and guidance to dietetic colleagues and other healthcare professionals.
• Participate in the development of the strategic direction of the Metabolic Service in conjunction with the MDT and relevant stakeholders.
• In conjunction with the Dietitian Manager and Metabolic colleagues, develop local policies and care pathways within the specialist area.

Informal Enquiries:

We welcome enquiries about the role.

• Teresa Stenson, Dietitian Manager: Teresa.stenson@hse.ie or  087 2161173

• For enquiries relating to the recruitment process please contact: hr.connolly@hse.ie

This is an exciting career opportunity to join a dynamic and growing care speciality within the HSE and make a difference in obesity treatment in Ireland. The Model of Care for the Management of Obesity in Ireland was published in 2020. It sets out how the care of people living with overweight and obesity should be organised and resourced now and in the future. Services are aligned to five defined levels of care. Level 3, which is the Connolly Hospital service, refers to physician led, multidisciplinary Specialist Weight Management service that provides care for adults with complex obesity.

This is an excellent opportunity to join the new Level 3 multidisciplinary team as Clinical Specialist Dietitian to lead in the delivery of nutritional care to individuals attending the service. The post holder will be an integral member of the MDT providing medical obesity management to people living with complex obesity referred to the service. This includes comprehensive assessment, development and delivery of care plans, and advice and support to individuals on medical and surgical care pathways.

The MDT will comprise of a Consultant Endocrinologist, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Principal Clinical Psychologist, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist and a Grade IV Clerical Officer. The post holder will work closely with MDT colleagues in assessing suitability for bariatric surgery, development of individualised multidisciplinary care plans, attending case conferences and team meetings. The Clinical Specialist Dietitian will also provide leadership in service design and delivery, service monitoring and evaluation, provision of training and development of integrated care to ensure a streamlined hospital/primary care interface. They will act as advisor both locally and nationally in this area of speciality.

Obesity management is progressing rapidly in Ireland, with new approaches to treatment, development of national Clinical Practice Guidelines, investment in obesity care pathways and significant training opportunities. The Clinical Specialist Dietitian will have the opportunity to grow with this innovative and vibrant community, delivering the right care at the right time in the right place to people living with obesity.

Candidates must, by the latest date for receipt of completed application forms for the post, possess:

Statutory Registration, Professional Qualifications, Experience, etc

Be registered, or be eligible for registration, as a Dietitian by the Dietitians Registration Board at CORU.

And

Have five years full time (or an aggregate of five years) post qualification dietetic experience of which 4 years full time (or equivalent) must be consecutive in the required area of specialism.

And

Demonstrate a proven record of clinical excellence in the specialism

And

Candidates must demonstrate evidence of continuing professional development relevant to the required area of specialism, in the form of post-graduate qualifications or relevant courses.

And

Candidates must demonstrate achievement in the areas of clinical audit, quality improvement initiatives, practice development, teaching and research.

And

Provide proof of Statutory Registration on the Dietitians Register maintained by the Dietitians Registration Board at CORU before a contract of employment can be issued.

And

Candidates must possess the requisite knowledge and ability (including a high standard of suitability, management, leadership and professional ability) for the proper discharge of the duties of the office.

Annual registration

Practitioners must maintain annual registration on Dietitians Register maintained by the Dietitians Registration Board at CORU.

And

Confirm annual registration with CORU to the HSE by way of the annual Patient Safety Assurance Certificate (PSAC).

Health

Candidates 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

Post Specific Requirements: 

Candidates must demonstrate particular experience deemed necessary for safe and effective performance in the role

• Depth and breadth of experience in providing dietetic care to individuals living with complex obesity
• Depth and breadth of experience in behaviour change techniques for obesity management

Relevant Attachments: 

CHB Job Spec Dietitian Clincial Specialist Obesity

Additional Campaign Information Booklet