Job summary A rare opportunity has arisen to join the community eating disorder team as a Dietetic Assistant Practitioner.The AWP Community Adult Eating Disorders Service has recently expanded to enable delivery of the early intervention model for eating disorders 'FREED' (First episode Rapid Early intervention for Eating Disorders)(see , alongside their existing service.The post holder will primarily support the dieticians in the team with the delivery of the FREED early intervention model.
The post holder is based with the expanding Community Eating Disorders Service for Adults, which sits within the wider Community Mental Health Service.
The primary focus for the post holder is in working with clients accessing treatment through the FREED pathway, though the post holder will also contribute to, and is part of, the broader team.
Main duties of the job Work in a collaborative and cooperative manner with service users, their families/carers and other health and social care professionals.
Recognise and respect their involvement in the planning and delivery of careTo assist qualified Dietitians in the delivery of the therapy service to a specified caseload of outpatientsTo work without direct supervision, undertaking talks that fall within the remit of the non-complex patient.
This can include initial assessmentsTo routinely act as first contact with non-complex patientTo carry own caseload of non-complex patients, devising and implementing treatment programmes with reference to a qualified DietitianAssisting qualified dietetic staff with the assessment of complex cases and ongoing managementTo provide nutrition focused group activities for outpatientsTo provide ongoing nutrition screening training for outpatient staff To provide administrative support for the Allied Health care staff within the team About us At AWP we actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds; we are particularly keen to encourage applications from people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, those with disabilities and from the LGBTQ+ community.
We want people to bring their unique blend of experiences, backgrounds, perspectives and knowledge to AWP, as diversity makes us stronger.
Job description Job responsibilities To work without direct supervision but under the direction of the qualified staff in the performance of specific tasks for an individual or group of patients as part of their treatment programmes.
Duties may include: Implementation of treatment plans Assessing nutritional intake and taking diet histories Independently evaluating and progressing patients dietetic care plans Deliver nutrition support / basic dietary advice Advising and educating patients where necessary on foods suitable for their dietary needs Identifying food and drink preferences as necessary with regard to snacks and supplements Carrying own caseload of non-complex patients including decisions on discharge Discharging patients on own caseload Providing education to patients, carers and ward staff Direct assistance to qualified staff with more complex patients Onward referral.
Signpost to external agencies and organisations To deliver therapeutic interventions using highly skilled technical/creative techniques to engage service users in therapeutic activities.
Assist in the maintenance of a safe therapeutic environment beneficial to the needs of the service users, relatives carers and others To provide individual meal support to patients with an eating disorder.
To support patients with an eating disorder with relevant activities of daily living, such as shopping, planning and preparing food and going to a caf.
To be involved in the induction , training, development and supervision of students or assistants within the team To write progress notes in a concise, accurate and timely manner in line with departmental standards.
These notes do not require qualified staff to countersignature To be aware at all times of the needs and risks of patients with eating disorders and to promote and encourage suitable nutrition strategies To undertake any non-clinical / clerical duties as necessary.
This may include maintaining stock levels, filing, dealing with telephone calls, arranging training, completing onwards referrals.
Contribute to the team approach, providing accurate and relevant feedback to registered staff: participate in team discussions and meetings regarding care of service users.
To be actively involved in the communication of information regarding patients conditions and any other useful information to the dietitians and other members of the multidisciplinary team To communicate effectively with patients and carers.
Communication skills of persuasion, motivations and explanation will be required.
Barriers to communication may include loss of hearing, altered perception, pain and language disorders.
To be involved in the delivery, collection, cleaning and maintenance of dietetic and occupational therapy equipment.
Working alongside staff to facilitate appropriate dietary measures are in place.
To be responsible for an agreed caseload as required.
To demonstrate an understanding of occupational therapy and apply this using specific technical knowledge.
To assess risk and manage it effectively within clinical and community settings Develop a therapeutic relationship with service users to encourage and maximise their interest and participation in therapeutic activity.
Organise day-to-day activities for groups and individual therapy programmes including assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation under the supervision of the mental health professionals.
Person Specification Education Essential educational criteria as specified in person spec Desirable mental health / dietetic or occupational therapy training Experience Essential Experience of working in a relevant setting ( mental health, dietetics) Desirable Experience of working with people with eating disorders