South Australian Public Service JOB AND PERSON SPECIFICATIONS Title of Position: DIETITIAN Classification Code: PO1 Country Health SA Division: South East Regional Community Health Service Type of Appointment: Branch: Mount Gambier Permanent Part Time Position No: SE0267 Position Reviewed: All excluding senior positions Job and Person Specification Approval....../.../...... CEO or delegate Commissioner for Public Employment JOB SPECIFICATION 1. Summary of the broad purpose of the position in relation to the organisation's goals (its expected outcome and how it is achieved.) The incumbent will address the nutritional health needs of the communities of the South East Region through the principles of primary health care including health promotion / disease prevention and education strategies and programs, as well as nutrition consultative services. These services aim to assist clients to achieve and maintain their optimum level of health, wellness, independence and quality of life. 2. Reporting/Working Relationships (To whom the person reports, staff for whom the person is responsible, and other significant connections and working relationships within the organisation.) The Dietitian-Nutritionist is responsible to the Senior Dietitian-Nutritionist, who is in turn accountable to the Regional Manager Allied Health/Health Promotion. The Dietitian-Nutritionist works as part of both discipline specific and multi-disciplinary teams. The Dietitian-Nutritionist has a close working relationship with Community Health and Hospital staff, volunteers and other allied health staff and with other agencies The incumbent may advise and direct ancillary and support staff, volunteers, and students as designated by the Senior Dietitian. Peer support is provided through participation in relevant events and networks including monthly discipline specific meetings and attendance at relevant State professional networks. 3. Special Conditions (Such as non-metropolitan location, travel requirements, frequent overtime, etc.) This is a part time permanent position, based at the Mount Gambier Community Health Site. A current drivers license is essential. Some out of hours work may be required. A flexible approach to the taking of leave is required. Incumbents will be required to be cleared through a National Criminal History Check prior to confirmation of appointment, and at least every 3 years thereafter.
The incumbent may be required to enter into an annual performance agreement for the achievement of (specific or service or program) outcomes. Must be an Australian resident or hold a current working Visa. 4. Statement of Key Outcomes and Associated Activities (Group into major areas of responsibility/activity and list in descending order of importance. Continue on next page.) To work towards improvement of the health status of the community by: Providing a high quality Nutrition and Dietetics service to the community, based on primary health care principles, incorporating health promotion, preventative education strategies, as well as comprehensive assessment and treatment. Identify community needs, establish priorities and set goals and objectives for the development of the Regional Nutrition Operational Plan to ensure an effective equitable and coordinated Nutrition and Dietetic service across the regional area. Implement State and National nutrition priorities / programs across the South East Region that are in line with the South East Regional Community Health and Dept of Health Strategic Directions and that assist in the improvement of the health status of the community. Function with professional support / liaison on a day-to-day basis within a multi-disciplinary team framework and accept personal and professional responsibility for the completeness and adequacy of activities. Assist in ensuring the effective use of Departmental resources, through optimising the balance between direct service provision to individuals and groups, preventative and health promotion activities, community development initiatives and consultancy to other organizations according to Regional Nutrition Priority areas. Assisting in the integration of the Nutrition and Dietetics department into the multi- disciplinary model of care by establishing and maintaining well integrated work practices and participating in health promotion programs, groups and planning / review meetings with other allied health staff. Act as a nutrition resource to staff, community organisations and other health agencies. Collect relevant and informative data for planning and evaluation e.g. statistical data and documentation. Contribute to the provision of a highly professional and quality service by assisting in the review of the department s policies and procedures and quality activities. Contribute to the collection and development of nutrition education resources. Liaise with Regional SERCHS staff to implement regional nutrition services. Assisting with input to student placements of Nutrition and Dietetics, as appropriate. Contribute to service improvement by: Participating in appropriate continuing education and training activities Maintaining client records, collection of data, recording information and other relevant documentation in a timely and confidential manner Shall ensure their own professional and personal development by: Evaluating own practice through annual performance planning and review Maintaining confidentially as stated in Section 64 (1) of the South Australian Health Commission Act 1976 Practicing in accordance with the philosophy, objectives, policies and procedures of the Health Service. Functioning in accordance with all legislation affecting the Health Service and professional bodies Practicing within own abilities and qualifications Ensuring that appropriate standards of service are maintained through active participation in Quality Improvement programs Contributing to the well-being of people in South Australia through participation in Counter Disaster activities including attendance, as required, at training programs and exercises to develop the necessary skills required to participate in responses in the event of a disaster and/or major incident. Contributing to the promotion and implementation of the General Public Sector management aims, personnel management standards and employee conduct standards and in particular Equal Opportunity and Occupational Health Safety and Welfare by adhering to the provisions of relevant legislative requirements such as:
- Delegations of Authority - Disability Discrimination Act - Occupational Health, Safety & Welfare Act 1986 - Privacy Act 1988 - Freedom of Information Act 1982 - SA Information Privacy Principals - Code of Conduct for Public Employees - Code of Conduct for South East Regional Community Health Service Employees - Code of Fair Information Practice Acknowledgment by Occupant / / Date Review of Job and Person Specification This Position Specification will be reviewed regularly as part of a Performance Management process to ensure performance and skills and abilities match the requirements of the position. This regular review will ensure that the Position Specification is current and that it reflects accurately the duties carried out by the incumbent.
PERSON SPECIFICATION ESSENTIAL MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS (Those characteristics considered absolutely necessary) Educational/Vocational Qualifications (Include only those listed in Commissioner's Circular as an essential qualification for the specified classification group). An appropriate degree or postgraduate qualification in Nutrition and Dietetics. Eligibility for membership with the Dietitian s Association of Australia Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills (Related to the job description and expressed in a way which allows objective assessment. Proven skills in client consultation, assessment, intervention and individualised program planning applicable to the community setting Proven ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with clients, carers, family members, staff and other agencies Proven ability to plan, monitor and evaluate services to clients ensuring that established guidelines are met and outcomes achieved. Proven ability to be innovative and flexible, to respond to high demand and to balance multiple tasks and priorities. Demonstrated skills in keeping accurate, concise, confidential records and statistics Demonstrated ability to adopt a primary health care approach Experience (Including community experience) Experience in planning, implementing and evaluating Nutrition programs and activities for individuals and groups Experience working in a community health and/or acute setting Exposure to a range of areas of Dietetic practice Knowledge Sound knowledge of the principles and practices of Dietetics Sound knowledge of the principles of primary health care Knowledge of the principles of group work, particularly where this relates to the promotion of health, prevention of illness and the facilitation of self-management. DESIRABLE CHARACTERISTICS (To distinguish between applicants who have met all essential requirements). Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills A demonstrated commitment to continuing education and to the development and consolidation of new skills Experience Experience in working in a rural community setting Proven clinical experience in a range of Dietetic practice areas
Knowledge An understanding of Quality improvement programs. Knowledge of services and agencies relevant to the work of a Dietitian/Nutritionist in a health setting. Educational/Vocational Qualifications (Considered useful in carrying out the responsibilities of the position.) Relevant undergraduate or post-graduate qualifications (other than base-grade qualifications) specific to Dietetics or Nutrition, or additional skills achieved by completion of a recognized training course