Clinical Specialist Dietitian Functional GIGut Therapy Service (10.014 (2025))
Share
Job Location:
Monthly Salary:
Posted on:
30+ days ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
Job Title: Clinical Specialist Dietitian Gastroenterology: Functional GI Disorders and Gut Therapy Programme Management
Reference No: 10.14(2025)
Department / Directorate: Nutrition & Dietetics Department COO Directorate
Reports to: Manager of Nutrition & Dietetics
Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) is a model 4 voluntary academic teaching hospital partnered with Trinity College and situated in south west Dublin. With a staff of over 4000 people from 63 different countries it provides both acute and tertiary care to an increasing population of circa 800000 people and is a provider of local regional and national specialties. It is also a National Urology Centre the second largest provider of dialysis services in the country Pelvic and Acetabulum National Centre and a designated Trauma Unit.
The Hospital is part of the newly established HSE Dublin & Midlands Region which serves a population of over 1.2 million across seven counties and operates under the governance of an independent Board of Directors who give their time on a voluntary basis. TUH is also supported by the Adelaide Health Foundation the Meath Foundation and Tallaght University Hospital Foundation.
TUH recognises the role it plays in our community both as an employer and provider of healthcare and is committed to building a sustainable future for our region both now and into the future with a focus on patient outcomes.
The Hospital is ambitious recognising that healthcare delivery is undergoing seismic change and will be different now and into the future largely due to digital and technological advances along with research continuing to discover and test new treatment options. TUH wants to be a leader in determining that future. It is a Hospital without Walls always looking to optimise care both within and beyond in line with the Sláintecare vision of providing the right care in the right place at the right time whilst empowering our patients and staff.
TUH Vision and Values
The vision of the Hospital is People Caring for People to Live Better Lives through excellent health outcomes supported by evidenced based practice positive patient and staff experience in an empowering and caring environment. A culture of innovation and quality improvement in everything we do.
Our TUH CARE values for patients their families our community and staff are:
- Collaborate together and with our academic and care partners
- Achieve our goals positive outcomes and wellbeing
- Respect for patients each other and our environment
- Equity for patients and staff
A full overview of TUH is available on us
purpose of the role:
The Clinical Specialist Dietitian is responsible for ensuring the provision of an evidence based quality driven dietetic gastroenterology service at TUH with specific responsibility for the further development and delivery of the Program for functional GI Disorders and Gut Therapy Management.
Overview of Role:
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Co-ordinate the FGID dietetic services at TUH which includes one to one consultations and group therapy sessions for patients with IBS and other disorders of gut brain interactions (DGBI) such as functional dyspepsia centrally mediated abdominal pain syndrome
- Participate in service planning and work in collaboration with the Gastroenterologists and Dietitian manager to further develop and expand the service.
- Work in collaboration with the senior gastroenterology Dietitian to ensure provision of an evidence based quality driven service to patients
- Evaluate the services provided to demonstrate their appropriateness and effectiveness; report on these periodically
- Explore the use of technology to enhance service delivery
- Develop service models protocols and standards of care; disseminate and implement these
- Develop and maintain high standards of evidence-based practice for the service
- Act as a consultant to health care professionals both within and outside Tallaght University Hospital on the nutritional management of patient with s DGBIs
- Develop a structured process for the nutrition education of Dietetic colleagues undergraduates and other disciplines in this specialist areas.
- Lead supervise and mentor Dietitians and Dietetic Assistants working in gastroenterology
- Provide regular assessment and feedback to Dietitians working in his/her area
- Ensure that high standards of practice are developed and maintained by staff
- Participate in the Departments professional supervision program
- Support effective team work
- Record statistical information and produce reports as required
- Ensure that educational materials and information databases used are up to date and evidence based
- Audit clinical practices to ensure compliance with agreed standards of care
- Undertake risk assessments as required
- Be responsible for her/his own continuous professional development
- Participate in and contribute to the development of education & training programs for other TUH clinical staff
- Participate in and contribute to the further development of the Departments practice placement program for student Dietitians
- Participate in the development and delivery of post graduate teaching relevant to the area of assignment formal and informal and both internal and external to the hospital
- Initiate and actively participate in audit and in quality improvement initiatives
- Contribute to the enhancement of clinical practice through participation in audit and research
Qualifications & Experience required
Must:
- Be registered as a Dietitian by the Dietitians Registration Board at CORU and provide proof of Statutory Registration on the Dietitians Register maintained by the Dietitians Registration Board at CORU
- At least five years full time (or equivalent) post qualification dietetic experience at least 3 of which must be working continuously in Gastroenterology which includes the area of FGID management.
- Demonstrate ability to lead and undertake audit and research
Desirable:
- Have completed post-graduate training in low FODMAP diet management and is competent in low FODMAP programme delivery
- A post graduate qualification in Dietetics relevant to Gastroenterology
- Membership of the Irish Nutrition & Dietetic Institute (INDI)
Reward & Recognition
- Remuneration is in accordance with the Department of Health Consolidated Salary Scales grade code 3715.
- The appointment is permanent and pensionable.
- The annual leave entitlement is 29 working days per year. The leave year runs from 1st April to the 31st of March each year.
- Normal working hours are 35 worked over 5 days. Your contracted hours of work are liable to change between the hours of 8 am to 8 pm over 7 days to meet the requirements for extended day services in accordance with the terms of the Framework Agreement.
Application process
Applications can be submitted on-line at by completing the application form and attaching your CV. Candidates should be aware that when applying for a post through the On-Line Application System (Candidate Manager) they will receive an automated replying acknowledging receipt of their application. Should you for any reason not receive this automated acknowledgement you should notify the Human Resources Department before the closing date otherwise your application will not be considered.
All candidates should note that in order to maintain a timely process the closing date and time for receipt of applications will be strictly adhered to.
Informal Enquiries to: Sinead Feehan Manager of Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics - Telephone (01)or email
TUH Core Competencies:
| Core Area | Competency | Level |
| Managing the service | Quality & Safety of Service | 4 |
| Managing the service | Delivery of Results | 4 |
| Managing Change | Problem Solving & Decision Making | 4 |
| Managing Change | Communications & Influencing | 4 |
| Managing Yourself | Team player | 4 |
| Managing Yourself | Planning and Organising | 4 |
| Managing People | People Management | 4 |
| Managing People | Leadership | 4 |
Please go to for details of the core competencies
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
Age Restrictions In Relation To Applications
Age restriction shall only apply to a candidate where he/she is not classified as a new entrant
(within the meaning of the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004).
A candidate who is not classified as a new entrant must be under 65 years of age on the first day
of the month in which the latest date for receiving completed applications for the office occurs.
Health
A candidate 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 as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.
Garda Vetting
Garda vetting is sought for all employees and prospective employees of Tallaght University Hospital. Given the specialised nature of the services provided your appointment will be subject to satisfactory Garda vetting and re-vetting in circumstances where the Hospital deems it appropriate. The Hospital will then process the necessary documentation to endeavour to obtain the satisfactory Garda clearance for you. You are obliged to disclose previous and any criminal convictions acquitted during the course of your employment. Should the Hospital obtain information from the Garda vetting unit to indicate that your Garda clearance report is not satisfactory and / or if you have supplied the Hospital with false or misleading information in relation to your Garda clearance status the Hospital reserves the right to withdraw or terminate the contract in accordance with Tallaght University Hospital Garda vetting policy.
Point on Salary Scale
New appointees to any grade start at the minimum point of the scale. Incremental credit will be applied for recognised relevant service in Ireland and abroad (Department of Health Circular 2/2011). Incremental credit is normally granted on appointment in respect of previous experience in the Civil Service local authorities health service and other public service bodies and statutory agencies.
Probation
The probationary period may be extended at the Hospitals discretion but will not in any case exceed 9 months. Confirmation of your appointment as a permanent member of staff is subject to the successful completion of the probation period. Termination of this agreement within the probationary period shall be at the discretion of the Hospital in accordance with the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act 1973 - 2001.
Termination of Employment
The employment may be terminated at any time by one months notice on either side except where circumstances are dictated by the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act 1973/91. The Managements right under this paragraph shall not be exercised save in circumstances where the Management is of the opinion that the holder of the office has failed to perform satisfactorily the duties of the post or has misconducted himself/herself in relation to the post or is otherwise unfit to hold the appointment.
Sick Leave
- There is provision for sick pay at the Hospitals discretion subject to the regulations and details found in the Staff Handbook/ Personnel Policy Manual as per the Hospitals sick leave policy.
- In the event of absence from work you are required to contact your Manager/Supervisor within one hour of starting time on the first day of absence while a Medical Certificate is required for any illness lasting in excess of two days. Failure to comply with the sick leave policy may result in a loss of pay for the period of absence and may also incur disciplinary action.
- Make the most effective and efficient use of developments in information technology for both patient care and administrative support in a manner which integrates well with systems throughout the organisation.
- Collect interpret and present data and information on the Departments activities staffing and expenditure as required.
There are three superannuation schemes currently in operation for staff in Tallaght University Hospital:
(a) Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (Non-New Entrant)
(b) Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (New Entrant)
(c) Single Public Service Pension Scheme
Please read carefully the summary of the criteria for the three superannuation schemes below. This will assist you in identifying which scheme membership is applicable to your employment circumstances.
(a) If you have been continually employed in the public service prior to the 1st April 2004 and you have not had a break in service of more than 26 weeks you will be included in the Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (Non-New Entrant) with a Minimum Retirement Age of 60 and a Maximum Retirement Age of 65.
(b) If you have been continually employed in the public service post the 1st April 2004 and you have not had a break in service of more than 26 weeks you will be included in the Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (New Entrant) with a Minimum Retirement Age of 65. There is no Maximum Retirement Age.
(c) If you have commenced employment in the public service as a new entrant or you are a former public servant returning to the public service after a break of more than 26 weeks you will be included in the Single Public Service Pension Scheme effective from the 1st January 2013 with a minimum retirement age of 66 (rising to 67 and 68 in line with state pension changes). The maximum retirement age under this scheme will be age 70.
Health & Safety
- All employees must comply with the Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.
- Comply with relevant Health and Safety responsibilities as outlined in Hospital Polices Protocols and Procedures relevant to your area.
- Take reasonable care to protect your own safety health and welfare and that of any other person who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work.
Hygiene / Infection prevention and control
- All employees have responsibility for Hygiene awareness. Hygiene is defined as The practice that serves to keep people and environments clean and prevent infection.
- All employees also have a responsibility under their terms of employment to prevent transmission of infection and to follow the hospital infection control policies and guidelines as outlined in the Infection Control Manual.
- All employees must be aware that they work in an area where there is potential for transmission of infection.
- All employees have a responsibility to follow hand hygiene guidelines as this is the single most important intervention to prevent the transmission of infection.
Quality safety and risk management
- Support the delivery of the Quality Safety and Risk Management Programme including the appropriate identification and management of risks and incidents throughout the hospital.
Data Management
- Ensure compliance with the obligations required by the Data Protection Act 2018.
Confidentiality
You will be aware of the confidential nature of Hospital work and in particular the right of patients to confidentiality. To this end you will not discuss workings of the Hospital or its patients or disclose any information of a confidential nature except as required to do so in the course of your work. No records documents or property of the Hospital may be removed from the premises of the Hospital without prior authorisation. You must return to the Hospital upon request and in any event upon the termination of your employment all documents or other property of the Hospital which are in your possession or under your control.
Mandated and Designated Persons under Children First Act 2015
Schedule 2 of the Children First Act 2015 specifies the classes of persons defined as Mandated Persons for the purposes of the Act. This includes a range of disciplines that are employed by the hospital including all medical practitioners registered nurses physiotherapists psychologists social workers and others. This includes staff working in adult services. All mandated persons have two main legal obligations under the Children First Act 2015. Mandated persons under the legislation are required to report any knowledge belief or reasonable suspicion that a child has been harmed is being harmed or is at risk of being harmed. The Act defines harm as assault ill-treatment neglect or sexual abuse and covers single and multiple instances. Mandated persons are also required to assist Tusla if requested in assessing a concern which has been the subject of a mandated report. Designated Officer are required to receive reports of suspected child abuse or neglect from any person who is of the opinion that (a) a child has been or is being assaulted ill-treated neglected or sexually abused or (b) a childs health development or welfare has been or is being avoidably impaired or neglected. Full detailed list of mandated and designated staff together with details of their roles and responsibilities can be found on It is the responsibility of all staff employed by TUH to be aware of their roles and responsibilities under the legislation and to complete mandatory Children First Training.
Required Experience:
IC
Key Skills
- Culinary Experience
- EMR Systems
- Motivational Interviewing
- Food Service
- Hospital Experience
- Acute Care
- Computer Skills
- MDS
- Dietary Department Experience
- Dialysis Experience
- Food Production Experience
- Tube Feeding
