Dietitian - Private Practice

Position Available: Private Practice Dietitian – Residential Aged Care

Location: Central Coast / Newcastle

Hours: Flexible from part-time to full-time capacity 

Position Summary

Enjoyable food and good nutrition are essential for the physical, mental, social and emotional wellbeing of older Australians. Optimum Intake Dietitians promote food as ‘more than just nutrients on a plate.’ We aim to bring food to life, to make it appealing as it has a significant impact on health outcomes.

Our Residential Aged Care team are passionate and driven to increase access to good quality, nutritious foods and decrease the rates of malnutrition. Optimum Intake Dietitians do not accept that weight loss is a normal part of the aging process, rather a change in dietary and feeding requirements. Consumers often experience a small appetite or may have medical issues that make eating more complex. This is why we provide support to ensure our consumers are as nourished as possible. We work collaboratively with Aged Care Facilities, supporting our Facility Managers, Care Managers, Chefs, Catering Managers, and teams to improve food provision and the mealtime experience for those who need it most. 

If you are seeking a refreshing experience of working within a locally based, in-person team environment that values team culture and autonomy, client connection, supportive services, and meaningful outcomes we would love to meet you. Thrive in Private Practice dietetics and be supported by a team of dietitians with ongoing training and career progression. This role offers varied, flexible, mixed caseload with in-clinic, telehealth and community based service delivery opportunities.

About Optimum Intake 

Optimum Intake Dietitians provide services across the Central Coast, Northern Sydney and Newcastle areas. Our services span across the clinical dietetics, community aged care, residential aged care, and disability sectors. Our wide scope of practice supports clinicians to develop skills in a range of areas with the potential to develop key interest topics and areas of expertise.

Our philosophy and nutrition practices are based around the Health at Every Size HAES ® paradigm using a Non-Dieting, Intuitive Eating, client centred counselling approach with our clients. We are passionate about supporting dietitians to deliver exceptional service with patient centred care always at the core. 

We take immense pride in our accomplishments, which mirror the values we hold dear – integrity, quality, and innovation. These achievements stand as a testament to our positive reputation within both the community and the broader industry. Optimum Intake was awarded the Dietitians Australia ‘Quality in Primary Care – large business division’ 2021, finalists in the Primary Care Leader – Service Provider award for the HNECCPHN 2022 and a finalist for the Dietitians Australia Presidents Award for Innovation 2023. Our award achievements exemplify the high calibre of service, professionalism, and dedication that you will be a part of.

About the Position 

Why we do what we do : Our team know first hand the value of delicious, enjoyable and nutritious food and the joy it brings to our lives. Many social occasions in life are based around a meal or shared food items and it contributes to the experience of sharing time with family and friends. We believe that enjoyment of food and the ability to remain well nourished should not stop with aging. Our dietitians strive to improve the current food provision, nutrition outcomes and perception of dining in an Aged Care Facility. We have a “Food First Approach” and supplement with Medical Nutrition Therapy (Oral Nutrition Supplements) as necessary, as this supports our mission in bringing back enjoyment of food and meals in Aged Care Facilities.

Our residential aged care team dietitians deliver a range of nutrition services compatible with the Aged Care Quality Standards. Services include; ensuring compliance with Aged Care Quality Standards. Responsibilities include conducting initial and review assessments, developing nutrition care plans based on consumer preferences, collaborating with chefs and catering teams to meet therapeutic needs, supporting clinical teams in improving nutrition outcomes and quality indicators, observing mealtime experiences, assessing menus, providing tailored support to chefs and clinical teams, implementing therapeutic diets, and education sessions.

With continued growth in our company, we are specifically seeking a dietitian to join our team and help us strive towards achieving our vision “To restore dignity, consumer choice, health and fulfilment to aged care consumers by supporting nutritional adequacy, food preferences and promoting enjoyment of meals & the dining experience to elevate quality of life”. 

Our mission is:

• To strive to improve nutritional status of aged care consumers & support a sense of health and wellbeing while experiencing the aging process. To address the common misconceptions that weight loss is a normal part of the aging process and educate relevant stakeholders on intervention & support available to change this. 
• To provide compassionate and evidenced based support to clinical care teams around identifying aged care consumers at nutritional risk, implementing nutritional interventions effectively and to inspire change to progress clinical practice in supporting nutritional outcomes. 
• To support catering teams, catering managers and Chefs in Residential Aged Care Facilities in providing nutritious, enjoyable, and adequate meals to meet the needs of aged care consumers and to consider preferences of individuals, as per the Aged Care Quality Standards. 
• To advocate for the role of Aged Care Dietitians in establishing Nutrition Care Policy in Residential Aged Care Facilities and provide evidence based, practical advice to management & key stake holders regarding systems which have impact on nutritional outcomes for aged care consumers

With structures and systems in place the successful applicant will feel empowered when learning core skills in supporting clients within the Private Practice setting. Be guided with team based frameworks and strategies to optimise the learning and implementation of these new skills.  Grow your confidence with access to a wide range of professional development activities, resources, regular supervision,  peer mentoring program, regular team training and social activities.

What we offer: 

• Employed position with competitive renumeration package based on experience and performance. 
• Intentional collaboration and planning for career and skill development, with opportunities to cultivate expertise in your chosen area of dietetics. 
• Superannuation + Travel loading (all work related travel paid) 
• Regular and protected time for ongoing professional supervision and peer shadowing. 
• 12 month internal peer mentoring program (not just for new graduates, but all new team members as you thrive to your new role). 
• A dedicated dietitian team leader, whom you will have access to, support you throughout each week. 
• Comprehensive internal and external training programs that cover clinical skills, client communication, administrative tasks, and practice protocols. 
• Financial support for continuing professional development, supporting you to exceed Dietitian Australia, APD requirements. Subscriptions and access to Education in Nutrition, webinars, workshops and conferences. 
• All equipment required to thrive in your role including laptop, mobile phone, tablet & Foodzone subscription, cloud based programs. 
• Access to employee exclusive offers and discounts from a range of big-brand retailers. 
• Professional, experienced and highly trained administrative staff support. 
• Personable, supportive, fun and cohesive team culture . 
• Innovation through access to modern technology, electronic health records, telehealth platforms, and digital tools that streamline client communication and record-keeping. 
• Access to a robust resource library, evidence-based resources, databases, research articles, tools and equipment and clinical guidelines. Extended support in strengthening your skills in various treatment models such as responsive feeding therapy, enteral feeding, medical nutrition therapy, communication, counselling skills and sustainable change. 
• Opportunity to make a meaningful difference in clients’ lives, connecting with their family, support systems and care providers to collaboratively support them to achieve their goals. 
• Our positive reputation and established client base providing a strong foundation for building a successful career. 
• Flexible work arrangements, resources to work remotely, manage your calendar and client caseload.

Essential Criteria:

• Tertiary qualifications in nutrition and dietetics, as recognised by Dietitians Australia. Eligible for Accredited Practicing Dietitian (APD) status according to the criteria set by Dietitian’s Australia.
• Proficiency in time management, prioritisation, and problem-solving.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) skills with the ability to adapt communication style to suit target audience
• Genuine interest to work in the community setting, supporting older adult nutritional needs
• Confidence to liaise with Doctors and other Health Professionals. 
• Desire to work in a Private Practice setting and is self-motivated and willing to seek new opportunities to further build on our existing networks. 
• Current NSW driver’s license and own transport 
• Professional indemnity and liability insurance, criminal record check, Flu vaccination + Covid-19 vaccinations 

Are you ready to commence a fulfilling dietetics career journey? Optimum Intake Dietitians invites you to be part of our legacy. We're not just offering a job; we're inviting you to join us in our pursuit of excellence, empowerment, and innovative healthcare. As a new team member, your fresh perspectives and enthusiasm will be vital in shaping our future.

Apply now and share your favourite food to celebrate with us!