Professional Lead - Dietetics

About the Company Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders, firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We are committed to the delivery of high-quality healthcare and support for our diverse population. About the Role We are seeking applications from New Zealand Registered Dietitians for a leadership position within our Dietitian service. This is a part-time role (0.8 FTE, 64 hours per fortnight) that offers a unique opportunity to provide professional, strategic, and operational leadership. As part of our Allied Health, Scientific, and Technical leadership team, you will collaborate with Allied Health Professional Leaders and service leads across our organization. In this role, you will have the chance to influence and support various initiatives within the Dietitian service, including: - Developing new models of care and service delivery that align with clinical best practices for Dietitian services, catering to a wide range of patients from birth onwards. - Ensuring effective operational management across the service, which encompasses budget management, recruitment, and waitlist oversight. - Collaborating with Allied Health leadership on the development and implementation of designated roles and a career framework. You will also provide professional guidance and support to both the Dietitians within your team and those employed in other teams across the organization. Your strong clinical knowledge and strategic vision for the future of Clinical Dietitian services will be essential in shaping services in accordance with the Pae Ora Act 2022. About the Service At Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Taranaki, we employ approximately 350 allied health professionals and are expanding our inpatient physical health rehabilitation team by 60%. You will join a collaborative and diverse team that values each member’s contributions. Our Dietitian team operates across Taranaki, providing care in inpatient wards, outpatient settings, as well as within Diabetes and Eating Disorder teams. Our staff work across two locations: New Plymouth Base Hospital and Hawera Hospital in South Taranaki. For more details about living and working in Taranaki, we encourage you to explore additional resources. About You As a New Zealand Registered Dietitian, you will bring relevant operational and management skills, along with leadership experience. Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills are essential, as is the ability to collaborate with various professions and services to optimize patient outcomes. We are looking for individuals who: - Advocate for Dietitians, representing Taranaki locally, regionally, and nationally. - Think innovatively about service improvement projects that enhance patient outcomes and resource utilization. - Are capable of driving the service forward and exploring new ways of working. - Exhibit personal qualities such as being approachable, supportive, team-oriented, visionary, and strategic, while modeling integrity and fostering staff development. - Can define current and future roles and develop clear role definitions. - Communicate effectively, take initiative in supporting change, and engage in open dialogue with the team. - Employ innovative approaches to patient-centered care and team well-being, while being available to assist clinically when required. About Taranaki If you are looking to work for an employer focused on employee wellness and want to be part of a passionate and innovative team, we invite you to join us on the slopes of Taranaki Maunga. New Plymouth has been recognized as the most livable city for populations between 75,000 and 150,000 by the International Awards for Liveable Communities. Taranaki is home to some of New Zealand's most stunning natural landscapes, including Mt Taranaki, as well as a variety of adventure activities. The rugged coastline features over 12 world-class surf breaks, allowing for unique experiences such as skiing and surfing in the same day. For those seeking a more relaxed pace, Taranaki offers numerous walking trails, art trails, festivals, award-winning museums, and a vibrant café culture. To learn more about the opportunities available with Te Whatu Ora Taranaki and to explore our community, please reach out for further information.