Clinical Leader- Dietetics

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora – South Canterbury

Timaru Hospital

Permanent Full Time (1.0 FTE)

Allied Health, Scientific and Technical

Dietetics Service

Lead, Inspire and Shape the Future of Dietetic Services in South Canterbury

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is dedicated to serving all New Zealanders. Through integration and collaboration, we're building a health system underpinned by partnership, equity, sustainability, whānau-centred care, and excellence.

About the Role

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced and passionate Dietitian to join our Allied Health team as Clinical Leader- Dietetics.

This role combines professional and operational leadership with advanced clinical practice, providing the opportunity to influence service delivery while maintaining an active clinical presence. You will provide day-to-day leadership and management of the Dietetics Service, supporting workforce development, service planning, quality improvement, and the delivery of safe, high-quality care across inpatient, outpatient, and community settings.

Working closely with the Operational Lead Allied Health Scientific & Technical and multidisciplinary teams, you'll lead and support a team of inpatient and community dietitians, foster clinical excellence, champion evidence-based practice, and contribute to strategic service development across South Canterbury.

Alongside your leadership responsibilities, you will utilise your advanced clinical skills to manage complex presentations and provide assessment and intervention that supports positive patient outcomes. You will also play a key role in mentoring staff, supporting students and new graduates, leading quality improvement initiatives, and contributing to research and innovation within the service.

About the Team / Service / Location

The Dietetics Service is part of Allied Health, Scientific and Technical Services and works collaboratively with colleagues across a wide range of specialties to support the health and wellbeing of the South Canterbury community. Services are delivered across inpatient, outpatient, and community settings, providing a varied and rewarding scope of practice.

Based in Timaru, you'll enjoy an exceptional lifestyle with affordable housing, excellent schools, short commute times, and easy access to beaches, lakes, mountains, skiing, hiking, and cycling. South Canterbury offers the perfect balance of career opportunity and lifestyle, allowing you to make a meaningful impact while enjoying everything the region has to offer.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will have:

  • Registration as a Dietitian in New Zealand with a current practising certificate
  • A strong clinical background, including at least three years' senior clinician experience
  • Demonstrated clinical leadership experience and the ability to inspire and develop others
  • Experience working effectively within multidisciplinary and interprofessional teams
  • Excellent communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skills
  • A commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous quality improvement
  • Strong organisational skills with the ability to work effectively at both strategic and operational levels
  • Sound knowledge of information technology systems and applications
  • A current full New Zealand Driver Licence
  • A commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and improving equitable health outcomes for Māori

Desirable

  • Membership of Dietitians NZ
  • Evidence of ongoing postgraduate or tertiary-level education
  • Experience leading service development, quality improvement, research, or workforce initiatives.

Working for Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is 'the weaving of wellness'. We're dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of Aotearoa/New Zealand. The Equity Work Programme at Health NZ focuses on helping everyone in the health system think about equity when they do their work. It also promotes the cultural change needed for the whole system to reach equity in health outcomes.

Salary Range

This role is covered by the terms and conditions of the Allied Health Scientific and Technical Collective Agreement, and remuneration will be in accordance with the applicable pay scale and dependent on experience.

How to Apply

Please apply for this vacancy online via the Health NZ Careers website.

If you have any questions regarding this role, please contact Becky Allen.

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