About KNEED
Over 300,000 adults in Ireland live with knee osteoarthritis linked to excess weight — yet most receive only partial first-line care that treats symptoms rather than the main driver. Physiotherapy and medication can relieve pain, but without effective weight loss, joint strain and disease progression continue, keeping surgery risk and healthcare dependence high.
KNEED was inspired by the Better Knee, Better Me program developed by the University of Melbourne, now being rolled out nationally across Australia. Its innovative medical dietary approach in the initial phase finally makes weight loss a realistic treatment option, while its digital structure makes it feasible to deliver complete first-line care that combines physiotherapy, education, and weight management in one accessible model — helping to break the cycle of temporary relief.
Building on this proven, evidence-based foundation, KNEED delivers an integrated, clinician-led approach in Ireland — helping patients achieve meaningful, lasting improvements from home.
About the Role
We're looking for an experienced Dietitian to deliver one-to-one online consultations for adults with weight-related knee osteoarthritis who have been referred by their doctor to the KNEED program.
You'll guide participants through a medically supervised Very Low-Calorie Diet (VLCD) phase and, in the second phase, support their transition to a Mediterranean-style eating plan for long-term weight maintenance and joint health.
During the VLCD phase, you'll help patients achieve safe, structured, and effective weight loss — assessing readiness, prescribing personalised meal replacement plans, monitoring progress and side effects, and providing behavioural and motivational support to maintain adherence.
If you're unfamiliar with the VLCD approach, it is a well-established clinical tool used for overweight or obese individuals with comorbidities at risk. It is now implemented nationally within the NHS for Type 2 Diabetes remission and, in recent years, has been increasingly applied to knee osteoarthritis due to its rapid impact on pain, function, and mobility.
Consultations combine motivational interviewing, behaviour-change strategies, and practical coaching to help patients stay engaged, confident, and consistent throughout their journey. You'll also help patients use the KNEED nutrition app to track progress and access evidence-based educational materials.
As part of a collaborative digital care team, you'll work closely with physiotherapists to align dietary progress with physical outcomes — ensuring an integrated, patient-centred approach. Full training is provided on the program structure, clinical protocols, and digital tools.
This is an exciting opportunity to apply your expertise in a cutting-edge digital program that delivers measurable results — helping patients reduce pain, improve mobility, and regain confidence through safe, structured, and clinically supervised weight loss.
Key Responsibilities
* Deliver one-to-one dietetic consultations via Microsoft Teams, following KNEED's structured schedule.
* Conduct comprehensive assessments and follow-ups to address weight, adherence, and symptom improvement goals.
* Prepare patients for the medically supervised Very Low-Calorie Diet (VLCD) — guiding them on initiation, supplementation, meal replacement planning, and management of mild side effects.
* Guide participants through the transition to a Mediterranean-style diet halfway through the program, supporting sustainable weight management and long-term joint health.
* Apply motivational interviewing and behaviour-change strategies to enhance engagement, adherence, and long-term success.
* Provide education on the rationale for VLCD use in knee osteoarthritis, including its impact on joint load, inflammation, and early pain relief.
* Support patients in using the KNEED digital app to access educational content, track progress, and communicate with the care team.
* Collect and record key clinical outcomes (e.g. weight, pain, adherence, wellbeing) using KNEED's integrated tools for evaluation and quality assurance, while maintaining accurate clinical documentation and GDPR compliance.
* Collaborate closely with physiotherapists and the program coordinator to ensure integrated, well-timed care, and support program promotion or clinician education activities primarily online (with possible in-person involvement).
Requirements / Qualifications
* BSc or MSc in Dietetics from an accredited university.
* Current CORU registration essential.
* Minimum of 2 years' clinical experience, ideally within weight management.
* Formal training or certification in motivational interviewing.
* Previous experience delivering or supporting medically supervised Very Low-Calorie Diets (VLCDs) is strongly desirable.
* Comfortable delivering care via video consultation and digital health platforms (full training provided).
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage, educate, and motivate patients remotely.
* Strong understanding of behaviour-change principles and evidence-based nutrition interventions.
* Ability to maintain accurate clinical documentation and manage patient data in compliance with professional and GDPR standards.
* Reliable internet connection and a professional workspace suitable for remote consultations.
Contract Details & Compensation
Contract type: Part-time (employed basis)
Duration: 6 months initially, with potential for renewal as the program expands
Start date: January 2026
Hours: Minimum of 5 hours per week, with strong potential to increase as referrals grow. Consultations are typically scheduled in the evenings and occasionally on weekends to suit patient availability.
Pay rate: €45 per hour (employed basis)
Work setting: Remote / work from home — all consultations delivered digitally
Training: Full induction and digital platform training provided
How to Apply
If you're interested in joining the KNEED program, please submit your CV and a short cover note outlining your experience and interest in the position.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a brief online interview.
Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term
Contract length: 6 months
Pay: €45.00 per hour
Expected hours: No less than 5 per week
Benefits:
* Work from home
Work Location: Remote