Job Summary
To provide general and advanced (clinical & non-clinical) support to the dietetic service for in-patients and out-patients at Derriford Hospital and outlying University Hospitals Plymouth (UHP) sites, working under the supervision of senior dietitians.
To enhance the work carried out by dietitians, improving service efficiency, streamlining the provision of nutrition care, and facilitating effective patient discharges.
To undertake other tasks, within the dietetic department, that do not require the expertise of a registered dietitian, as assigned by a supervising dietitian.
To be involved in all Nutrition and Dietetic departmental activities and contribute to the delivery of a Trust wide dietetic service.
Main duties of the job
Key Dimensions:
A. This post is based in the Nutrition and Dietetic Department of Derriford Hospital with a requirement to travel to out-lying UHP sites.
B. To work independently, but under the direction of an HCPC registered dietitian to perform specific tasks for an individual or group of patients.
C. Be responsible for all aspects of own work and demonstrate awareness of own level of responsibility and accountability within the service, and when to seek advice from the dietitians.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Foundation degree or equivalent
- Or NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in healthcare related subject (evidence of working towards, or able to demonstrate the skills, knowledge and ability to work at this level)
- Good standard of general education with GCSE A-C/level 5 or above English and Mathematics as a minimum
- Competent in English Language with legible handwriting
Desirable
- IT skills training
- Attendance of additional professional courses.
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Demonstrable experience of working in the large clinical setting
- Ability to undertake relevant departmental training to achieve required clinical competencies
- Demonstrable experience of working with a wide variety of people
- Ability to hold face-to-face and/or telephone conversations with patients, carers, and colleagues.
- Ability to cope with working in a stressful environment and with emotional or aggressive patients and carers
- Demonstrable experience of making practical decisions using theoretical knowledge. Experience of being responsible for some decision making
Desirable
- Demonstrable experience of working as a Dietetic Assistant
- Demonstrable experience of working with people requiring specific dietary needs
- Demonstrable experience of healthcare computer systems
Aptitube & Abilities
Essential
- Excellent communication skills both verbal and written. Able to present information, written and oral, in a clear and logical manner for patient notes and departmental documentation
- Excellent organisational skills, ability to manage own time, prioritise and plan timed activities
- Awareness and ability to maintain patient confidentiality
- Able to respond to unpredictable situations
- Ability to follow Trust, Department Policies and Guidelines
- Able to work well within a busy environment
- Ability to lift feeding equipment/deliver feeding supplies to patients
Desirable
- Resourceful
- Show initiative
- Good proven knowledge of the dietetic care process
Disposition, Attitude & Motivation
Essential
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Able to take instruction and direction and work effectively within a multidisciplinary team
- Self-motivation
- Willing to undertake further training
- Empathetic and approachable and able to deal with emotionally stressful situations
- Interest in people, food and working in a variety of home environments with patients who may be very unwell
Other factors
Essential
- Ability to work flexibly over 7 days if needed.
- Maintains a professional appearance
- Ability to travel to UHP hospital sites across Plymouth and surrounding areas
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Closing Date: 11 May 2026
