Specialist Bariatric Dietitian

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust; Bournemouth; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider in Bournemouth is looking for an experienced Specialist Bariatric Dietitian. This role supports a surgical bariatric service primarily in outpatient settings with responsibilities for patient care, training junior staff, and conducting clinical audits. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional communication and leadership skills and be able to thrive in a collaborative environment. Applicants must have previous experience in bariatric services and relevant qualifications including HCPC registration. Interview scheduled for January 15, 2026.

Qualifications

• Previous bariatric experience necessary for the role.
• Experience in delivering clinical education to staff and students.
• Formal teaching experience required for the position.

Responsibilities

• Support patients through tier 4 complex obesity services.
• Train junior staff and student dietitians.
• Conduct clinical audits and support quality improvement.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Leadership skills

Ability to work in a team

Data collation and analysis

Presentation skills

Education

BSc or Post Graduate Diploma in Nutrition and Dietetics

HCPC registration

Clinical supervisory skills training

Job description

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust

Specialist Bariatric Dietitian

The closing date is 06 January 2026

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced dietitian to join our team to support the surgical bariatric service. This is a fixed term contract to cover a secondment and previous bariatric experience is necessary. The role is mainly outpatient focussed with a mix of clinics and group work to support patients through tier 4 complex obesity services. The role is very well supported with a well established team in bariatric surgery, including exceptional leadership from the Advanced Clinical Practitioner in Bariatric Surgery who is a Specialist Dietitian.

We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic dietitian, with excellent communication and leadership skills and the ability to work well as part of a well established MDT team.

Additional contact information

Sarah Matthias – Senior Specialist Dietitian/Advanced Practitioner – Bariatric Surgery

This role requires HCPC Registration.

Base Location: Bournemouth Hospital

Interview Date: 15th January 2026

Main duties of the job

You will be a member of the UHD Dietetics Department, which consists of 25+ dietitians working across Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch Hospitals within a variety of specialties that include Diabetes, Paediatrics and Oncology. The role will involve training of more junior staff and student dietitians.

About us

Our values define who we are as #TeamUHD. They underpin everything we do now and in the future. They define how we treat our patients, visitors, and each other, our valued teammates and colleagues.

UHD are investing in services across the Trust, with many being transformed and developed following merger and the New Hospital Programme.

This means that some services may move site this year or next, either temporarily or long term. Recruiting Managers interviewing for this role will be happy to answer any specific questions that you have at interview.

Job responsibilities

To understand the role in more detail please read the full job description and person specification documents which are attached to this advert.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• BSc or Post Graduate Diploma in Nutrition and Dietetics
• HCPC registration
• Clinical supervisory skills training
• Member of the British Dietetic Association (BDA)
• Intuitive eating training
• Motivational interviewing skills

Experience

• Experience of working within a surgical bariatric service
• Experience of working in a range of different specialist clinical areas specifically weight management services.
• Experience of supporting and assessing student dietitians
• Experience in conducting clinical audit and how this can impact a service
• Experience of working as part of an MDT
• Experience in delivering clinical education to staff, students or assistants and giving constructive feedback
• Research and publication experience
• IFSO accredited Bariatric Surgery course
• Involvement in quality improvement projects
• Formal teaching experience

Technical Skills and Competencies

• Ability in data collation and analysis skills
• Able to present information, written and verbal, in a clear, logical and concise manner
• Ability to organise, prioritise & delegate tasks
• Able to cope in a stressful environment and with emotional or aggressive patients & carers
• Up to date with evidence based professional practice and research
• Qualified to preform gastric band adjustments

Knowledge

• Kowledge of the dietetic and medical management of patients living with obesity
• Specialist knowledge of bariatric surgery procedures
• Understanding of clinical governance and its implications for services
• Knowledge of psychological approaches to weight management and disordered eating

Personal Attributes

• To be able to work successfully within a team
• Ability to establish rapport and motivate people to encourage participation in treatment.
• Ability to take direction from team members and form positive relationships
• Able to reflect on and appraise own performance
• Ability to be flexible and to respond positively to change.

Language requirement

• Able to speak and write English as necessary to undertake the role

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.

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust