Specialist Dietitian

NHS Scotland; Carstairs; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

NHS Scotland's State Hospital is seeking a Band 6 Specialist Dietitian (36 hours per week, pro rata allowances) to provide therapeutic input to patients with mental health or intellectual disability in one-to-one and group settings, aligned with the Supporting Healthy Choices remit.

You will work in a small dietetic team, with opportunities for staff training, research and audit, and potential service improvements.

Qualifications

• HCPC registered Dietitian with 1–2 clinical experience, preferably in mental health or intellectual disability settings.
• Ability to manage complex multidisciplinary care and adapt to a unique setting within a small dietetic team.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Support health promotion needs of the patients.
• Manage disease and illnesses from a dietetic perspective for mental health/intellectual disability.
• Support disordered eating.

Skills

HCPC registered Dietitian

Mental health experience

Communication skills

Job description

AfC Band 6 (pro rata) plus a High Secure Environmental Allowance of £1,818.72 per annum (pro rata) and a High Secure Clinical Responsibility Allowance of £4,365.11 per annum (pro rata)

Hours – 36

Contract Duration – Permanent

Post Details

An exciting unique opportunity has arisen for a Band 6 Specialist Dietitian at the State Hospital. You will be responsible for providing therapeutic dietetic input to patients on a one to one and in group sessions to those with a diagnosis of Mental health conditions and/or intellectual disability. The post aspires to promote health and wellbeing via our ‘Supporting Healthy Choices’ remit, works along side catering in improving services and has the opportunity for training of staff and students in addition to research and audit strands.

• To support the health promotion needs of the patients
• Manage disease and illnesses from a dietetic perspective pertaining to those with mental illness and/or intellectual disability
• Support disordered eating
• Improve nutritional intake and weight management in those living with overweight and obesity
• Support the delivery of pharmacological methods of weight management to this specialist group.

Experience

We are looking for a HCPC registered Dietitian with at least 1-2 clinical experience, preferable in mental health or intellectual disability settings. Who should be confident in managing complex multidisciplinary care and knowledgeable in a wide variety of therapeutic dietary needs and the skills to be open to learn and develop in a unique setting and a small dietetic team. A team player with excellent communication and interpersonal skills would be desirable.

Closing Date

The closing date for applications is 03 September 2026.

NHS Scotland Equality and Diversity Statement

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society. It should be noted that the State Hospital is a high secure hospital and the current organisational position based on a risk assessment is that we welcome applications from people under the age of 18 for non clinical roles however to be eligible for a clinical role applicants should be 18 years and older. Should you have any questions in relation to this please contact [e-mail].

Right to Work

To work in the UK, you must have valid permission granted by UK Visas and Immigration. NHS Scotland Boards check this as part of pre-employment checks, which can be evidenced through visas or settled/pre-settled status. For details, visit the GOV.UK website. Some posts may allow sponsorship under the Skilled Worker or Health & Care Worker visa, but only if the employer is a licensed sponsor and the role meets salary thresholds. Please note: The State Hospital is NOT licensed to issue certificates of sponsorship. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship. It is essential that you confirm your right to work before applying.

Artificial Intelligence

Candidates should provide responses that are accurate, authentic, and reflective of their own knowledge, skills, and experience. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist in drafting responses is permitted, provided that all information is factual, verifiable, and can be supported by evidence if requested. By submitting your application, you confirm that your answers are truthful and represent your personal experience. Any misleading or fabricated content may result in your application being withdrawn from the recruitment process.