Specialist Dietitian

NHS; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare foundation in Tees Valley is seeking a qualified Specialist Dietitian to join their Community team. The role involves managing a caseload, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and contributing to student training. Candidates should possess relevant qualifications and NHS experience. The salary ranges from £31,049 to £46,580 per year.

Qualifications

• Completion of postgraduate specialist education.
• Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council.
• Experience in clinical settings.

Responsibilities

• Manage own caseload of patients.
• Work closely with the multidisciplinary team.
• Contribute to student training and supervision.

Skills

Ability to plan, initiate and evaluate new services and manage change

Understanding of the NHS environment

Knowledge of nutrition-related strategies

Experience of using SystmOne

Education

Master’s degree or working towards

Completion of PENG course

Clinical supervisory skills

Leadership training

Job description

Overview

Specialist Dietitian within County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust. The closing date is 20 October 2025.

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity for a qualified Dietitian to join our Community team. The department focuses on service improvement, digital advancement and staff development. We offer a preceptorship programme for new staff, regular clinical supervision and CPD opportunities. Rotational posts may be possible where there are interested parties and can be discussed at interview.

County Durham is an excellent place to live with countryside and coastlines, towns and cities, and good transport connections to Newcastle and Sunderland.

Main duties of the job

The Nutrition and Dietetic service is split into specialty teams: secondary care, bariatrics, primary care, adult and paediatric diabetes, home enteral feeding, and paediatrics. We are supported by Dietetic assistants and Central Administration. The service is based on four sites: Darlington Memorial Hospital, University Hospital North Durham, Bishop Auckland Hospital and Shotley Bridge Hospital. The community dietetic team covers the general adult population within County Durham and Darlington, including nursing home visits, domiciliary visits, community training sessions and other community activities. The post holder will be based at Darlington Memorial Hospital but will be required to cover other areas within the locality of County Durham and Darlington.

About us

We provide hospital services from multiple sites including Darlington Memorial Hospital, University Hospital North Durham, Bishop Auckland Hospital and Shotley Bridge Hospital, as well as community hospitals and over 80 community settings and patients’ homes. Applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates are particularly welcome as these groups are under-represented.

Please note: Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents. The information below is provided for reference.

From 9 April 2025, healthcare assistants must have a minimum of two years’ NHS experience for Trust sponsorship consideration (sponsorship considered only if criteria are met and visa is not expiring within 3 months).

Job responsibilities

The post holder will manage their own caseload referred by community or secondary care professionals. Patients will be seen individually, in groups, or with carers in settings including hospital wards, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, patients’ own homes and via telephone clinics. The post holder will work closely with other Community Dietitians and the wider multidisciplinary team. The post holder will contribute to student training and supervision (A/B/C placement).

The Nutrition and Dietetic service comprises six teams across four sites, with 49 Dietitians, one Specialist Nurse, four Dietetic assistants and central administration. New graduates are welcome, with the role and responsibilities adjusted accordingly. The appointment will be made at Band 6 Annex 21 (75% of the top of Band 6) or Band 6 depending on qualifications and experience. If appointed under Annex 21, successful completion of a 12-month competency-based training programme leads to a permanent Band 6.

Person specification

Special Skills & Knowledge

• Completion of post-graduate specialist education e.g. PENG course or equivalent
• Ability to plan, initiate and evaluate new services and manage change
• Understanding of the NHS environment and its impact on service provision and staff
• Knowledge of local and national strategies relating to nutrition, health and social care in community dietetics
• Member of British Dietetic Association (BDA)
• Experience of using SystmOne

Qualifications

• Clinical supervisory skills
• Leadership training
• Working towards or holding a Master’s degree
• Completion of PENG course

Special Requirements

• Able to meet the travel requirements of the post

Experience

• Experience in a variety of clinical settings
• Experience working within MDT environments
• Experience of audit and research, including submission to journals/conferences
• Experience in nutrition support and critical care

Statutory Registration

• Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council

Disclosure and Barring Service

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a Disclosure will be requested from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Salary: £31,049 to £46,580 a year (Band 5-6 under Annex 21, 75% of top of Band 6).