Specialist Paediatric Dietitian

University Hospitals Dorset Nhs Foundation Trust; Merley; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a full-time Band 6 Dietitian to join our specialist paediatric team. The role involves providing cover to general paediatric wards and outpatient clinics, working with a wide range of paediatric in- and outpatients and their families, and developing skills within a supportive MDT.

The post is based at Poole Hospital with relocation planned to a new women’s and children’s unit at RBH in April 2027. Interview date: 4 November 2026.

Qualifications

• BSc in Nutrition and Dietetics or Post-Graduate Diploma in Dietetics.
• HCPC Registration in Dietetics.
• Flexible working and paediatric involvement encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Provide cover to the general paediatric wards and general outpatient clinics.
• Work with a wide range of paediatric in- and outpatients and families (onco, allergy, coeliac, weight management, enteral feeding).
• Support audit activities and student training within the paediatric team.
• Collaborate with MDT and specialist colleagues to develop services.

Skills

Teamwork

Autonomy

Communication

Problem-solving

Empathy

Education

BSc in Nutrition and Dietetics

HCPC Registration in Dietetics

Job description

Job summary

Are you looking for an opportunity to develop or advance your paediatric dietetic career? If you have a strong interest in paediatrics and would like the opportunity to develop your skills in this area or you are already working within paediatrics we would love to hear from you! We are looking for a full-time permanent Band 6 dietitian to join our specialist paediatric team at University Hospitals Dorset.

The successful candidate would be providing cover to the general paediatric wards and general outpatient clinics. The role involves working with a wide range of paediatric in and outpatients and their families, including, but not limited to oncology, allergy, coeliac, weight management and enteral feeding. Some experience of working with a paediatric caseload is desirable.

The role is currently based at Poole Hospital site of UHD However, we anticipate the relocation of services including the paediatric service to a brand-new, purpose-built women's and children’s unit on the Royal Bournemouth Hospital site, with an expected completion date in April 2027.

We work very closely with the entire paediatric MDT, including consultants, specialist nurses, psychologists, ward and support staff as well as health visitors and children’s community nurses.

Interview date: Wednesday 4th November 2026

Main duties of the job

This post offers excellent opportunities for professional and personal development. The department is committed to CPD and we offer a wide range of in-house specialist training.

You will be invited to regular professional update meetings across the whole dietetic team and we are closely connected with our colleagues across Dorset holding a Dorset wide education and networking event twice yearly.

You will have the opportunity to work on audit and also be involved in student training. You will be very well supported in developing your skills and knowledge according to your needs by the specialist colleagues within each area.

We would love to hear from you if you have a strong interest or experience in paediatrics and would be very happy to have a conversation about specific areas of interest as well how your skill set fits with our service.

We are committed to flexible working and would be happy to offer this post as a job share so please get in touch if this is something you would like to explore.

About us

Please call Kirsty on 07919305640 during office hours or email [e-mail]

Base Location: Poole Hospital (Moving to RBH April 27)

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 team mates and colleagues.

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

Qualifications

Essential

• BSc in Nutrition and Dietetics or Post-Graduate Diploma in Dietetics.
• HCPC Registration in Dietetics

Desirable

• Behavioral change skills training
• Post-Graduate Paediatric dietetic training
• Clinical supervisory skills training
• Training in leadership and appraisal skills

Experience

Essential

• At least 1 year of experience working in dietetics within an acute NHS setting
• Experience of working as part of an acute MDT
• Experience in giving clinical education to staff, students or assistants and giving constructive feedback

Desirable

• Experience of advanced communication skills including motivational interviewing and encouraging behavioural change
• Experience in conducting clinical audit and understanding of how this can impact a service
• Experience of working in paediatric dietetics within an acute NHS setting
• Experience of supporting and assessing student dietitians

Skills

Essential

• Ability to organise, prioritise & delegate
• Able to cope in a stressful environment and with emotional or stressed patients and families
• Ability to assess, plan, implement and evaluate evidence based nutritional care in an acute setting
• Ability to present information, written and verbal, in a clear & logical manner

Desirable

• Ability to assess, plan, implement and evaluate evidence based nutritional care in acute paediatrics
• Competent with nutrition data collation and analysis

Knowledge

Essential

• Sound knowledge of a wide range of dietetic practice areas (including but not limited to eating disorders, coeliac, oncology, and nutrition support)
• Evidence of CPD, including attendance at post-graduate courses
• Understanding of clinical governance and its implications for services

Desirable

• Knowledge of a range of paediatric dietetic practice areas
• Evidence of paediatric related CPD, including attendance at paediatric post-graduate courses

Personal Attributes and other

Essential

• To be able to work successfully within a team
• To be able to work autonomously within professional and trusts code of conducts
• To be self‑motivated, flexible and reliable and to respond positively to change
• To be empathetic and have the ability to have sensitive conversations
• Excellent problem‑solving skills
• Able to reflect on and appraise own performance
• Able to speak English as necessary to undertake the role

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).

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).