Job summary An exciting opportunity has arisen for a motivated and enthusiastic Dietetic Assistant to join the STEPS Inpatient Eating Disorders Team at Acer Unit, Blackberry Hill Hospital in Bristol. We are seeking an individual with a genuine interest in nutrition and a passion for supporting people with eating disorders to meet their nutritional needs. The successful candidate will need to be well organised, proactive, and able to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team. We offer excellent supervision structures and a supportive working environment. This post provides developmental opportunities, including the chance to build specialist knowledge in eating disorders and to further develop your skills and competencies within the Dietetic Assistant role. For further information, please contact the Ward Manager, Julie Stott, on 0117 378 4413. Right to Work in the UK This position is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must already hold the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application, as the organisation is unable to support sponsorship for this post. Main duties of the job This role aligns with the Band 3 Dietetic Assistant generic Job Description profile. Locally, the postholder will: Contribute actively as a member of the multidisciplinary team (MDT) supporting individuals with eating disorders. Liaise with catering and ward staff to coordinate the timely provision of meals, snacks, and supplements, supporting patient engagement with the nutritional programme. This may include purchasing food items from the supermarket when required. Discuss food choices with patients to establish intake and preferences through 1:1 work and facilitation of the menu group. Ensure patients meet their nutritional requirements as prescribed by dietitians, taking into account individual dietary preferences, allergies, intolerances, and other clinical requirements. Recognise the therapeutic importance of food within the treatment programme and uphold their shared responsibility in promoting safe, consistent, recovery-focused mealtimes. Communicate effectively with patients, relatives, and the multidisciplinary team, using active listening to understand concerns and support collaborative care. Organise and contribute to the provision of supplements at specific times. Use RiO for clinical documentation. For a full list of duties and responsibilities please see attached job description. About us We are AWP (Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust): a diverse organisation with over 5,000 dedicated staff providing inpatient and community-based mental health care. We provide services from a range of locations to approximately 1.8 million people living in Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES), Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon, across the county of Wiltshire, and in parts of Dorset. Our outstanding people promote mental health and wellbeing. The expertise and resources within AWP are dedicated to a person-centred approach for those who use our services and for all employees. We recognise that happy and fulfilled employees give better care. AWP is committed to supporting and creating a positive, research- and evidence-based environment and culture, which can have a beneficial impact on everyone who works for the organisation and on the care we provide to those who use our services. Job description Job responsibilities Communicate effectively with patients and their relatives by listening to them and taking account of any special needs, disabilities, or preferences. Maintain courtesy and respect at all times to patients, relatives, and other staff, taking into account any special needs, disabilities, or preferences. Accurately record documentation relevant to patient care, ensuring confidentiality of patient information at all times, e.g., fluid charts, blood results, food charts and progress, collection of personal details, and recording of height and weight. Regularly collect information relating to inpatients nutritional intake. Monitor patients food record charts. Ensure patients receive the nutrition prescribed by dietitians. Discuss food choices with patients to establish intake and preferences, including facilitation of the menu group. Liaise with catering staff, nursing staff, other ward staff, and family to help coordinate the provision of meals, snacks, and supplements to enhance patient compliance. Prioritise own workload according to nutritional need. Monitor patients weights. Organise and contribute to the provision of supplements and foods at specific times, including supermarket provision. Report back to supervising dietitians according to agreed protocol. Assess patient food intakes and diaries using a computerbased specialist nutritional analysis program. For a full list of duties and responsibilities please see attached job description. Job description Job responsibilities Communicate effectively with patients and their relatives by listening to them and taking account of any special needs, disabilities, or preferences. Maintain courtesy and respect at all times to patients, relatives, and other staff, taking into account any special needs, disabilities, or preferences. Accurately record documentation relevant to patient care, ensuring confidentiality of patient information at all times, e.g., fluid charts, blood results, food charts and progress, collection of personal details, and recording of height and weight. Regularly collect information relating to inpatients nutritional intake. Monitor patients food record charts. Ensure patients receive the nutrition prescribed by dietitians. Discuss food choices with patients to establish intake and preferences, including facilitation of the menu group. Liaise with catering staff, nursing staff, other ward staff, and family to help coordinate the provision of meals, snacks, and supplements to enhance patient compliance. Prioritise own workload according to nutritional need. Monitor patients weights. Organise and contribute to the provision of supplements and foods at specific times, including supermarket provision. Report back to supervising dietitians according to agreed protocol. Assess patient food intakes and diaries using a computerbased specialist nutritional analysis program. For a full list of duties and responsibilities please see attached job description. Person Specification Essentail Essential Educated to GCSE level or equivalent Experience working in area relevant to dietetics/Mental Health In depth understanding of nutrition and its importance Demonstrates interest in nutrition Organisational skills Computer skills, able to use a key board and mouse and enter data Able to prioritise and manage busy work loads Desirable Experience of working with relevant patient group Experience of working in a clinical environment Holds a valid UK drivers license Empathy for individuals who have experienced mental health problems and ability to cope with behaviour which may be challenging at times Person Specification Essentail Essential Educated to GCSE level or equivalent Experience working in area relevant to dietetics/Mental Health In depth understanding of nutrition and its importance Demonstrates interest in nutrition Organisational skills Computer skills, able to use a key board and mouse and enter data Able to prioritise and manage busy work loads Desirable Experience of working with relevant patient group Experience of working in a clinical environment Holds a valid UK drivers license Empathy for individuals who have experienced mental health problems and ability to cope with behaviour which may be challenging at times 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. Employer details Employer name Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust Address STEPs EDU, ACER Unit Blackberry Hill Hospital, Manor Road Bristol BS16 2EW Employer's website