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).
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