An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Assistant Practitioner to join the Nutrition and Dietetic team.
This is a fixed‑term role until 18th January 2027 to cover maternity leave.
Based in the community you will work in care homes and occasionally small hospitals assessing and reviewing patients who are at risk of malnutrition.
You will be responsible for supporting the use of the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) and promoting food‑first principles across East Suffolk. You will focus on improving nutrition and the quality of life of older people. You will be expected to work with patients on a one‑to‑one basis and communicate nutrition care plans effectively.
You will be involved in running training and education sessions for community staff and work without direct supervision but under the direction of qualified staff to carry out specific duties in the community. You will receive support and training to meet set competencies.
The Dietetic Team consists of 26 Dietitians and 7 Dietetic Support Staff. We are also supported by secretarial and administrative staff. You will have access to regular supervision and opportunities to undertake continuing professional development as identified by your training objectives, including work shadowing and tutorials.
We are a well‑recognised department for student training in partnership with the University of Hertfordshire and you will be expected to support this programme.
Responsibilities
* Work without direct supervision but under the direction of qualified staff to carry out specific duties in the community and hospital setting.
* Assist the dietitian in the planning, implementation and evaluation of dietetic interventions.
* Take responsibility for handover, prioritising own workload and referring to a Dietitian where appropriate.
* Communicate complex and sensitive information effectively to patients and their carers.
* Perform specific interventions as identified by competency achievement.
* Monitor and evaluate individualised care plans for patients on nutrition support on a regular basis as determined by department protocols.
* Promote the use of nutritional screening using MUST and encourage the completion of food record charts and weight charts as required.
* Advise on food‑first and food fortification techniques.
Benefits
* Generous pension scheme.
* Unpaid hours payments (where applicable).
* 27 days annual leave on commencement (pro rata).
* Access to a range of NHS discounts.
* Staff Health and Wellbeing programme offering a variety of services.
About the Organisation
We are ESNEFT, providing hospital and community health services to almost one million people across East Suffolk and North Essex. Our dedicated staff deliver care from acute hospitals in Colchester and Ipswich, community hospitals, surgeries, community clinics and patients’ own homes.
We are one of the largest NHS organisations in England, employing more than 12,000 staff. We pride ourselves on supporting our staff and offer a wide range of training and development opportunities, as well as flexible working options.
Contact
If you require any further information, please contact Sara Hills, Community Team Leader on 01473 704000 or email sara.hills@esneft.nhs.uk, or Catherine Dyson, Professional Lead for Dietetics on 01473 704000 or email Catherine.dyson@esneft.nhs.uk.
Find out about living and working here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkPu7HphU8A
This advert closes on Friday 5 Dec 2025.
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