Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced dietitian to join the oncology team at Worthing Hospital in a new role supporting the colorectal surgery service.
The role will include working across different hospital sites (Worthing and Southlands) to provide specialist support to optimise nutritional status and manage complex colorectal symptoms during key moments within the colorectal cancer patient pathway, e.g. endoscopy, MDT out-patient clinics, pre- and post-operatively.
The successful candidate will lead dietetically ( in conjunction with the oncology team lead) the development of the service at Worthing Hospital., including service evaluation and audit. There will also be part of the role which supports other aspects of oncology within the team.
Main duties of the job
We are looking for a self-motivated, confident and team-focused individual to lead and develop the colo-rectal oncology service within an already well-established team of dietitians. You will need excellent communication, effective leadership and organisational skills, a practical, forward-thinking approach to service development, and the ability to teach and support others.
Our department is committed to student dietitian training and undertake A, B and C clinical placements for Surrey students – we get exceptional feedback from both the students and the university on the quality of the placements we offer. This role will include participating in student training.
The successful candidate will lead dietetically ( in conjunction with the oncology team lead) the development of the service at Worthing Hospital., including service evaluation and audit. There will also be part of the role which supports other aspects of oncology within the team.
The role will include working across different hospital sites (Worthing and Southlands, although mainly based at Worthing) to provide specialist support to optimise nutritional status and manage complex colorectal symptoms during key moments within the colorectal cancer patient pathway, e.g. endoscopy, MDT out-patient clinics, pre- and post-operatively.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria. For example, applicants for the Senior HCA role must be able to evidence a minimum of 2 years’ experience in the same role to qualify for sponsorship.
If you are applying using a Graduate visa as your right to work, you must have a minimum of 18 months remaining on your visa at time of application.
This post is based at Worthing Hospital and will join our department of around 30 dietitians, providing services to Worthing Hospital (approx. 540 beds), outpatients and the surrounding community. The department has clinical speciality areas in acute medicine, critical care, diabetes, elderly care, gastroenterology, home enteral tube feeding, oncology, paediatrics, stroke/neurology and surgery. The dietitians at Worthing are part of the wider Dietetic team based across the South coast in Brighton to the East and Chichester to the West. Close collaboration with these teams is encouraged.
We are committed to supporting your CPD and to the provision of evidence-based practice, research and audit.
This is a great opportunity for you to get involved in staff training, patient group education sessions, health promotion activities, audit and research.
You will also be part of training the next generation of dietitians who undertake A, B and C clinical placements with us.
To work as part of the Dietitians Department in providing a quality dietetic service to oncology patients. The post-holder will manage their own caseload and support and train other members of the team where needed and lead the oncology team.
As part of the dietetic services, the post-holder will also:
1. Participate in supervision of student dietitians on clinical placement – level will depend on experience and training.
2. Cover/support the clinical workload of other dietitians, e.g. during annual leave
3. Undertake normal activities of department – MDT working, projects, meetings, service developments, audits & research, CPD, developing resources, training other health professionals, etc.
This workload may be subject to change depending on internal department service review, e.g. maternity or sick leave cover.
Please see attached Job Description & Person Specification for more details
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
4. Degree Nutrition and Dietetics
5. Evidence of ongoing professional development
6. HCPC registered Dietitian
Knowledge, training and experience
Essential criteria
7. Clinical experience in oncology
8. Experience of service development
9. Experience of supervising students/dietitians
10. Experience of managing bowel obstruction
Communication and Relationship Skills
Essential criteria
11. excellent communication skills - articulate in all forms - written, verbal
12. experience of presenting and teaching/leading groups
13. Training and/or extensive experience in motivational interviewing
Personal Qualities
Essential criteria
14. demonstrates behaviours and attitudes to support Trust's Vision of 'we care'
15. attention to detail
16. Other relevant experience eg previous roles, volunteering
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Essential criteria
17. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
18. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications