Job overview
We have a really exciting opportunity for a dietitian to join our team at Worthing Hospital just minutes from the sea and vibrant town centre. We also have excellent train links to London and Brighton.
You will be the senior dietitian covering gastro in the team, a busy 24 bedded ward + gastro outpatient clinics.
On the Worthing site we also provide specialist services to oncology, head & neck cancer, home enteral feeding, paediatrics (both in & outpatients) and diabetes. Our team shares a large open plan office and offers great exposure to a wide range of specialisms.
We work closely together and get fully involved in a range of department projects across our wider dietetic department which has over 110 dietitians at University Hospitals Sussex.
Main duties of the job
Your own personal development will be supported through regular supervision; competency based learning opportunities and access to external training as appropriate.
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, including home enteral feeding services (area covered includes Littlehampton, Worthing and Shoreham by Sea). The department is well respected and has clinical speciality areas in acute medicine, critical care, diabetes, elderly care, gastroenterology, home enteral tube feeding, oncology, paediatrics, stroke/neurology and surgery.
Worthing is located on the South coast with the sea and South Downs within easy reach. It is a vibrant and lively place to live and work with excellent transport links to Brighton, London and the rest of the South coast.
Informal visits and questions are very welcome.
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 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 in-patients and out-patients. The post-holder will manage their own caseload and support and train more junior members of the team.
1. Adult inpatient work – Senior dietitian for the gastro service. Leading from a dietetic perspective on MDT discussions and protocols
2. Adult outpatient work - weekly gastro clinic with varied caseload + support for ICU/surgery when needed
As part of the dietetic services, the post-holder will also:
3. Participate in supervision of student dietitians on clinical placement – level will depend on experience and training.
4. Cover/support the clinical workload of other dietitians, e.g. during annual leave and deputise for team lead when needed
5. 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
6. Degree Nutrition and Dietetics
7. Evidence of ongoing professional development
8. HCPC registered Dietitian
Knowledge, training and experience
Essential criteria
9. Clinical experience in gastroenereology
10. Out-patient clinics, Group education
11. Experience of PN
12. Experience of supervising students/dietitians
Desirable criteria
13. Experience of EEN
Communication and Relationship Skills
Essential criteria
14. excellent communication skills - articulate in all forms - written, verbal
15. experience of presenting and teaching/leading groups
Personal Qualities
Essential criteria
16. demonstrates behaviours and attitudes to support Trust's Vision of 'we care'
17. attention to detail
18. Other relevant experience eg previous roles, volunteering
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Essential criteria
19. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
20. 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