Job overview
This is a fantastic opportunity to join our Paediatric Team based at St Richards Hospital where you will be part of our large Paediatric team working across University Hospitals Sussex.
This vacancy is for Full time/ part-time and job share options will be considered.
Applicants to cover the position as a Band 5 dietitian, will be considered, depending on experience.
**Please see the attached job descriptions for relevant pay band, and for further information**
Main duties of the job
This post provides specialist dietetic advice to our varied paediatric caseload including general clinics and inpatient ward cover.
You will be involved in meetings, e.g. discharge meetings, multidisciplinary case conferences, etc. and participate in the education of other health professionals, e.g. Junior Doctors, Health Visitors and our student dietitians (we train students on A, B and C placements). Any post holder will have the opportunity of being involved in the wider department projects and service improvements.
We are a research active Therapy Services with strong links to the Trust Research and Innovation Committee and local HEIs. We are continuing to develop and support local clinical research activity and will support staff to develop clinical academic careers. Therapies Services has a professional skills development programme that complements clinical knowledge and skills leaning which staff are encouraged to attend.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. 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 3) 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
Please note: This role does not meet the minimum criteria for visa sponsorship under the current UK immigration rules, which set specific salary and skill thresholds. As such, we are unable to provide sponsorship for this post. Applicants will therefore need to already have the right to work in the UK to be considered. We include this information at the outset to provide clarity and avoid unnecessary inconvenience for applicants.
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.
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 workload, exact range of responsibilities will be dependent on clinical experience and skills:
1. General dietetic-led paediatric clinics and group education sessions.
2. Paediatric home enteral feeding service – will work with the rest of the Paediatric Team in managing the department’s caseload of HEF patients. In-reach onto the ward as needed
As part of the dietetic services, the post-holder will:
3. Participate in supervision of student dietitians on clinical placement.
4. Support supervision of band 5 dietitians and dietetic support workers.
5. Cover clinical workload of other dietitians, e.g. during annual leave.
6. Undertake normal activities of the department – MDT working, projects, meetings, service developments, audits & research, CPD, developing resources, training other health professionals, lead/participate in national awareness events (Nutrition & Hydration week, Dietitians week), etc
Please see Job Description and Person Specification for details.
Person specification
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Essential criteria
7. Degree or Postgraduate Diploma in Nutrition & Dietetics
8. Evidence of post registration study or development
9. Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration – dietitian
Desirable criteria
10. Relevant other training or qualification (or working towards), e.g. Masters, 2nd relevant degree, leadership course
11. Member of BDA or other body conferring professional insurance - full
Skills
Essential criteria
12. Good communication skills in range formats and settings – written, teaching, involvement of carers, MDT working, patients with communication problems, etc
13. Managing patients with complex needs – high medical complexity, MDT working
14. Ability to work as a team member including working within an MDT
15. Experience in the clinical training of student dietitians or other staff
Desirable criteria
16. Paediatric experience
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