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HEN Dietitian
The closing date is 06 April 2026
The Nutrition and Dietetics team at Dorset County Hospital are delighted to share this exciting and unique role with you. This is a fantastic opportunity for a dietitian who is wanting to develop their skills within a friendly and supportive team. The Nutrition and Dietetics team at Dorset County Hospital is a forward-thinking team with a wide range of roles within the department (Admin, Nutrition nurses, Dietitians, Dietetic Apprentices, Dietetic Support workers and Advanced Clinical Practitioners).
This is a permanent position 37.5 hours per week, Monday-Friday (although part time or job share may be considered). We are a team that actively promote flexible working and are keen to support a positive work‑life balance.
The Dietetics department is committed to staff wellbeing and development, offering a range of CPD opportunities.
Main duties of the job
Within this role you will manage an identified adult HEN caseload based on clinical complexity, working within the standards of the HCPC, BDA and the Trust. You will also deputise for the HEN team Lead – Adult dietitian, during periods of absence and support the stroke cohort of patients that are placed within the Yeatman Hospital site.
You will be based at Dorset County Hospital as part of the wider Dietetic Department of more than 35 dietetic, nurse and admin staff. The department operates a flexible working policy to meet the changing demands of the dietetic service and to help staff achieve good work‑life balance. You will be supported by the Band 7 HEN team leader and have access to peer and senior support across the department. You will also build professional relationships with MDT colleagues with whom you will work closely.
Your line manager will provide regular reviews and clinical support to help you develop your skills and confidence. The department encourages regular CPD and benefits from good relationships with neighbouring Dietetic Teams, including Dorset-wide Dietetic CPD sessions in addition to departmental sessions.
About us
At DCHFT, we pride ourselves on the care we provide for our patients, and on the culture we are creating for our staff. We work hard to create a fair, inclusive environment for our staff.
Our Mission is to work in partnership to provide high quality, compassionate services and to nurture an environment where people can be at their best. Our vision is healthier lives, empowered citizens, thriving communities.
We are a Trust that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from people in all under‑represented groups.
We understand that some applicants may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing their application materials. While this is not discouraged, we kindly remind candidates that all submissions must be truthful and accurately reflect your own experiences and suitability for this role. Personal integrity and authenticity are central to our recruitment process. We value honesty and appreciate applications that are genuine and representative of the individual behind them.
UKVI Sponsorship: This role is eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). We welcome applications from individuals who require sponsorship to work in the UK. Sponsorship will be offered subject to meeting UKVI eligibility criteria.
Job responsibilities
Our DCHFT Job Description and Person Specification (attached) tells you all about this role, what to expect and what is needed to succeed. When completing your application please make sure to tell us how your experience and skills fit the person specification.
Please contact us at Recruitment@dchft.nhs.uk if you are unable to view or download the attachment.
For all our roles, we are looking for staff who hold our Trust Values of Integrity, Respect, Teamwork and Excellence, and who are passionate about providing the best patient care. To read more about our Trust and our Values search Dorset County Hospital online.
Person Specification
EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING
* BSc in Human Nutrition & Dietetics or equivalent qualification as a dietitian
* Current registered dietitian status with HCPC
* Basic training in communication and behaviour change
* BDA membership
* Teaching qualification or experience of delivering education to groups
* Evidence of CPD (student evidence/ portfolio acceptable)
KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
* Experience of working across a range of clinical areas applicable to the work of a District General Hospital, including in- and out‑patient settings with experience of tube feeding and home enteral nutrition and learning disabilities.
* Experience of managing a busy workload and multitasking/dealing with frequent interruptions
* Experience of producing written patient information e.g. a leaflet, feed plan, communication aid
* Experience development of project work/service
* Experience in training other healthcare professionals
* Experience of using initiative
* Experience of producing an information display or other mass‑communication method
SKILLS & ABILITIES
* Excellent communication and good interpersonal skills relevant to both clinical and professional spheres.
* Able to implement the BDA Nutritional Care Process
* Able to learn from feedback. Experience with clinical or peer supervision
* Competent written communication skills
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work alone and as part of the multidisciplinary team
* Evidence of excellent time management skills; flexibility, ability to prioritise work, use initiative to complete projects and meet deadlines
* Understanding of confidentiality as it relates to dietetic practice
* A working knowledge of Microsoft and NHS computer systems including technology for delivery of virtual services
* Able to travel to community settings for outreach work - manual car driving essential
* Ability to participate in a working from home rota as/if required
* Understanding of clinical governance as it relates to dietetic practice
* An understanding of audit and research in relation to dietetic practice
* Evidence of ability to use initiative but recognise limits
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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