We are seeking a Dietetic Assistant to join our Eating Disorder Service on a 12-month fixed-term contract. This is a newly created role that plays a key part in supporting the nutritional care of patients attending our day service.
The post holder will work on site in a face-to-face capacity, supporting dietitians and working directly with patients, professionals, and the wider multidisciplinary team. This role is ideal for someone with a strong interest in nutrition and eating disorders, who is organised, flexible, and able to communicate effectively with a range of people.
You will work closely with dietitians to support nutritional interventions, meal provision, and psychoeducational work, contributing to the delivery of high-quality, patient-centred care within the service.
Main duties of the job
* Supporting dietitians and the administrative team with general administrative tasks, including updating patient records and building menus.
* Assisting with self-catering duties, stock control, and ordering of supplies.
* Supporting dietitians with groupwork and assisting in the preparation of psychoeducational materials.
* Preparing patient snacks and meals in line with care plans.
* Developing menus and assisting with basic nutritional calculations to meet individual patient requirements.
* Supporting exposure work with patients, including supervised visits to cafes or food outlets.
About us
WHO ARE WE:The Eating Disorder Service (EDS) is a charity established in 1995 to support those with a recognisable eating disorder.
As a team of dedicated professionals, we aim to offer individuals aged 18 upwards, short to medium-term psychotherapy, as well as specialist dietetic guidance/support. Since September 2016, EDS has started running a day service programme where clients who require more intensive input due to their increasing physical and psychological risks are invited to attend the service for three days a week to be supported with their lunch time meal alongside a morning and afternoon snack.
The EDS office is based in Mount Gould Plymouth and largely serves the population of Plymouth.
Job responsibilities
The Dietetic Assistant will work as part of the Eating Disorder Service, supporting the delivery of high-quality nutritional care to patients attending the day service. The post holder will work under the supervision of registered Dietitians and alongside the wider multidisciplinary team.
The role involves direct face-to-face contact with patients and will support both the practical and therapeutic aspects of nutritional care. This includes assisting with meal and snack preparation, menu planning, nutritional calculations, groupwork, and exposure-based activities. The Dietetic Assistant will also contribute to administrative and organisational tasks that support the smooth running of the service.
The post holder will be expected to work in a compassionate, professional, and non-judgemental manner, recognising the complex needs of individuals with eating disorders. They will maintain accurate records, follow policies and procedures, and ensure confidentiality at all times.
As this is a newly created role, the Dietetic Assistant will work closely with Dietitians to develop the scope of the post and contribute to service development. The role requires flexibility, good organisational skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with patients, carers, and professionals.
The Dietetic Assistant will participate in training, supervision, and ongoing development to ensure safe and effective practice within the service.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* GCSEs (or equivalent) in English, Maths, and a basic science
* Competent in Microsoft Word and Excel
* Experience working with the public
* Good interpersonal and communication skills
* Ability to work with confidential information
* Undergraduate or postgraduate degree (or study towards) in Nutrition or a related subject
Experience
* Experience working with the public
* Strong interpersonal skills
* Understanding of the importance of confidentiality
* Willingness to participate in training and project work
* Understanding of eating disorders and mental health
* Experience working in a healthcare setting
* Knowledge of nutritional principles
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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