Job overview
Band 6 Specialist Oncology Dietitian
The Nutrition and Dietetics team at Dorset County Hospital are delighted to share this new role with you. This is a fantastic opportunity for a dietitian who is wanting to develop their skills within a specialist area. The Nutrition and Dietetics team at Dorset County Hospital is a friendly, forward-thinking and supportive 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 18.75 hours per week. We are a team that actively promote flexible working and are keen to support a positive work-life balance. We would consider support of a development role of band 5 to 6 for the appropriate candidate.
Main duties of the job
You will provide nutrition support to a broad range of patients across multiple settings including our inpatient wards. Nutrition interventions include food fortification, enteral tube feeding and providing expert advice on managing cancer-related nutrition impact symptoms. You will work closely with the multidisciplinary teams acting as a source of expertise on the provision of nutrition for people with cancer, particularly those who may be preparing for, undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment.
You will be based at Dorset County Hospital as part of the wider Dietetic Department of more than 30 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 Oncology Dietitian and will 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. You will also attend regular specialist dietetic meetings and wider cancer services meeting with oncology colleagues across Wessex.
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.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Right to Work in the UK: This role is not available for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must already have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, we are unable to support visa applications for this post in line with UKVI regulations.
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.
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 [email protected] 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
Experience
Essential
- Minimum 6-12 months post registration with experience of working across a range of clinical areas within a UK setting including in- and out-patient settings, acute and community
- Range of clinical specialities seen during practical training ideally including Oncology dietetics.
- Broad experience working as an autonomous dietitian in an NHS Trust delivering nutrition support interventions
- Experience of co-ordinating and delivering group education sessions
Desirable
- Experience of Planning, delivering and evaluating teaching of groups
- Experience of In training other healthcare professionals
- Experience of Conducting audit or research
- Experience of student/dietetic learner training and desire to support learners
- Experience of working with people with complex nutritional support needs
- Experience of working with enteral nutrition and feeding tubes
- Experience of completing HEN discharges
- Experience of autonomously delivering outpatient clinics
- Knowledge of clinical audit and how its principles may be applied in practice
- Experience of working with people with cancer and an understanding of the emotive nature of working with this patient group
- Sound knowledge of relevant current clinic guidelines related to cancer and dietetics
skills, ability and knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge of evidence based practice in a range of dietetic conditions seen within acute practice
- Evidence of interest in Oncology dietetics
- Able to implement the BDA Nutritional Care Process
- Competent written communication skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work alone and as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Understanding of confidentiality as it relates to dietetic practice
- A working knowledge of Microsoft and NHS computer systems
- An understanding of audit and research in relation to dietetic practice
- Evidence of ability to use initiative but recognise limits
- Knowledge of the BDA and HCPC standards that govern dietetics
- Organisational skills and ability to prioritise own workload
- Ability to work individually and as part of a team
- Self-motivated with commitment to continuous professional development
- Ability to present information, written and orally, in a clear and logical manner
- Ability to keep accurate and legible clinical notes
- IT literate with ability to learn to use a range of clinical systems, with support from the wider team and Trust IT department
- Commitment to upholding the Trust’s values
Desirable
- Sound clinical knowledge relating to oral and enteral nutrition support
- Basic knowledge relating to parenteral nutrition support
- Evidence of excellent time management skills, flexibility, adaptability to prioritise work, use initiative to complete projects and meet deadlines
- Understanding of clinical governance as it relates to dietetic practice
- Able to travel to community settings for outreach work.
- Ability to work with professionals at all levels
- Ability to utilise behaviour change skills to overcome patient non- concordance
education, qualifications and training
Essential
- BSc in Human Nutrition & Dietetics or equivalent qualification as a dietitian
- Current registered dietitian status with HCPC
Desirable
- Basic training in communication and behaviour change
- Critical appraisal skills training
- Evidence of CPD
- Clinical supervisory skills course
- Post-graduate training at PGDip
- Membership of British Dietetic Association
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Specialist Oncology Dietitian with Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in Dorchester, South West, England. It is listed as a Band 6 Dietitian role. The advertised salary is £37,338 - £44,962 Per Annum. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 23 Jul 2026.
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