Community Dietitian – Nutrition and Dietetics

Job Description

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is one of the largest healthcare systems in the United Kingdom, employing approximately 40,000 staff across a wide range of clinical and non clinical professions and roles. We deliver acute hospital, primary, community and mental health services to a population of over 1.15 million people, and to a wider population of 2.2 million when regional and national services are included.

The role:

Dietitians are health professionals whose key role is to translate the science of nutrition into relevant and practical information, based on clinical evidence. The role of Community Dietitians comprises three broad functions: clinical treatment, health improvement and support and training of others to ensure consistent up to date nutrition messages. The following principles guide their work: build on existing knowledge and skills through continuing professional development (CPD) which incorporates evidence based practice, liaise and involve the community at all stages; facilitate and empower the individuals in the change process.

Duration, Location, and Working Pattern

Permanent, Full time. Base location – Ferguslie Clinic. Shift Pattern – 5 over 7.

Key responsibilities: Clinical Responsibilities

• Manage a community caseload across clinics, home visits and care homes, often working independently with supervision available.
• Deliver nutrition assessment, treatment and review, considering clinical status, lifestyle, cultural factors, communication barriers, biochemical data and anthropometry.
• Develop, monitor and adjust nutritional care plans using outcome measures.
• Advise prescribers on ACBS products and monitor their use.
• Communicate complex or sensitive information clearly and compassionately, including when messages may be unwelcome.
• Build effective therapeutic relationships, using advanced communication skills to help patients overcome barriers to change.
• Coordinate care with GPs, nurses, dietitians and wider health and social care teams.
• Maintain accurate clinical records and workload statistics.

Health Improvement Responsibilities

• Act as a local link for nutrition related health promotion, delivering activities across community settings (e.g. weaning sessions, children’s nutrition, REHIS training).
• Support implementation of national and local health improvement priorities.
• Record and evaluate health promotion activity.
• Provide evidence based public health nutrition resources to the public, professionals and community groups.
• Prioritise health improvement work appropriately under supervision.

Professional Responsibilities

• Work in line with HCPC standards, national guidelines and local dietetic service policies.
• Participate in audit, research and clinical effectiveness activities.
• Ensure valid consent, maintain accurate patient activity data and escale issues affecting service delivery.
• Comply with Health & Safety requirements and understand ethical/legal considerations in dietetic practice.
• Maintain professional development, HCPC registration, CPD portfolio and engage in supervision and professional networks.

Training and Education

• Support and mentor dietetic students and assistants.
• Contribute to clinical placement assessment for undergraduate and postgraduate learners.
• Deliver nutrition education to health professionals, community groups and partner agencies, evaluating teaching effectiveness.
• Share up to date dietetic practice with the wider multidisciplinary team.
• Participate in audit or research linked to patient care and health improvement.

Organisational and Human Resource Responsibilities

• Manage and prioritise own workload, balancing clinical duties, health improvement, training and professional commitments.
• Use dietetic resources efficiently and support administrative and assistant staff.
• Review workload for the geographical area and provide feedback to team leadership.
• Support administrative systems such as referral pathways, clinic bookings and group session organisation.
• Communicate effectively across the organisation and participate in departmental meetings.
• Produce reports on clinical, educational or health improvement activities when required.

Essential Criteria

• BSc Human Nutrition & Dietetics (or equivalent)
• Registered Dietitian with HCPC
• Member of the British Dietetic Association or own indemnity insurance
• Record of CPD
• Broad clinical knowledge across a range of conditions (e.g. diabetes, nutrition support, enteral feeding)
• Excellent verbal and written communication, negotiation, motivation and networking skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong time management and organisational skills

Desirable Criteria

• Driving licence
• Basic counselling skills / behaviour change / motivational interviewing training
• Clinical educator training
• Health improvement / health promotion training
• Food hygiene certificate
• Moving and handling training
• Experience of dietetic community working
• Experience delivering groups or training
• Experience in health improvement activities

What we offer:

We offer a wide range of supportive policies designed to enhance your employee journey, including a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, Cycle to Work Scheme, bursary scheme and extensive learning and development opportunities.

As an NHS Scotland employee, you will be entitled to:

• A minimum of 27 days annual leave, increasing with length of service, plus public holidays
• Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme, including life insurance benefits
• Salary Sacrifice Car Benefit Scheme
• Development opportunities including study bursaries, e learning and classroom based courses
• Enhanced pay for working public holidays
• NHS discounts on a wide range of goods and services
• Confidential employee support and assistance, including counselling and psychological therapies

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, we would love to hear from you.

For an informal discussion, please contact: Lynn Yates, Community Dietetic Team Lead .

Details on how to contact the Recruitment Service and the Recruitment Process: Information for candidates.

This post may close early due to the volume of response. Please submit your application form as soon as possible. Due to the volume of applications that we receive, we will not be able to provide shortlisting feedback.

AI tools like ChatGPT or Copilot can be great for planning and preparing your application, but your answers must be your own.

• Show us the real you: Your application should reflect your skills, experience and motivations authentically.
• Use AI wisely: It’s fine to use AI for ideas or to check spelling and grammar, but don’t let it write your answers.
• Why this matters: Applications that rely on AI generated content may be withdrawn. By applying, you confirm your responses are based on your own knowledge and achievements.

Tip: Think of AI as a helper, not a substitute. We want to understand you, not an AI tool.

From 1 April 2026, the Agenda for Change full time working week will reduce from 37 hours to 36 hours. Part time working hours will be reduced on a pro rata basis. A corresponding increase in the hourly rate will apply, ensuring that overall pay remains unchanged.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde recognises the importance of work life balance and is committed to offering a range of flexible working options where service needs allow. For roles where less than full time hours can be accommodated, and where the tenure is listed as “various”, we encourage applications from individuals seeking flexible working arrangements. Flexible working will be included as a topic for discussion during the recruitment process.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde encourages applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and are proud of the diverse workforce we employ.

By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, NHSGGC has pledged its commitment to being a Forces Friendly Employer. We welcome applications from across the Armed Forces Community and recognise military skills, experience and qualifications throughout the recruitment and selection process.

For application portal or log in issues, please contact the Jobtrain Support Hub in the first instance.