Community Dietitian - Nutrition and Dietetics

Ferguslie Clinic

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 of 3 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, childrens nutrition, REHIS training).

• Support implementation of national and local health improvement priorities.

• Record and evaluate health promotion activity.

• Provide evidencebased 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 escalate 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 uptodate 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.

Knowledge, training, qualifications and/or experience required to do the job:

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 timemanagement 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?