South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust

Dietetic Support Worker

The closing date is 08 April 2026

Job summary

Are you interested in working with people aiming to improve their health and lifestyle within diabetes and renal (kidney health)?

We are looking to recruit a person with an interest in nutrition and health to join our diabetes and renal dietetics teams.

The successful candidate will be trained and supported by qualified Dietitians to meet competencies to be able to work independently to support diabetes and renal patient caseloads.

Furthermore, you will support dietetic staff delivering DESMOND (Diabetes Education and Self-Management for Ongoing and Newly Diagnosed), antenatal clinic and clinic preparation, and support structured education, including Type one education programmes and carbohydrate counting courses. Within the renal team you will provide non-complex review of renal outpatients, and support the team with obtaining blood results for the dietitians and updating dialysis patient shift timetables.

Experience in healthcare and nutrition are preferable, but not essential as training will be provided. The successful candidates will be expected to complete a Certificate in Nutritional Health as part of the role (if this qualification or equivalent has not already been achieved)

There may be a requirement to travel to various locations across Sunderland and Washington, and South Tyneside so the applicants must have the ability to travel.

This post is subject to satisfactory DBS check at Enhanced level

Main duties of the job

South Tyneside & Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust is a large organisation in the North East of England and has two main sites South Tyneside District Hospital and Sunderland Royal Hospital. The Dietetic Department of more than 55 staff is managed as one team but is structured into smaller teams led by Senior Specialist Dietitians. We are actively involved in the training of Trainee Dietitians and offer A, B and C placements.

Nutrition & Dietetics sit under the Therapies Directorate within Clinical Support.

The role sits within both the renal and diabetes dietetic teams and will include both inpatients and outpatients. Elements of the role will be 1:1 support for patients for those with kidney disease and/or diabetes, and group education work for those patients with Type 2 diabetes.

There will be training provided to ensure that the successful candidate feels confident to carry out their clinical tasks independently as well as regular one to one`s where developmental goals can be highlighted and supported.

There will be an element of cross site working, however, where the successful applicant is based can be negotiated. To aid with cross site working, there is a free shuttle bus between the Sunderland Royal Hospital and South Tyneside District General and both sites are close to metro stops.

The department is friendly and supportive and encourage CPD, including regular clinical supervision and evidence-based practice groups.

About us

Please add your telephone number to your application form so we can contact you quickly if required.

One Team One Trust - There are many reasons to work at our Trust. From our commitment to putting people first to our accessible services and award winning teams. We have a passion for research, innovation and tackling inequalities. We are committed to respect, fairness and civility and promote a compassionate, caring and positive culture / working environment.

We welcome all applications irrespective of peoples race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and in particular those from under- represented groups. Looking after our workforces health and wellbeing is a priority for us. We also provide access to high quality education, training, career progression and support. Flexible working is supported via our Flexible Working Policy.

The Trust employs around 8,746 people and provides a range of hospital services to a local community of around 430,000 residents. We also provide a range of more specialised services outside this area. We offer our staff outstanding benefits - Fitness Centre (SRH), libraries at both hospital sites, chaplaincy support and access to a Care Co-ordinator to help staff with childcare arrangements.If you use AI, and it poses a risk to the integrity of your individual recruitment process, we may withdraw your application at any stage of the process.

Date posted

25 March 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year (2026/27 Pay award pending)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

C9155-CSAHP-0326-40

Job locations

Sunderland Royal Hospital

Kayll Road

Sunderland

SR4 7TP

Job description

Job responsibilities

To work as part of the Nutrition and Dietetic team providing support, and assisting qualified dietetic staff, clinically and administratively to ensure a quality service.

To play an active role in supporting the diabetes and renal dietetic teams in delivering a service for those patients with existing diabetes and renal disease.

PLEASE REFER TO THE ATTACHED JOB DESCRIPTION FOR FULL DUTIES OF THE ROLE

Job description

Job responsibilities

To work as part of the Nutrition and Dietetic team providing support, and assisting qualified dietetic staff, clinically and administratively to ensure a quality service.

To play an active role in supporting the diabetes and renal dietetic teams in delivering a service for those patients with existing diabetes and renal disease.

PLEASE REFER TO THE ATTACHED JOB DESCRIPTION FOR FULL DUTIES OF THE ROLE

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Good standard of general education with GCSE or equivalent in English and Maths.

Desirable

Nutrition Qualification (such as Certificate in Nutritional Health or equivalent)

Experience

Essential

Experience of working with the public
Experience of customer care
Experience of working independently

Desirable

Previous experience as a Dietetic Support Worker
Experience of working in healthcare setting
Experience of working as part of a team
Experience of working with groups

Physical Skills

Essential

Able to meet travel needs of role.

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

IT/keyboard skills including email, data input, microsoft word, and excel.
Organisational skills
Excellent communication skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Good interpersonal skills
Time management skills
Presentation skills
Able to act on own initiative but recognise limitations
Able to prioritise workload

Desirable

Interest in diabetes and Kidney disease
Interest in Nutrition
Group work skills
Teaching Skills

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Good standard of general education with GCSE or equivalent in English and Maths.

Desirable

Nutrition Qualification (such as Certificate in Nutritional Health or equivalent)

Experience

Essential

Experience of working with the public
Experience of customer care
Experience of working independently

Desirable

Previous experience as a Dietetic Support Worker
Experience of working in healthcare setting
Experience of working as part of a team
Experience of working with groups

Physical Skills

Essential

Able to meet travel needs of role.

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

IT/keyboard skills including email, data input, microsoft word, and excel.
Organisational skills
Excellent communication skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Good interpersonal skills
Time management skills
Presentation skills
Able to act on own initiative but recognise limitations
Able to prioritise workload

Desirable

Interest in diabetes and Kidney disease
Interest in Nutrition
Group work skills
Teaching Skills

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.