Job summary
We are looking for an experienced diabetes dietitian to provide maternity cover for 12 months to support our diabetes team.
The post holder will be required to provide nutritional management advice for people with diabetes. The ability to work as an independent practitioner in the community setting is essential. Group education to service users and healthcare professionals is also a key part of this role. The post holder will be required to manage their own clinical caseload, have excellent communication skills and a strong enthusiasm for supporting people with diabetes to improve their long-term health outcomes.
Successful applicants will be well supported in their role by our supportive team of Diabetes Specialist Nurses and the wider Nutrition and Dietetic Department. We are dedicated to personal development and encourage all staff to achieve their career aspirations. Learning opportunities are plentiful with department-wide CPD programmes, clinical supervision and external training opportunities.
The position may be able to be offered as a short-term contract. Please call for further details.
Should we receive a high number of applications we reserve the right to close this vacancy at any point after the 23rd of October 2025.
Main duties of the job
The post holder is responsible for:
Nutrition assessment, advice and monitoring of a caseload of patients with primarily Type 2 Diabetes, including those at risk of malnutrition.
Independently manage a clinical caseload of people with diabetes, who have their care delivered in the community. This will include remote/virtual reviews, community clinics, nursing homes or patients own homes.
To support in the delivery and development of diabetes group education programmes for patients, healthcare professionals and social care staff. Including the delivery of DESMOND, if already trained to do so.
Adapt clinical and communication skills as required to suit the needs of a diverse population in Luton. Providing advice and support to patients who may have complex clinical, emotional, psychological and social problems, with support from other team members and clinical supervision.
Take responsibility for ensuring own continuing professional development, keeping up to date with latest evidence-based practice in diabetes care.
This role is offered on a hybrid working basis. The office base is in Luton. There will be the opportunity, but not expectation, for some home working.
About us
Rated 'Outstanding' by the Care Quality Commission, we are proud to provide high quality innovative services across most of the east of England that enable people to receive care closer to home and live healthier lives.
There's one reason why our services are outstanding - and that's our amazing staff who, for the seventh year running, rated us incredibly highly in the national staff survey.
If you share our passion for innovative and high-quality care delivery, then please submit your application and join us on our exciting journey as a leading-edge specialist community provider. All are welcome to apply and our promise to you is a culture which prioritises staff engagement and development.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Main Duties and Responsibilities
To manage a clinical caseload of people with diabetes who have their care delivered in thecommunity, this will include a variety of settings including remote/virtual reviews, communityclinics, nursing homes or patients own homes.The post holder will be responsible for the assessment, advice and monitoring of patients, mostlywith type 2 diabetes, the dietetic input will involve assessment, dietary and lifestylecounselling/education and CBT to support dietary and lifestyle change.Work will also entail nutrition support to patients at high malnutrition risk with diabetes.To develop skills to suggest appropriate medication changes where appropriate and trained todo so.To maintain accurate clinical records at all times and monitor and manage waiting times toensure all patients receive timely care.To work closely with the community diabetes service including Diabetes Dietitians and DiabetesSpecialist Nurses to deliver high quality integrated diabetes care for all patients.To work with the Community Diabetes Specialist Nursing Team to deliver a variety of groupeducation sessions to both patients and healthcare professionals, providing a range ofeducational activities for all patients including ethnic minority patients and families/carers for thetreatment of diabetes.To provide training to care/nursing homes and healthcare professionals to improveunderstanding of diabetes and appropriate dietary approaches.Carry out clinical audit as part of monitoring outcomes and service development.To contribute to the services quality and audit programme, including the development andmonitoring of clinical and process standards, of own work and that of the wider Nutrition andDietetic service.To act as a source of diabetes expertise to provide theoretical and practical training, teachingand professional development support for all levels of health staff, including students.To work with the local diabetes teams to develop and implement agreed clinical standards,pathways, policies and procedures for the community Diabetes Service. Ensuring work is in linewith departmental, Trusts and national dietetic standards.To utilise project management skills and work in partnership with service users, other agenciesand professionals to plan, develop, implement and evaluate service developments and diabetesprevention interventions. All work will be based on current evidence based best practiceguidelines and policies but tailored to respond to local need, especially our local BME groups.Such work will meet local Trust strategic objectives and follow national policies and initiatives.Development of evidence-based patient information and best practice for people with diabetes.To identify priorities and potential developments for diabetes dietetic service.To support dietetic student training within the dietetic department.
Communication
To communicate effectively with patients, carers and associate Health Care professionals toensure a good understanding of the medical conditions and benefits of treatment.Communication will require advanced counselling, motivation, negotiation and cognitivebehavioural therapy skills to overcome significant and challenging barriers to change. Someclients may have learning difficulties, dementia, language or cultural barriers. The post holderwill be expected to work in both individual and group settings to optimise nutritional outcomes.Skills include insight to recognise and act appropriately if vulnerable clients are at risk or deemedto be in need.To undertake joint consultations with Diabetes Specialist Nurses and/or supportworkers/translators as necessary.To ensure appropriate, accurate, timely and relevant records are kept regarding patient care in accordance with Trust Policy and the Service Operating Procedure within ICDS.To provide timely written letters and care plans to patients/carers, GPs/practice nurses and alliedhealth professionals.To ensure tasks on SystmOne relating to patient care are dealt with in a timely manner to ensurepatient safety.To alert all relevant medical practitioners when adjustment to diabetes medication may berequired because of initial dietary assessment and advice.To work closely with diabetes specialist nurses, practice nurses, GPs, secondary care and socialcare as necessary to highlight concerns, feedback progress and seek specialist support toimprove blood glucose control and ensure optimised diabetes management.To evaluate, develop and deliver education sessions for both health care professionals and a wide range of patient groups.To develop evidence-based resources to meet the needs of clients at all levels of understanding,considering language and cultural differences.To meet local and national nutritional guidelines by interpreting the latest dietary research,disseminating appropriate information to the diabetes team and community staff.To establish and maintain positive interpersonal relationships with other staff. Positiverelationships are characterised by open communication, trust and respect. To work at all timesas an effective and integral member of the Diabetes teams.To liaise with dietetic colleagues locally and nationally and other experts to ensure nutritionalcare, delivery standards, advice and information are consistent with the current evidence base.
Budgetary Responsibility
The post holder does not hold budgetary responsibility but will be aware of the planning ofexpenditure for the Diabetes team including physical resources such as printing resource sheetsand stock control of clinical resources.People Management
Maintain accurate records of mandatory training and other training accessed to improve yourservice delivery.To be responsible for the provision and development of dietetic services in your specialist areaacross the Trust, and to be responsible for service change in those specialist areas in responseto service requirements.To supervise student Dietitians.Maintaining own professional development and requirement to take part in appraisal and KSF process.
Research & Development Activity
To undertake audit and interpret research outcomes to enable the development of evidence basedpractice in individual specialist area and ensuring that therapy is based on evidence basedpractice and recognised guidelines.To be responsible for maintaining own competency to practice through Continuing ProfessionalDevelopment activities, in line with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) standards.To demonstrate an expert knowledge of relevant literature, to review and apply to practicewhere appropriate.Actively participate in reflective clinical supervision with peers/clinical supervisor to develop andenhance practice.Evaluate and review your own work, seeking the views of others and adopting the principles ofevidence-based practice to ensure maintenance and development of clinical and professionalstandards.Contribute to the Nutrition and Dietetic Service programs of quality and audit and encourage other team members and the community team to evaluate their own practice and adopt the principles of evidence-based practice.
Clinical and Practice Governance
Observe and maintain strict confidentiality with regards to any patient/family/staff/records andinformation in line with the requirements of the Data Protection Act.Any data that is taken/shared as part of a phone call or transported, faxed, or transferredelectronically must be undertaken with regard to the Trust Information Governance andInformation Security policies.The post holder must adhere to the Trust risk assessment and risk management processes.The post holder must adhere to infection control policies and procedures.It is a condition of your employment that you are currently registered with your professional body,and it is your responsibility to maintain your professional registration.Undertake mandatory training and any other training relevant to the role as required byCambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust.The post holder must participate in clinical and safeguarding audits as required.Provide patients and their families /carers with information on standards they should expect fromthe team.Participate in Clinical & Safeguarding supervision on a regular basis.The post holder is required to participate in relevant emergency preparedness process for their team.General
Safeguarding people responsibilitySafeguarding children and adults at risk of abuse or neglect is a collective responsibility.There is an expectation that all staff develop and maintain their role relevant safeguarding peoplecompetencies and comply with local safeguarding partnerships practice. Alongside this employeewho are registrants are reminded of their professional duty of care.Safeguarding means protecting a citizens health, wellbeing and human rights; enabling them tolive free from harm, abuse and neglect. It is an integral part of providing high-quality health care.Those most in need of protection include: Children and young people Adults at risk, such as those receiving care in their own home, people with physical, sensory, and mental impairments, and those with learning disabilities.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Main Duties and Responsibilities
To manage a clinical caseload of people with diabetes who have their care delivered in thecommunity, this will include a variety of settings including remote/virtual reviews, communityclinics, nursing homes or patients own homes.The post holder will be responsible for the assessment, advice and monitoring of patients, mostlywith type 2 diabetes, the dietetic input will involve assessment, dietary and lifestylecounselling/education and CBT to support dietary and lifestyle change.Work will also entail nutrition support to patients at high malnutrition risk with diabetes.To develop skills to suggest appropriate medication changes where appropriate and trained todo so.To maintain accurate clinical records at all times and monitor and manage waiting times toensure all patients receive timely care.To work closely with the community diabetes service including Diabetes Dietitians and DiabetesSpecialist Nurses to deliver high quality integrated diabetes care for all patients.To work with the Community Diabetes Specialist Nursing Team to deliver a variety of groupeducation sessions to both patients and healthcare professionals, providing a range ofeducational activities for all patients including ethnic minority patients and families/carers for thetreatment of diabetes.To provide training to care/nursing homes and healthcare professionals to improveunderstanding of diabetes and appropriate dietary approaches.Carry out clinical audit as part of monitoring outcomes and service development.To contribute to the services quality and audit programme, including the development andmonitoring of clinical and process standards, of own work and that of the wider Nutrition andDietetic service.To act as a source of diabetes expertise to provide theoretical and practical training, teachingand professional development support for all levels of health staff, including students.To work with the local diabetes teams to develop and implement agreed clinical standards,pathways, policies and procedures for the community Diabetes Service. Ensuring work is in linewith departmental, Trusts and national dietetic standards.To utilise project management skills and work in partnership with service users, other agenciesand professionals to plan, develop, implement and evaluate service developments and diabetesprevention interventions. All work will be based on current evidence based best practiceguidelines and policies but tailored to respond to local need, especially our local BME groups.Such work will meet local Trust strategic objectives and follow national policies and initiatives.Development of evidence-based patient information and best practice for people with diabetes.To identify priorities and potential developments for diabetes dietetic service.To support dietetic student training within the dietetic department.
Communication
To communicate effectively with patients, carers and associate Health Care professionals toensure a good understanding of the medical conditions and benefits of treatment.Communication will require advanced counselling, motivation, negotiation and cognitivebehavioural therapy skills to overcome significant and challenging barriers to change. Someclients may have learning difficulties, dementia, language or cultural barriers. The post holderwill be expected to work in both individual and group settings to optimise nutritional outcomes.Skills include insight to recognise and act appropriately if vulnerable clients are at risk or deemedto be in need.To undertake joint consultations with Diabetes Specialist Nurses and/or supportworkers/translators as necessary.To ensure appropriate, accurate, timely and relevant records are kept regarding patient care in accordance with Trust Policy and the Service Operating Procedure within ICDS.To provide timely written letters and care plans to patients/carers, GPs/practice nurses and alliedhealth professionals.To ensure tasks on SystmOne relating to patient care are dealt with in a timely manner to ensurepatient safety.To alert all relevant medical practitioners when adjustment to diabetes medication may berequired because of initial dietary assessment and advice.To work closely with diabetes specialist nurses, practice nurses, GPs, secondary care and socialcare as necessary to highlight concerns, feedback progress and seek specialist support toimprove blood glucose control and ensure optimised diabetes management.To evaluate, develop and deliver education sessions for both health care professionals and a wide range of patient groups.To develop evidence-based resources to meet the needs of clients at all levels of understanding,considering language and cultural differences.To meet local and national nutritional guidelines by interpreting the latest dietary research,disseminating appropriate information to the diabetes team and community staff.To establish and maintain positive interpersonal relationships with other staff. Positiverelationships are characterised by open communication, trust and respect. To work at all timesas an effective and integral member of the Diabetes teams.To liaise with dietetic colleagues locally and nationally and other experts to ensure nutritionalcare, delivery standards, advice and information are consistent with the current evidence base.
Budgetary Responsibility
The post holder does not hold budgetary responsibility but will be aware of the planning ofexpenditure for the Diabetes team including physical resources such as printing resource sheetsand stock control of clinical resources.People Management
Maintain accurate records of mandatory training and other training accessed to improve yourservice delivery.To be responsible for the provision and development of dietetic services in your specialist areaacross the Trust, and to be responsible for service change in those specialist areas in responseto service requirements.To supervise student Dietitians.Maintaining own professional development and requirement to take part in appraisal and KSF process.
Research & Development Activity
To undertake audit and interpret research outcomes to enable the development of evidence basedpractice in individual specialist area and ensuring that therapy is based on evidence basedpractice and recognised guidelines.To be responsible for maintaining own competency to practice through Continuing ProfessionalDevelopment activities, in line with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) standards.To demonstrate an expert knowledge of relevant literature, to review and apply to practicewhere appropriate.Actively participate in reflective clinical supervision with peers/clinical supervisor to develop andenhance practice.Evaluate and review your own work, seeking the views of others and adopting the principles ofevidence-based practice to ensure maintenance and development of clinical and professionalstandards.Contribute to the Nutrition and Dietetic Service programs of quality and audit and encourage other team members and the community team to evaluate their own practice and adopt the principles of evidence-based practice.
Clinical and Practice Governance
Observe and maintain strict confidentiality with regards to any patient/family/staff/records andinformation in line with the requirements of the Data Protection Act.Any data that is taken/shared as part of a phone call or transported, faxed, or transferredelectronically must be undertaken with regard to the Trust Information Governance andInformation Security policies.The post holder must adhere to the Trust risk assessment and risk management processes.The post holder must adhere to infection control policies and procedures.It is a condition of your employment that you are currently registered with your professional body,and it is your responsibility to maintain your professional registration.Undertake mandatory training and any other training relevant to the role as required byCambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust.The post holder must participate in clinical and safeguarding audits as required.Provide patients and their families /carers with information on standards they should expect fromthe team.Participate in Clinical & Safeguarding supervision on a regular basis.The post holder is required to participate in relevant emergency preparedness process for their team.General
Safeguarding people responsibilitySafeguarding children and adults at risk of abuse or neglect is a collective responsibility.There is an expectation that all staff develop and maintain their role relevant safeguarding peoplecompetencies and comply with local safeguarding partnerships practice. Alongside this employeewho are registrants are reminded of their professional duty of care.Safeguarding means protecting a citizens health, wellbeing and human rights; enabling them tolive free from harm, abuse and neglect. It is an integral part of providing high-quality health care.Those most in need of protection include: Children and young people Adults at risk, such as those receiving care in their own home, people with physical, sensory, and mental impairments, and those with learning disabilities.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Training
Essential
- Degree or post graduate qualification in dietetics
- Registered Dietitian with HCPC
- Post graduate work in dietetics in clinical setting (hospital/community)
Desirable
- Training in communication and behaviour change skills
- Member of the British Dietetic Association
- Trained DESMOND educator
Experience
Essential
- Post registration experience in dietetics, working within diabetes speciality
- Evidence of continuous professional development in diabetes & other long-term conditions
- Experience of managing diabetes in inpatient/outpatient setting
- Experience of delivering patient group education
- Familiarity of interpreting blood glucose profiles and continuous glucose monitoring reports i.e. Freestyle Libre and DEXCOM
- Experience of supporting nutritional management of patients prescribed diabetes medications, including insulin and GLP-1 therapy
Desirable
- Previous experience working in the community setting including care homes and patients own homes
- Experience of organising and providing training to other health professionals
- Experience of supervising dietetic students
- Previous experience using SystmOne
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- Time management skills and ability to prioritise and manage own caseload
- Experience of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team
- Experience of working with people from a variety of ethnic backgrounds including South Asian and Eastern European, and able to work with translators where unable to speak required language
- Good interpersonal, counselling and motivational skills
- Up to date with latest NICE guidelines for diabetes care
- Good written and verbal communication skills - Able to convey complex messages in simple, easy to understand format
- Competent IT skills and able to use Word and Powerpoint.
Desirable
- Presentation and teaching skills
- Involvement in audit/data collection
- Able to identify and develop potential areas of service development
Person Specification
Qualifications and Training
Essential
- Degree or post graduate qualification in dietetics
- Registered Dietitian with HCPC
- Post graduate work in dietetics in clinical setting (hospital/community)
Desirable
- Training in communication and behaviour change skills
- Member of the British Dietetic Association
- Trained DESMOND educator
Experience
Essential
- Post registration experience in dietetics, working within diabetes speciality
- Evidence of continuous professional development in diabetes & other long-term conditions
- Experience of managing diabetes in inpatient/outpatient setting
- Experience of delivering patient group education
- Familiarity of interpreting blood glucose profiles and continuous glucose monitoring reports i.e. Freestyle Libre and DEXCOM
- Experience of supporting nutritional management of patients prescribed diabetes medications, including insulin and GLP-1 therapy
Desirable
- Previous experience working in the community setting including care homes and patients own homes
- Experience of organising and providing training to other health professionals
- Experience of supervising dietetic students
- Previous experience using SystmOne
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- Time management skills and ability to prioritise and manage own caseload
- Experience of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team
- Experience of working with people from a variety of ethnic backgrounds including South Asian and Eastern European, and able to work with translators where unable to speak required language
- Good interpersonal, counselling and motivational skills
- Up to date with latest NICE guidelines for diabetes care
- Good written and verbal communication skills - Able to convey complex messages in simple, easy to understand format
- Competent IT skills and able to use Word and Powerpoint.
Desirable
- Presentation and teaching skills
- Involvement in audit/data collection
- Able to identify and develop potential areas of service development
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
