Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Foundation degree or equivalent
• Or NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in a healthcare-related subject (evidence of working towards, or able to demonstrate the skills, knowledge, and ability to work at this level)
• Good standard of general education with GCSE A-C/level 5 or above in English and Mathematics as a minimum
• Competent in the English Language with legible handwriting

Desirable

• IT skills training
• Attendance of additional professional courses.

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

• Demonstrable experience of working in a large clinical setting
• Ability to undertake relevant departmental training to achieve required clinical competencies
• Demonstrable experience of working with a wide variety of people
• Ability to hold face-to-face and/or telephone conversations with patients, carers, and colleagues.
• Ability to cope with working in a stressful environment and with emotional or aggressive patients and carers
• Demonstrable experience of making practical decisions using theoretical knowledge. Experience of being responsible for some decision-making

Desirable

• Demonstrable experience of working as a Dietetic Assistant
• Demonstrable experience of working with people with specific dietary needs
• Demonstrable experience of healthcare computer systems

Aptitube & Abilities

Essential

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. Able to present information, written and oral, clearly and logically for patient notes and departmental documentation
• Excellent organisational skills, ability to manage own time, prioritise, and plan timed activities
• Awareness and ability to maintain patient confidentiality
• Able to respond to unpredictable situations
• Ability to follow Trust, Department Policies, and Guidelines
• Able to work well within a busy environment
• Ability to lift feeding equipment/deliver feeding supplies to patients

Desirable

• Resourceful
• Show initiative
• Good proven knowledge of the dietetic care process

Disposition, Attitude & Motivation

Essential

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Able to take instruction and direction and work effectively within a multidisciplinary team
• Self-motivation
• Willing to undertake further training
• Empathetic, approachable, and able to deal with emotionally stressful situations
• Interest in people, food, and working in a variety of home environments with patients who may be very unwell

Other factors

Essential

• Ability to work flexibly over 7 days if needed.
• Maintains a professional appearance
• Ability to travel to UHP hospital sites across Plymouth and the surrounding areas

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).

Closing Date: 11 May 2026