At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert nutritional care for older adults and lead a supportive dietetic team.
- Company: Join the friendly and well-respected Dietetic Team at The Whittington Hospital.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Be part of an award-winning team dedicated to improving patient care.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of older patients while growing your career.
- Qualifications: HCPC registration and experience with older adults required.
The predicted salary is between 58133 - 65261 £ per year.
Specialist Dietitian for Older Adults (Band 7) – Job Ref 220-WHT-3949
Full‑time, permanent, 37.5 hours per week (Mon‑Fri). Salary £58,133 – £65,261 per annum. Closing date: 16/06/2026.
Job overview
This is an exciting opportunity to join our team at a time when there are many improvements being made to nutritional care for our patients. You will be part of a friendly and supportive dietetic team who work closely with the MDT to ensure we provide excellent care to our patients. If you have a passion for the elderly, thrive when facing challenges and have the energy and initiative to support and inspire other healthcare professionals this is the job for you.
Main duties of the job
- Be the expert source of information on nutritional care for older adults, advising on policy and protocols, and staying up to date with evidence‑based guidelines.
- Manage a clinical caseload of older people with a range of clinical conditions, supervising dietetic staff supporting the caseload on older people wards.
- Contribute actively to MDT working relating to nutritional care on the ward, ethical considerations for feeding interventions, and best‑interest meetings.
- Work closely with catering colleagues to support effective food service on the ward and represent the dietetic team at the monthly Inpatient Dining Meeting.
- Support initiatives to improve patient nutritional care such as Supported Mealtimes and Patient Social Dining.
- Support student dietitians in their training and provide nutritional education and training to other healthcare professionals in the Trust.
Working for our organisation
The Whittington Hospital Dietetic Team has a reputation for being friendly and supportive. The adult inpatient team consists of 7 dietitians and a clinical lead. We work closely together to ensure that we deliver excellent patient care and that the team is visible and accessible to patients and the MDT. As a band 7 dietitian you will have dedicated time to support supervisees and work on projects. The Clinical Nutrition department includes Nutrition Nursing and we have expert nursing resources available at all times. We also work closely with our Speech and Language colleagues. Our department is well recognised within the Trust – we won Team of the Year in last Autumn's AHP Awards.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
- Work as a member of the Dietetic department, acting as the expert resource for the nutritional management of older adult patients in hospital; provide highly specialist advice, education and support to patients, carers and other healthcare professionals.
- Maintain responsibility for a clinical caseload of older patients with a wide range of clinical conditions; lead nutritional care on the wards and support the multidisciplinary team through education and complex decision-making related to feeding.
- Supervise dietitians working on older people wards to ensure a consistent high standard of nutritional care across all three COOP wards.
- Lead on nutritional audits, development activities and training, demonstrating an innovative approach and commitment to service improvement.
- Lead on the day‑to‑day management of catering issues for all patients within the hospital, liaising directly with catering colleagues to provide additional nutritional support measures for vulnerable patients.
Person specification
Professional Qualification and Experience- HCPC registration in place
- Experience of working with older adults
- Experience of providing enteral nutrition plans
- Experience of supervising band 5 or band 6 dietitians
- Experience of working with older adults in the acute setting
- Member of the British Dietetic Association Specialist Group for Older People
- Excellent written and spoken communication skills
- Experience of managing and communicating patients’ dietetic plan at the end‑of‑life
- Demonstrated knowledge of key nutritional guidance for older adults
- Evidence of contributing to guidelines or policies for nutritional care of older adults
- Ensure familiarity with and compliance to the London Child Protection Procedures and protocols for promoting and safeguarding children and young people.
- Ensure familiarity with and compliance to the London Multi‑Agency Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Pan‑London Procedures.
- Ensure familiarity with and compliance to local protocols and systems for information sharing.
- Know the appropriate contact numbers and required reporting lines.
- Participate in required training and supervision.
- Comply with required professional boundaries and codes of conduct.
EEO statement
We would welcome applications from individuals who are from underrepresented groups in the organisation.
Care of Older People Dietitian employer: Whittington Health
The Whittington Hospital offers a supportive and collaborative work environment for Dietitians, particularly those passionate about improving nutritional care for older adults. With a dedicated team of professionals, opportunities for professional development, and recognition for excellence in patient care, this role provides a meaningful chance to make a significant impact in the lives of elderly patients. Join us in a workplace that values innovation, teamwork, and continuous improvement in healthcare.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Care of Older People Dietitian
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current dietitians or healthcare professionals in your field. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even recommendations.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to nutritional care for older adults. We all know that confidence is key, so role-play with a friend or in front of the mirror!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for elderly care during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in patients' lives. This will help you stand out as someone who truly cares.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Care of Older People Dietitian
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with older adults and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your skills align with the role of a Specialist Dietitian for Older Adults!
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for working with the elderly shine through in your application. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in nutritional care for older patients – we love to see that passion!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experiences and achievements, as this will help us quickly understand your fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people and helps us keep track of all applications efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Whittington Health
✨Know Your Nutritional Guidelines
Make sure you brush up on the latest evidence-based guidelines for nutritional care in older adults. Being able to discuss these during your interview will show that you're not only knowledgeable but also passionate about providing the best care possible.
✨Showcase Your Teamwork Skills
Since this role involves working closely with a multidisciplinary team, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with other healthcare professionals in the past. Highlighting your ability to communicate and work as part of a team will set you apart.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially in complex situations involving older patients. Think of specific scenarios from your experience where you had to make tough decisions or lead initiatives, and be ready to discuss them in detail.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Elderly Care
Let your enthusiasm for working with older adults shine through. Share personal stories or experiences that illustrate your commitment to improving their nutritional care. This will resonate well with the interviewers and show that you’re a great fit for their supportive team.
