Visa Note
While Hywel Dda University Health Board offers a Certificate of Sponsorship for this position, applicants must verify their visa eligibility requirements directly with the employer. International candidates should confirm that they meet all UK visa requirements before applying, including any necessary professional registration and language proficiency standards.
Job Overview
Hywel Dda University Health Board is seeking an enthusiastic and dynamic Dietitian with excellent team-working skills to join our forward-thinking Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Dietetic team. This is a fixed-term/secondment position available for 11 months until 30/10/2026, offering an excellent opportunity for professional development while supporting individuals with diverse nutritional diagnoses.
About Hywel Dda University Health Board
Hywel Dda University Health Board plans and provides NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties. With over 13,000 staff, we provide comprehensive primary, community, in-hospital, mental health, and learning disabilities services. We work in partnership with local authorities and various sector colleagues, including our valued team of volunteers.
Our Healthcare Facilities
Our services are provided across numerous facilities including four main hospitals (Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth, Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen, Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli, and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest), five community hospitals, two integrated care centers, 47 general practices, dental practices, community pharmacies, ophthalmic practices, and numerous mental health and learning disabilities services.
Position Details
This is a fixed-term position available for 11 months until October 30, 2026, with opportunities for full-time, part-time, job share, and flexible working arrangements. The post is based Health Board wide – TBC, with predominantly on-site working, though hybrid arrangements may be considered.
Role Responsibilities
The successful candidate will work as a specialist mental health and learning disability dietitian, serving as a member of multi-disciplinary teams. You’ll manage a complex and varied caseload of patients while supporting others to work effectively with people with mental health needs and learning disabilities. Key responsibilities include assessing, planning, implementing treatment, and delivering dietetic interventions in various settings including community, outpatient, hospital, and group settings.
Clinical Supervision and Training
Training and education form a central part of this role. You’ll have the opportunity to engage in clinical supervision and training as part of enhancing your skill set and development. The position also involves supporting student training and the development and implementation of Dietetic support worker roles throughout the organization.
Education and Support
As a member of our team, you’ll provide education, training, and expert support to develop the diet and nutrition knowledge and skills of others working with people with mental health needs and/or learning disabilities. You’ll contribute to the work of dietetic and mental health services by actively participating in development, evaluation, and improvement work.
Person Specification: Qualifications & Knowledge
Essential qualifications include a recognised degree in dietetics and H.C.P.C. registration. Candidates must demonstrate consolidated and broad clinical dietetic knowledge and skills, with evidence of further knowledge and/or training in relation to mental health/learning disability. Critical appraisal skills and the ability to interpret evidence bases, national policies, and professional guidance are also essential.
Person Specification: Experience
Essential experience requirements include demonstrable broad experience in clinical dietetics and experience of dietetic work with people with mental health needs and/or learning disabilities. Candidates must have evidence of working as a member of a multi-disciplinary team, experience of clinically supervising and supporting other healthcare staff, and experience of delivering education and training.
Desirable Qualifications
While not essential, completing BDA Specialist/Accredited Dietetic training/modules relevant to the role is desirable. Other professional, technical, or academic qualifications that relate to the area of clinical dietetic practice, as well as ECDL or equivalent IT skills, are also considered advantageous.
Additional Desirable Experience
Experience as a mental health or learning disability dietitian is desirable, along with experience of delegating work to and supporting/supervising junior staff. Experience of delivering project work and research would also be beneficial for this position.
Language Requirements
While English is the primary language for this role, the ability to speak Welsh is desirable. The Health Board is committed to supporting staff to embrace bilingualism, enhancing patient and service user experiences. Welsh language learning options and support are available for those who wish to develop this skill during employment.
Staff Wellbeing and Work-Life Balance
We pride ourselves on being a supportive team that promotes staff wellbeing and work-life balance. We welcome applicants wishing to discuss opportunities for flexible and remote working arrangements. The ability to discuss flexible working options demonstrates our commitment to supporting our workforce.
Certificate of Sponsorship Information
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. From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants have been required to present criminal record certificates from each country they have resided in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, requiring a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. All successful applicants will need to undergo this check before commencing employment.
Professional Registration Requirements
Applicants must have current UK professional registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). For further information about UK registration requirements, please visit the NHS Careers website for overseas healthcare professionals.
How to Apply
Apply Instructions: Apply via NHS Jobs website.
For international applicants specifically:
- Verify your eligibility for UK work visa with the employer before applying
- Prepare documentation proving your professional qualifications and registration
- Obtain criminal record certificates from all countries where you’ve resided for 12+ months in the past 10 years
- Contact Kate Hall (Clinical lead Dietitian MH & LD) at [email protected] or 07773663703 for sponsorship-related questions
- Ensure your application addresses all essential and desirable criteria in the person specification
Contact Information
For questions about the job, contact Kate Hall (Clinical lead Dietitian MH & LD) at [email protected] or phone 07773663703. The recruitment team is happy to discuss the role, working arrangements, and any questions related to relocation or sponsorship.
Equal Opportunities
Hywel Dda University Health Board is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age. We are particularly keen to receive applications from Welsh speakers to help us develop bilingual services.
Privacy Notice
For information about how we process your personal data, please refer to Hywel Dda University Health Board’s privacy notice available on their website. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence, and information will only be used for recruitment purposes.
Interview Process
Interviews for this position will be held on 14/11/25. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted with further details about the interview format and process. Please ensure you are available on this date when applying for the position.
Supporting Documents
Alongside your application, you may wish to review the Job Description and Person Specification document and the Occupational Health Functional Requirements Form, both available as supporting documents on the NHS Jobs website. These documents provide comprehensive information about the role and its requirements.
About the Region
Working in West Wales offers a unique opportunity to experience beautiful coastal and rural environments while providing essential healthcare services to local communities. The region benefits from excellent transport links, affordable living costs compared to many parts of the UK, and a strong sense of community. The health board covers Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, and Pembrokeshire, offering diverse working environments from rural practices to larger hospitals.
Professional Development
Hywel Dda University Health Board is committed to the continuing professional development of its staff. As a dietitian joining our team, you’ll have access to various training opportunities, clinical supervision, and support for further postgraduate learning. We encourage and support staff in pursuing additional qualifications and specialist training relevant to their career development.
