Dietetic Assistant Practitioner

About Us

Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford). Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within people’s own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).

Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.

Our values are at the heart of everything we do, click here to find out more

It has never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as you will help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.

Role Summary

We’re seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Dietetic Assistant Practitioner to join our Paediatric Dietetics Team. This varied role involves working alongside dietitians supporting children and young people across inpatient wards, outpatient clinics, and the home enteral feeding service.

You’ll assist with collecting growth measurements, supporting patient education, monitoring enteral feeds, dietary analysis and providing practical dietary advice under the guidance of registered dietitians. The role includes both direct clinical and administrative work, with opportunities to develop skills across different clinical settings.

Good communication skills, a compassionate approach, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team are essential.

About the Role

For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.

More detail about the role

An opportunity has arisen for a part-time Band 4 Paediatric Dietetic Assistant Practitioner to work within the Paediatric Dietetic team at North Devon Hospital.

Having a vocational qualification at Level 4 or 5, Diploma for Assistant Practitioners in Healthcare, Foundation Degree, BTEC higher or HND, or equivalent relevant nutrition or health related qualification is essential. The ideal candidate will also have previous healthcare experience, an interest in nutrition and food and a desire to work with patients and the healthcare team. You need to be enthusiastic, organised, flexible and a team player.

The role will involve supporting and assisting the registered Paediatric Dietitians in the assessment and treatment of a range of patients to provide a nutritional service in the hospital and occasionally in the community setting. It will involve working with multidisciplinary teams across a range of clinical specialisms including allergy, home tube feeding and young people with restricted diets. It will also include direct patient contact and delivering care according to set protocols and promote the importance of nutrition and hydration throughout the organisation and wider healthcare community.

Training will be given and there will be an opportunity to develop knowledge and skills through the Trusts Personal Development Review process.

Why join the paediatrics dietetics team?

We're a small, friendly and supportive team. We collaborate on the wards as part of a big team that includes experts from different fields. We work closely with the adult dietetics team based at our northern services, as well as our paediatric counterparts in our eastern services based at the Exeter hospital site. This gives us the best of both worlds - a cosy team feel and the strength and knowledge of a larger group.

Innovation

We value innovation across our therapy services. We've introduced various new ideas and created different roles in recent years, such as introducing a Research and Innovation Lead.

Supporting you

For newcomers at the Royal Devon, you'll have the opportunity to join our buddy scheme, and we’ll also provide you with a tailored induction and local insights to help you settle into your new role. You’ll enjoy regular 1-2-1s, team catch-ups, mentoring and appraisals. Plus, our occupational health team have a full and varied wellbeing programme available.

Career development and progression

Training and development opportunities are in high supply here, whether you are interested in clinical or leadership development, courses, secondments or placements. We’ll support you in finding the best way to grow. As an example of how far your career can take you, we have recently introduced consultant Allied Health Professional (AHP’s) roles to physiotherapy, First Contact Practitioners in primary care settings, and Clinical Educator posts across all specialities.

To find out more about our allied health professional careers, please take a look at our brochure:  

About North Devon

North Devon District Hospital is situated close to the fantastic beaches of the North Devon coastline and Exmoor national park. North Devon, known as England’s adventure coast; the area has an outstanding beauty protection status and has recently become the first place in the UK to be selected as a World surfing reserve. There is a good road link to the M5, and rail service to Exeter and the national network.

Working Pattern: 30 hours per week, Monday to Friday (Flexible working offered; full time and part-time applicants considered)

Interview Date: 7th December 2026

For further information please contact Gill Ashton – Highly Specialist Paediatric Dietitian, Northern locality Clinical Support & Specialist Services Division Tel: 01271 322306 (ext 2380)  g.ashton@nhs.net

As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Preference will be given to staff with ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.

Benefits

Looking after you is important to us.

We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.

If you are starting out in the NHS, you’ll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.

You will benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.

We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.

This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we will help you get there.

Salary is not the only financial benefit

You will have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers. You will also have access to other benefits including:

• National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
• Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter
• Car lease schemes.
• The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
• Cycle to work scheme

These are just a few of the benefits available – if the role is something you are interested in, we would love to hear from you.