Senior Specialist Dietitian - Parkinson's Disease

Band 7 Senior Specialist Dietitian - 24-month fixed term post based at Buccleuch Lodge

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our multidisciplinary Parkinson's Disease Service, supporting individuals throughout their care pathway. The role will involve working closely alongside a wider multidisciplinary team, including Consultants, Clinical Nurse Specialists and therapy colleagues.

We are seeking a motivated, enthusiastic and experienced Dietitian to join this specialist service. As we continue to develop and enhance the dietetic provision within Parkinson's Disease Services, this role offers an opportunity to help shape and strengthen nutritional support for this patient group.

The successful candidate will bring highly developed and transferable dietetic skills to deliver specialist nutritional assessment, intervention and advice for people living with Parkinson's disease. This will include managing complex nutritional needs such as malnutrition, unintended weight change, dysphagia-related considerations, constipation, and the impact of medication on nutritional status.

Excellent communication and motivational skills are essential, alongside the ability to manage complex and sometimes challenging situations with sensitivity and professionalism. The post holder will work in partnership with patients, families and carers to optimise nutritional status, support symptom management and enhance quality of life.

Main duties of the job

• Comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of patients with complex presentations and multi-pathologies
• Management of specialist caseloads including assessment, treatment planning, and ongoing review
• Development, monitoring, and adjustment of specialist dietetic care plans
• Extensive multidisciplinary working, case conferences, and patient review meetings
• Advanced clinical reasoning including dietary management and medication considerations
• Education, counselling and communication with patients, carers, and professionals
• Attendance at patient-related meetings, clinics, and service discussions
• Creation of referral pathways, resources, protocols, and standards of care
• Development and delivery of formal and informal training programmes
• Leadership of audit, clinical effectiveness, research, and service development activities

About us

Join Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and become part of a 30,000 plus strong team, delivering exceptional care to over 1 million people every year. As the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe, we are forward-thinking, committed to clinical excellence and driven to deliver innovation, and continuous improvement.

Whether you're beginning your career or taking the next step, MFT offers a stimulating and supportive environment where your contribution truly matters. Our Hive Electronic Patient Record system enables safer, smarter, and more efficient ways of working - empowering you to deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients.You'll be part of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary community, working alongside professionals from a wide range of clinical backgrounds. Together, we push boundaries, share knowledge, and deliver care that transforms lives.

At MFT, you'll find a workplace where everyone is respected, supported, and encouraged to thrive. We offer clear clinical pathways for professional development, helping you grow your skills and achieve your ambitions.Your journey at MFT is more than a job - it's an opportunity to make a lasting impact. We'll support you as you shape the future of healthcare, one patient at a time.

Details

Date posted

14 October 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£49,387 to £56,515 a year

per annum (pro rata)

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

24 months

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

349-WTWA-8089774-RL3E

Job locations

MFT Day Hospital Buccleuch Lodge

Elizabeth Slinger Road, West Didsbury,

Manchester

M20 2XA

United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

IMPORTANT CANDIDATE INFORMATION

To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience youll need for this role, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Documents to download heading.

Explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place

To help you feel confident, prepared and fully informed before you apply, we invite you to explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place. This welcoming onestop hub gives you a real sense of who we are, what we stand for, how we reward and support you, and the many ways we care for you as you care for others. Youll also find practical hints and tips for submitting a great application, along with the essential information you need to know before you apply.

To access Inside MFT Your Candidate Place, simply click on the relevant PDF document under the Documents to download heading and once opened, you can either scan QR code or click on the link provided.

Closing vacancy listings early

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application

Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, were proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOU, for our patients, our communities, and each other.As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your application, especially personal statements and responses to role specific questions is written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone.

Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

As part of our commitment to safeguarding patients and staff, many roles at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This is a standard process across the NHS and helps us ensure a safe environment for everyone.

What is a DBS Check?

A DBS check is a background check that reveals any criminal convictions, cautions, reprimands, or warnings. The level of check required depends on the role:

Standard DBS: Checks for spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings.

Enhanced DBS: Includes the above, plus any additional information held by local police thats considered relevant to the role.

Enhanced with Barred Lists: Includes all of the above, plus checks against the childrens and/or adults barred lists.

Who Needs a DBS Check

Most roles involving direct patient contact, working with children or vulnerable adults, or access to sensitive information will require a DBS check. The job advert and recruitment team will let you know if this applies to your role.

The Costs for a DBS

At Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), roles that require a DBS check are subject to a cost recovery policy. This means that the cost of submitting and processing a DBS application if you are successful and join us, will be deducted from your salary within the first three months of employment. If, however, you withdraw from a conditional offer after the DBS process has begun, you will still be liable for the cost incurred.

For more information about the cost of the various types of DBS, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dbs-fees-are-changing-in-december

DBS Update Service

Candidates are also expected to register with the DBS Update Service which must be completed within 30 days of the certificate being issued. This helps streamline future employment checks and supports safer recruitment practices. For more information, please visit the DBS Update Service.

Job responsibilities

IMPORTANT CANDIDATE INFORMATION

To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience youll need for this role, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Documents to download heading.

Explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place

To help you feel confident, prepared and fully informed before you apply, we invite you to explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place. This welcoming onestop hub gives you a real sense of who we are, what we stand for, how we reward and support you, and the many ways we care for you as you care for others. Youll also find practical hints and tips for submitting a great application, along with the essential information you need to know before you apply.

To access Inside MFT Your Candidate Place, simply click on the relevant PDF document under the Documents to download heading and once opened, you can either scan QR code or click on the link provided.

Closing vacancy listings early

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application

Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, were proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOU, for our patients, our communities, and each other.As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your application, especially personal statements and responses to role specific questions is written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone.

Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

As part of our commitment to safeguarding patients and staff, many roles at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This is a standard process across the NHS and helps us ensure a safe environment for everyone.

What is a DBS Check?

A DBS check is a background check that reveals any criminal convictions, cautions, reprimands, or warnings. The level of check required depends on the role:

Standard DBS: Checks for spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings.

Enhanced DBS: Includes the above, plus any additional information held by local police thats considered relevant to the role.

Enhanced with Barred Lists: Includes all of the above, plus checks against the childrens and/or adults barred lists.

Who Needs a DBS Check

Most roles involving direct patient contact, working with children or vulnerable adults, or access to sensitive information will require a DBS check. The job advert and recruitment team will let you know if this applies to your role.

The Costs for a DBS

At Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), roles that require a DBS check are subject to a cost recovery policy. This means that the cost of submitting and processing a DBS application if you are successful and join us, will be deducted from your salary within the first three months of employment. If, however, you withdraw from a conditional offer after the DBS process has begun, you will still be liable for the cost incurred.

For more information about the cost of the various types of DBS, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dbs-fees-are-changing-in-december

DBS Update Service

Candidates are also expected to register with the DBS Update Service which must be completed within 30 days of the certificate being issued. This helps streamline future employment checks and supports safer recruitment practices. For more information, please visit the DBS Update Service.

Person Specification

Qualification / Education

Essential

• BSc. or MSc. in Dietetics or BSc. In relevant science plus Post Graduate Diploma or MSc in Dietetics
• Clinical Educators Course
• Completion of validated/nationally recognised post-graduate training or equivalent in the specialist area
• Member of relevant clinical specialist interest group
• State registration via Health and Care Professions Council

Desirable

• Registered member of the British Dietetic Association
• Involvement in special interest group
• Audit and Research training to a post-graduate level
• Completion of a post-graduate management/leadership course

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Significant postgraduate clinical experience which includes a reasonable amount of time working in a post incorporating the relevant specialty, following post-graduate experience as a Dietitian in a broad rotational post
• Experience of supervision of qualified staff, students and assistants
• Evidence of Continual Professional Development to a specialist level
• Highly comprehensive specialist knowledge of dietetic assessment and treatment techniques
• Working knowledge of local and national policies and procedures e.g. British Dietetic Association/Health and Care Professions Council Code of Conduct/Ethics, Health and Safety, Infection Control, Equality and Diversity
• Experience of and commitment to interdisciplinary and multi-disciplinary team working

Desirable

• Experience in a post at this level
• Experience of managing less senior staff
• Evidence of involvement in governance activities
• Knowledge of community and Intermediate Care services
• Evidence of participation in post-registration research

Clinical Skills/Abilities

Essential

• Excellent interpersonal skills and communication skills
• Good organisational / planning / prioritisation skills
• Demonstrate complex body composition measurement skills
• Ability to motivate and negotiate to encourage reluctant and challenging patients
• Effective written communication skills e.g. clinical records, reports to other health care professionals and external agencies
• Well developed concentration, analytical and problem solving skills
• Able to work autonomously with ability to seek guidance appropriately with individuals or in a group setting

Person Specification

Qualification / Education

Essential

• BSc. or MSc. in Dietetics or BSc. In relevant science plus Post Graduate Diploma or MSc in Dietetics
• Clinical Educators Course
• Completion of validated/nationally recognised post-graduate training or equivalent in the specialist area
• Member of relevant clinical specialist interest group
• State registration via Health and Care Professions Council

Desirable

• Registered member of the British Dietetic Association
• Involvement in special interest group
• Audit and Research training to a post-graduate level
• Completion of a post-graduate management/leadership course

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Significant postgraduate clinical experience which includes a reasonable amount of time working in a post incorporating the relevant specialty, following post-graduate experience as a Dietitian in a broad rotational post
• Experience of supervision of qualified staff, students and assistants
• Evidence of Continual Professional Development to a specialist level
• Highly comprehensive specialist knowledge of dietetic assessment and treatment techniques
• Working knowledge of local and national policies and procedures e.g. British Dietetic Association/Health and Care Professions Council Code of Conduct/Ethics, Health and Safety, Infection Control, Equality and Diversity
• Experience of and commitment to interdisciplinary and multi-disciplinary team working

Desirable

• Experience in a post at this level
• Experience of managing less senior staff
• Evidence of involvement in governance activities
• Knowledge of community and Intermediate Care services
• Evidence of participation in post-registration research

Clinical Skills/Abilities

Essential

• Excellent interpersonal skills and communication skills
• Good organisational / planning / prioritisation skills
• Demonstrate complex body composition measurement skills
• Ability to motivate and negotiate to encourage reluctant and challenging patients
• Effective written communication skills e.g. clinical records, reports to other health care professionals and external agencies
• Well developed concentration, analytical and problem solving skills
• Able to work autonomously with ability to seek guidance appropriately with individuals or in a group setting

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).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see

NHS Careers website .

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.

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).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see

NHS Careers website .

Employer details

Employer name

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

MFT Day Hospital Buccleuch Lodge

Elizabeth Slinger Road, West Didsbury,

Manchester

M20 2XA

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://mft.nhs.uk/careers/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

MFT Day Hospital Buccleuch Lodge

Elizabeth Slinger Road, West Didsbury,

Manchester

M20 2XA

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://mft.nhs.uk/careers/ (Opens in a new tab)

Job responsibilities

IMPORTANT CANDIDATE INFORMATION

To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience youll need for this role, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Documents to download heading.

Explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place

To help you feel confident, prepared and fully informed before you apply, we invite you to explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place. This welcoming onestop hub gives you a real sense of who we are, what we stand for, how we reward and support you, and the many ways we care for you as you care for others. Youll also find practical hints and tips for submitting a great application, along with the essential information you need to know before you apply.

To access Inside MFT Your Candidate Place, simply click on the relevant PDF document under the Documents to download heading and once opened, you can either scan QR code or click on the link provided.

Closing vacancy listings early

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application

Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, were proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOU, for our patients, our communities, and each other.As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your application, especially personal statements and responses to role specific questions is written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone.

Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

As part of our commitment to safeguarding patients and staff, many roles at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This is a standard process across the NHS and helps us ensure a safe environment for everyone.

What is a DBS Check?

A DBS check is a background check that reveals any criminal convictions, cautions, reprimands, or warnings. The level of check required depends on the role:

Standard DBS: Checks for spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings.

Enhanced DBS: Includes the above, plus any additional information held by local police thats considered relevant to the role.

Enhanced with Barred Lists: Includes all of the above, plus checks against the childrens and/or adults barred lists.

Who Needs a DBS Check

Most roles involving direct patient contact, working with children or vulnerable adults, or access to sensitive information will require a DBS check. The job advert and recruitment team will let you know if this applies to your role.

The Costs for a DBS

At Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), roles that require a DBS check are subject to a cost recovery policy. This means that the cost of submitting and processing a DBS application if you are successful and join us, will be deducted from your salary within the first three months of employment. If, however, you withdraw from a conditional offer after the DBS process has begun, you will still be liable for the cost incurred.

For more information about the cost of the various types of DBS, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dbs-fees-are-changing-in-december

DBS Update Service

Candidates are also expected to register with the DBS Update Service which must be completed within 30 days of the certificate being issued. This helps streamline future employment checks and supports safer recruitment practices. For more information, please visit the DBS Update Service.

Qualification / Education

Essential

• BSc. or MSc. in Dietetics or BSc. In relevant science plus Post Graduate Diploma or MSc in Dietetics
• Clinical Educators Course
• Completion of validated/nationally recognised post-graduate training or equivalent in the specialist area
• Member of relevant clinical specialist interest group
• State registration via Health and Care Professions Council

Desirable

• Registered member of the British Dietetic Association
• Involvement in special interest group
• Audit and Research training to a post-graduate level
• Completion of a post-graduate management/leadership course

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Significant postgraduate clinical experience which includes a reasonable amount of time working in a post incorporating the relevant specialty, following post-graduate experience as a Dietitian in a broad rotational post
• Experience of supervision of qualified staff, students and assistants
• Evidence of Continual Professional Development to a specialist level
• Highly comprehensive specialist knowledge of dietetic assessment and treatment techniques
• Working knowledge of local and national policies and procedures e.g. British Dietetic Association/Health and Care Professions Council Code of Conduct/Ethics, Health and Safety, Infection Control, Equality and Diversity
• Experience of and commitment to interdisciplinary and multi-disciplinary team working

Desirable

• Experience in a post at this level
• Experience of managing less senior staff
• Evidence of involvement in governance activities
• Knowledge of community and Intermediate Care services
• Evidence of participation in post-registration research

Clinical Skills/Abilities

Essential

• Excellent interpersonal skills and communication skills
• Good organisational / planning / prioritisation skills
• Demonstrate complex body composition measurement skills
• Ability to motivate and negotiate to encourage reluctant and challenging patients
• Effective written communication skills e.g. clinical records, reports to other health care professionals and external agencies
• Well developed concentration, analytical and problem solving skills
• Able to work autonomously with ability to seek guidance appropriately with individuals or in a group setting