Job Description

The Bridge is part of the Tx Group, a growing private therapy company, providing a variety of health and education therapy services in the North West of England.

The Bridge is a privately run outpatient service offering immediate specialist support to children and young adults who may be experiencing eating disorders or concerns surrounding eating behaviours. We identify/recognise that there are limited options available for families seeking access to outpatient services and existing facilities are often have large waiting lists and strict inclusion criteria. Our team provide a supportive outpatient service for those who are seeking immediate treatment and adopt a multidisciplinary team approach to help achieve effective long-term results for children and their families in overcoming food related problems.

The Bridge works with a multidisciplinary team including specialist dietitians, mental health nurses, psychologists and medics. Our company functions in line with NICE guidelines and maintains a philosophy that is patient-centred and holistic. We are committed to providing the highest standard of care to everyone we treat, helping children and parents make real progress in a professional, caring, safe and supportive environment.

We are looking for an associate dietitian for 1 6 to 32 hours per month.

The Specialist Dietitian's role will entail helping children and young people with eating disorders / complex food behaviours maximise their quality of life, through the setting up and monitoring of diet plans and leading regular weight reviews to ensure effectiveness. You will be responsible for arranging provision of specialist feeds and nutritional supplements for clients via liaising with GPs and other relevant agencies. Diet plans may require adaptations and there may be a need to address sensitive subjects and provide advice to clients and their families. The role will also require completion of risk assessments, feeding back to and working collaboratively with an MDT, plus supervision of Assistant Psychologists and Personal Assistants employed by The Bridge.

The role can be flexible around other existing commitments.

What does it take to be successful in this role?

To be successful in this role you would need to:

Provide a high quality service to children, young people and their families and facilitate making significant progress with regards to changing eating behaviours for the better. Build a good rapport with and gain confidence from the parents and children you work Consider the holistic needs of each child when working to achieve the child's goals and aspirations and keep the wellbeing of your clients at the centre of all you do Negotiate change with patients to enable them to achieve targets, overcoming barriers to change including dietary, environmental and social factors. Communicate effectively with clients and the MDT to coordinate supported care and build a positive reputation for the company. Be flexible in your approach and capable of working both independently and as part of a team. Have a good understanding of MARSIPAN (Management of Really Sick Patients with Anorexia Nervosa) and the risks and complexities surrounding refeeding and apply accordingly. Have a good understanding of evidence based practice and apply it within the field Act as a champion for The Bridge and for Dietetics as a profession. Be proactive in engagement with supervision, CPD opportunities and assisting with the development of other colleagues through training etc.

The Ideal Candidate:

The successful applicant must meet the following requirements:

BSc / Msc Hons in Dietetics / Nutrition and Dietetics Registration with the HCPC and BDA A minimum of one year's experience post qualification. Experience of working with children with mental health/emotional problems and complex needs Willing to obtain enhanced DBS
Our ideal candidate will be a passionate Specialist Dietitian with experience of and a keen interest in working with children and young people with food related issues. They will be personable in nature, have a patient centred holistic approach and a professional attitude. They will be empathetic, innovative, flexible and open minded. They will have excellent communication skills and will be comfortable discussing sensitive issues with children and parents. They will be capable of managing with and leading families through distressing situations. They will be assertive and able to problem solve.

The successful applicant will be confident working autonomously, will gel as part of a multidisciplinary team and understand and appreciate the benefits of MDT working.

They will have experience and knowledge of creating, monitoring and modifying specialist diet plans and the weight of clients to ensure positive results. They will be familiar with risk assessments, MARSIPAN (Management of Really Sick Patients with Anorexia Nervosa) guidelines, NICE guidelines and other regulations linked to the specific client group.

They will strive to achieve the best for every client, show commitment to evidence-based practice and capability of making clinical decisions around complex and emotive issues relating to people with eating disorders and complex/enduring mental health needs. They will have knowledge of relevant behaviour management techniques and show awareness of the role and functions of other agencies and departments in relation to the care of people with eating disorders.

Our ideal candidate will have strong prioritisation and organisation skills, they will be hard working, IT competent and be able to demonstrate commitment to their own professional development.

Job Types: Part-time, Freelance

Pay: 36.00-40.00 per hour

Expected hours: 4 - 8 per week

Benefits:

Employee discount Free parking On-site parking
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 23/05/2025
Expected start date: 02/06/2025