Ellern Mede Ridgeway is a 26‑bed hospital providing inpatient treatment for children and young people aged 8–18 years with complex health needs including disordered eating and Eating Disorders.
The team has a long‑established record of helping children and young people achieve meaningful recovery outcomes. Over the past 21 years, the service has brought hope and progress to hundreds of patients and their families.
The Care Quality Commission rates Ellern Mede Ridgeway as Good across all five key lines of enquiry: safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well‑led.
Ellern Mede is seeking an experienced and motivated Dietitian to join our multidisciplinary team at our flagship Ridgeway hospital. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the delivery and development of specialist dietetic services within a leading eating disorder service for children, young people, and young adults.
You will play a key role in providing high-quality, evidence-based nutritional care, supporting patients and their families throughout treatment, recovery, and discharge.
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Duties
- Conduct comprehensive dietetic assessments, including anthropometry, diet history, and activity analysis
- Develop and implement individualised, evidence-based nutrition care plans
- Provide specialist dietetic support to patients with a range of eating disorders, including complex and treatment-resistant cases
- Deliver family-based treatment approaches, supporting parents and carers
- Analyse food diaries and provide constructive feedback to promote recovery
- Design tailored feeding plans, including oral nutritional supplements and nasogastric feeding
- Support patients during hospital stays, home leave, and discharge planning
- Facilitate group sessions on healthy eating and nutrition
Multidisciplinary Working
- Collaborate closely with the wider multidisciplinary team (MDT)
- Contribute to Care Programme Approach (CPA) processes and care planning
- Support patients in real-world settings (e.g. social eating in cafés/restaurants)
- Provide training and guidance to staff on eating disorder management
Governance, Research & Development
- Participate in clinical audits, research initiatives, and quality improvement
- Maintain accurate clinical records and prepare detailed reports
- Engage in continuous professional development (CPD)
- Ensure all practice aligns with safeguarding, professional standards, and relevant legislation
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Comprehensive induction and specialist eating disorder training
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Clear career progression pathways
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Online Academic Meetings
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Free meals during shifts
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Workplace pension scheme
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Blue Light Discount Scheme
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Employee Assistance Programme
Person Specification
Qualifications
- Registered Dietitian with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
- Full member of the British Dietetic Association (BDA)
Experience
Essential:
- 1 year post-graduate clinical dietetic experience
- Experience working with a range of clinical presentations
Desirable:
- Experience in eating disorders
- Experience in mental health settings
- Experience working with children and young people
Knowledge
Essential:
- Up-to-date knowledge of eating disorder management, including MEED guidelines
- Understanding of evidence-based dietetic practice
- Knowledge of relevant legislation and its application in clinical settings
Desirable:
- Broader understanding of eating disorder treatment approaches
Skills
Essential:
- Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
- Strong organisational and time management skills
- Ability to manage and prioritise a clinical caseload
- Emotional intelligence and resilience
- Reflective practice and critical thinking
- IT proficiency (MS Office and clinical systems)
Desirable:
- Experience delivering family-based treatment
- Counselling skills
- Motivational interviewing techniques
Personal Attributes
- Self-motivated and proactive
- Compassionate and patient-centred approach
- Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team
- Professional integrity and commitment to high standards
Other Requirements
- Satisfactory health clearance
- Enhanced DBS check
- Strong professional references
