Clinical Dietitian

Veterans Health Administration • Marion, IL

9d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Clinical Dietitian provides nutrition care to Veterans at GS-07, GS-09, or GS-11, with the full performance level at GS-11. The position conducts nutrition assessments using the Nutritional Care Process (NCP), establishes nutrition diagnoses, determines malnutrition risk or severity, develops and implements Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT), and monitors and evaluates intervention outcomes. The dietitian identifies patients needing nutritional support and recommends appropriate support options, provides individualized and group nutrition education and counseling, and maintains accurate records of clinical activity and patient encounters using approved systems.

The role applies evidence-based nutrition practices, interprets research, uses whole-health principles to develop patient-centered goals, and may use virtual care technology to improve access. It supports safe, high-quality care in accordance with Joint Commission and other accrediting and regulatory standards, and may contribute data to performance improvement activities. The dietitian collaborates with clinical teams, department leadership, and Food Operations/Food Service to improve Veterans' dining experiences and patient satisfaction, and serves as a liaison between clinical units and food service.

At GS-07, the position is an entry-level developmental role under guidance of a full-performance or higher-level dietitian, focused on lower-acuity assessments and building clinical skills. At GS-09, the role is developmental and performs increasingly complex tasks under general supervision. At GS-11, the role is full performance, with comprehensive independent practice and autonomous coverage of daily clinical activities.

The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Ad hoc telework is available; this is not a virtual position. The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to program eligibility and approval. The potential award is up to $200,000, with an eligibility period of one to five years. Applications must be submitted within four months of appointment; former EDRP participants are ineligible. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, except where appointment of a non-citizen is permitted under VA policy when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Registration as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Registered Dietitian (RD) with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
• For GS-07 or GS-09 only, a non-credentialed dietitian may be considered for a full-time temporary appointment of up to one year if the other basic requirements are met, including a bachelor's or higher degree from a U.S. regionally accredited institution or foreign equivalent and completion of an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program with a verification statement confirming eligibility to take the CDR registration examination. The RDN credential is required before promotion or conversion.
• For GS-09: at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade, or a master's degree in dietetics or a closely related field; demonstrate knowledge of accrediting and regulatory requirements and virtual nutrition-care technology; ability to provide care using the NCP, apply evidence-based nutrition practices, develop patient-centered goals, collect performance-improvement data, and collaborate with stakeholders.
• For GS-11: at least one year of experience as a registered dietitian equivalent to the next lower grade; demonstrate skill in delivering care using the NCP, interpreting research and applying evidence-based practices, developing patient-centered goals, analyzing performance-improvement data, and collaborating with stakeholders; ability to comply with accrediting, regulatory, and agency authorities.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Compliance with background and security investigation requirements, onboarding and identification requirements, and the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must meet Selective Service registration requirements.
• Successful completion of a one-year or two-year trial period, during which continued employment is evaluated.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments using the Nutritional Care Process, including nutrition-focused physical examinations, to establish nutrition diagnoses and determine malnutrition risk or severity.
• Develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate Medical Nutrition Therapy interventions; modify care plans as needed to support positive patient outcomes.
• Identify patients needing nutritional support, recommend an appropriate mode of support, and communicate recommendations to the health care team.
• Assess educational needs and provide Veteran-tailored nutrition education and counseling to individuals and groups.
• Maintain accurate clinical records and complete patient encounters using approved systems.
• Apply evidence-based nutrition guidelines, interpret research, and use whole-health principles to develop patient-centered goals.
• Use virtual care technology to improve access to nutrition care, as applicable to the grade-level assignment.
• Comply with Joint Commission and other accrediting, regulatory, and agency standards to support safe, high-quality care and continuous improvement.
• Collect or analyze data for Nutrition and Food Services performance-improvement activities and assist with implementing initiatives, as applicable to the grade-level assignment.
• Collaborate with Food Operations/Food Service and department leadership to enhance Veterans' dining experiences and patient satisfaction.
• Serve as a liaison between clinical units and the Food Operations/Food Service section.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), with an award of up to $200,000 and an eligibility period of one to five years, subject to eligibility and program approval.
• Federal employee benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and eligibility.
• Potential annual leave accrual credit based on prior federal service or military service, subject to request and approval.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level