Dietetic Technician

Military Treatment Facilities under DHA • Fort Polk, LA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located at Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital within Fort Polk, Louisiana. The Dietetic Technician interviews and screens patients, modifies standard and nonstandard diets, coordinates nutrition care activities with nursing services, and instructs patients about menus. The role also includes administrative and clerical duties. The technician assists the dietitian with nutrition screening and assessment by reviewing diet histories, obtaining medical information, and identifying patient tolerances and allergies through medical records and interviews. The technician accurately records patient information in medical records according to Nutrition Care policy; obtains and verifies diet orders with ward nurses or systems; and communicates with nursing staff about diet changes and alternate tray delivery times. The technician evaluates information to assign patients a nutritional risk category, conducts admission nutritional risk screenings for new patients, and provides dietary information orally and in writing to patients, their significant others, and nursing staff.

This is a Direct Hire Solicitation. A recruitment or relocation incentive may be authorized, and salary negotiation may be available for candidates new to Federal service. Non-Federal work experience may be creditable for leave purposes. The position is mission essential and requires direct patient contact. Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination and background investigation. A personnel security investigation, immunization screening, pre-placement medical examination, and pre-employment and random drug testing are required. Selectees must consent to seasonal influenza vaccination or provide a recognized exemption; Hepatitis B immunization and other immunizations may also be required. Employees may need to report or remain on duty during inclement weather or emergencies and may be required to wear personal protective equipment. A one-year probationary period applies.

Requirements

• One year of specialized experience monitoring nutrition care for patients by obtaining diet orders from medical staff or health systems, or assisting with implementation or evaluation of nutrition care plans to provide nutrition support to patients; this experience is typical of work at the GS-04 level.
• Alternatively, a four-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree, with a major study or at least 24 semester hours in subjects directly related to the position, such as dietetics or nutrition.
• A combination of education and experience may qualify when the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%.
• Applicants must be U.S. citizens and provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
• A background investigation and personnel security investigation are required; appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination.
• Immunization screening is required. Seasonal influenza vaccination or a recognized exemption is required; Hepatitis B immunization is required for positions with direct patient contact, and other immunizations may be required.
• A pre-placement medical examination is required.
• Pre-employment screening and random drug testing are required, including consent to random drug urinalysis testing.
• Employees may be required to report or remain on duty during inclement weather or emergencies and to wear personal protective equipment.
• A one-year probationary period is required.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• Direct deposit of pay is required.
• Foreign education used to meet qualification requirements must be evaluated as equivalent to U.S. accredited education, or receive full credit at a U.S. accredited college or university.

Responsibilities

• Interview and screen patients and modify standard and nonstandard diets.
• Coordinate nutrition care activities with nursing services and instruct patients regarding menus.
• Perform administrative and clerical duties.
• Assist the dietitian with nutrition screening and assessment by evaluating diet histories and obtaining medical information, patient tolerances, and allergies from records and interviews.
• Record patient information accurately in medical records according to Nutrition Care policy.
• Obtain diet orders from ward nurses or systems and ensure their accuracy by communicating with nursing staff about diet changes and alternate tray delivery times.
• Evaluate information to assign each patient a nutritional risk category.
• Conduct admission nutritional risk screenings for all new patients.
• Provide dietary information orally and in writing to patients, their significant others, and nursing staff.

Benefits

• Non-Federal work experience may be creditable for leave purposes.
• A recruitment or relocation incentive may be authorized for highly qualified candidates.
• Salary negotiation may be available for candidates new to Federal service.

What This Job Offers

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