Dietitian (Clinical) - Home Based Primary Care

Veterans Health Administration • Fort Meade, SD

11d

About The Position

Employees in this assignment serve as a Dietitian (Clinical) providing Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) within the Clinical Section of NFS and serving as the medical nutrition expert. They work autonomously, applying evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines for patients. The role provides comprehensive nutrition assessment and medical nutrition therapy, supports interdisciplinary care and patient education, uses virtual care technology, and contributes to quality improvement and the Veterans’ dining experience. The position is full-time, with a work schedule of 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Telework is ad hoc; this is not a virtual position. Home-based work involves frequent travel without direct supervision. A driving physical is required.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen, except that non-citizens may be appointed only when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
• Must be registered with the Commission on Dietetic Registration as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Registered Dietitian (RD), except for qualifying GS-07 or GS-09 non-credentialed Dietitians appointed temporarily under the stated conditions.
• For the GS-07/GS-09 non-credentialed exception: a bachelor's or higher degree from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university, or foreign equivalent, and completion of an ACEND-accredited experiential or supervised practice program with verification of eligibility to take the CDR registration exam.
• For GS-09: at least one year of experience equivalent to GS-07, or a master's degree from a regionally accredited university or college, plus the specified knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• For GS-11: at least one year of experience as an RDN equivalent to GS-09, plus the specified knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• GS-09 knowledge and abilities include knowledge of accrediting and regulatory requirements and virtual nutrition-care technology; ability to deliver care using the NCP, apply evidence-based practices, develop patient-centered goals, collect performance-improvement data, and collaborate with stakeholders.
• GS-11 skills and abilities include delivering patient care using the NCP, interpreting research and applying evidence-based practices, developing patient-centered goals, analyzing performance-improvement data, collaborating with stakeholders, and complying with accrediting, regulatory, and agency authorities.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Subject to background and security investigation; selected applicants must complete online onboarding and provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA Health Care Personnel.
• Must serve a one-year or two-year trial period, subject to written certification for continued employment after the period.
• A driving physical is required.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to self-direct with minimal supervisor oversight.
• Experience or ability to work in Home Based care, traveling frequently without direct supervision.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments using the Nutritional Care Process (NCP), including nutrition-focused physical examinations, to establish nutrition diagnoses and determine risk or degree of malnutrition.
• Develop and implement Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT), evaluate and monitor its effectiveness and outcomes, and modify plans as needed.
• Calculate nutrient requirements and necessary diet restrictions or food and drug interactions, tailoring diet prescriptions to individual patients.
• Document MNT in the medical record using the Assessment, Diagnosis, Intervention, Monitoring, Evaluation (ADIME) format, and maintain accurate records independently.
• Identify patients needing nutritional support, recommend an appropriate mode of support, and communicate with the health care team.
• Participate in formal and informal interdisciplinary team meetings.
• Assess educational needs and provide nutrition education and counseling tailored to Veterans, individually and in groups.
• Use virtual care technology to improve access to care.
• Maintain productivity standards, accurately record daily clinical activities, and complete patient encounters using approved systems.
• Support continuous improvement of safe, quality care for Veterans.
• Lead implementation of new initiatives; use data to develop measures, evaluate data, and initiate corrective actions.
• Comply with The Joint Commission requirements and other accrediting agency standards.
• Collaborate with the Food Operations Section and department leadership to enhance the Veterans’ dining experience, support patient satisfaction, and serve as a liaison between clinical units and Food Operations.
• Perform other related duties appropriate to the grade and assignment.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits depend on position eligibility and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.

What This Job Offers

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