Dietitian (Clinical)

Veterans Health Administration • Eugene, OR

17d • Onsite

About The Position

This full-performance Clinical Dietitian position provides Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) within the Clinical Section of Nutrition and Food Services. The dietitian serves as the medical nutrition expert and works autonomously, applying evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines for patients with a range of needs, including complex medical and nutritional needs. The role coordinates nutritional care with Veterans, caregivers, community members, and other health care providers; interprets research; and uses whole health principles to develop patient-centered goals and improve outcomes. The dietitian also collaborates with Food Operations to enhance Veterans' dining experiences and patient satisfaction.

The position includes conducting comprehensive nutrition assessments through the Nutrition Care Process, developing and implementing Medical Nutrition Therapy, documenting care in the medical record, and monitoring and adjusting interventions. The dietitian participates in interdisciplinary care, provides tailored nutrition education and counseling, uses virtual care technology to improve access, and contributes to quality, safety, and performance improvement activities. The role is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PST. Telework and virtual work are not available. The position is full-time, permanent, and at the GS-11 full-performance level. An Education Debt Reduction Program may be available to eligible applicants, subject to program approval and requirements.

Requirements

• Hold the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential from the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
• Be proficient in spoken and written English.
• For GS-11, have at least one year of experience as an RDN/RD equivalent to GS-09.
• Demonstrate skill in delivering patient care using the Nutrition Care Process, including assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Demonstrate skill in interpreting research and applying evidence-based nutrition practices to improve patient outcomes.
• Demonstrate skill in developing patient-centered goals.
• Demonstrate skill in analyzing data for performance-improvement studies.
• Demonstrate skill in collaborating with stakeholders.
• Demonstrate the ability to comply with accrediting, regulatory, and agency authorities.
• Be a U.S. citizen, except where non-citizen appointment is permitted under VA policy when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Possess a valid state-issued driver's license, a safe driving record, and medical qualification to operate the appropriate motor vehicle safely.
• Pass a pre-employment physical examination and required background/security investigation.
• Meet application, onboarding, identification, and other pre-employment requirements.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, as applicable.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with a geriatric population.
• Ability to operate independently.
• Comfort with home visits and delivering care in patients' residences.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments using the Nutrition Care Process, including nutrition-focused physical examinations, to establish nutrition diagnoses and determine malnutrition risk or degree.
• Develop and implement Medical Nutrition Therapy to address nutrition diagnoses; evaluate and monitor intervention effectiveness and outcomes; and modify plans as needed.
• Calculate nutrient requirements and identify necessary dietary restrictions and food or drug interactions, tailoring prescriptions to individual patients.
• Document Medical Nutrition Therapy in the medical record using the ADIME format and maintain accurate records independently.
• Identify patients who need 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 tailored nutrition education and counseling to individuals and 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 in safe, high-quality Veteran care; lead implementation of new initiatives; use data to develop measures, evaluate performance, and initiate corrective actions.
• Comply with Joint Commission requirements and other accrediting agency standards.
• Collaborate with Food Operations 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

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

What This Job Offers

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