Dietitian (Clinical)

Veterans Health Administration•Sioux Falls, SD

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Employees in this assignment serve as medical nutrition experts in the Clinical Section of Nutrition and Food Services (NFS). They work autonomously, applying evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines for patients, including those with complex medical and nutritional needs. The role provides Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT), nutrition support recommendations, education and counseling, and interdisciplinary collaboration to improve Veteran health outcomes and care quality. The Dietitian conducts nutrition assessments using the Nutritional Care Process (NCP), including nutrition-focused physical examinations, and develops, implements, monitors, and adjusts individualized nutrition interventions. The position documents care using the Assessment, Diagnosis, Intervention, Monitoring, Evaluation (ADIME) format and approved systems, maintains clinical activity records and productivity standards, and uses virtual care technology to improve access. The Dietitian also supports quality improvement and new initiatives, collaborates with Food Operations and department leadership to improve the dining experience and patient satisfaction, and serves as a liaison between clinical units and Food Operations. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Telework is not available, and the position is not virtual. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
Registration as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Registered Dietitian (RD) with the Commission on Dietetic Registration, except for qualifying non-credentialed GS-07 or GS-09 appointees under the stated temporary appointment provision.
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
For the non-credentialed GS-07/GS-09 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 a verification statement establishing eligibility to take the CDR registration examination.
For foreign degrees to be creditable: evaluation by ACEND and compliance with ACEND International Dietitian Education standards.
GS-07: Meets the basic requirements; no additional experience or education is required.
GS-09: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade, or a master's degree from a regionally accredited university or college; must demonstrate knowledge of accrediting and regulatory requirements and virtual nutrition-care technology; ability to deliver care using the NCP, apply evidence-based nutrition practices, develop patient-centered goals, collect performance-improvement data, and collaborate with stakeholders.
GS-11: At least one year of experience as an RDN equivalent to the next lower grade; must 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.
Meet applicable physical requirements under VA Directive and Handbook 5019; a pre-employment examination or evaluation may be required.
Complete required background/security investigation and online onboarding; provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements.
Register with Selective Service if applicable to males born after December 31, 1959.
Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a condition of employment.
Serve a one- or two-year trial period, during which continued employment is evaluated and requires written certification upon completion.

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments using the Nutritional Care Process, including nutrition-focused physical examinations, to establish a nutrition diagnosis and determine malnutrition risk or degree.
Develop and implement Medical Nutrition Therapy to address nutrition diagnoses; evaluate and monitor the effectiveness and outcomes of interventions; and modify plans as needed to achieve positive patient outcomes.
Calculate nutrient requirements and necessary diet restrictions or food and drug interactions, tailoring diet prescriptions to individual patients.
Document Medical Nutrition Therapy in the medical record using the ADIME format and maintain accurate records independently.
Identify patients needing nutritional support, recommend the appropriate mode of support, and communicate recommendations to the health care team.
Participate actively in formal and informal interdisciplinary team meetings.
Assess educational needs and provide nutrition education and counseling for individuals and groups, tailored to Veterans.
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 activities to implement new initiatives; use data to develop measures, evaluate results, and initiate corrective actions.
Comply with Joint Commission requirements and other accrediting agency standards to support safe, quality patient care.
Collaborate with the Food Operations Section and department leadership to improve the Veterans' dining experience and patient satisfaction, and serve as a liaison between clinical units and Food Operations.
Perform other related duties as assigned that are appropriate for the grade and assignment.