Dietitian (Clinical)

Veterans Health Administration • Kernersville, NC

24d • Onsite

About The Position

The incumbent functions independently in professional and technical aspects of clinical nutrition and plans and organizes their own work. This full-performance clinical dietitian provides Home Based Primary Care (HBPC), with collateral assignments in primary care/outpatient settings, serving as a medical nutrition expert within the Clinical Section of Nutrition and Food Services (NFS).

The dietitian conducts comprehensive nutrition assessments using the Nutrition Care Process (NCP), including nutrition-focused physical examinations, to establish nutrition diagnoses and determine malnutrition risk or degree. The role develops, implements, monitors, and adjusts Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT), calculates nutrient requirements and dietary restrictions, and documents care in the medical record using the ADIME format. The dietitian identifies patients who need nutritional support, recommends appropriate support, and communicates with the health care team.

The position includes interdisciplinary collaboration, individualized nutrition education and counseling, use of virtual care technology to improve access, and accurate documentation of clinical activities and patient encounters in approved systems. The dietitian contributes to quality and safety improvement, leads implementation of new initiatives, uses data to develop and evaluate measures and initiate corrective actions, and complies with Joint Commission and other accrediting standards. The role also collaborates with Food Operations and department leadership to enhance Veterans’ dining experiences. Other related duties appropriate to the grade and assignment may be assigned.

The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with rotating holidays and weekends. Telework is not available, and the position is not virtual. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized.

Requirements

• Be a U.S. citizen, except that non-citizens may be appointed when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
• Be registered as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Registered Dietitian (RD) with the Commission on Dietetic Registration, unless qualifying under the applicable grandfathering provision.
• For GS-11, have at least one year of experience as an RDN equivalent to the next lower grade.
• Demonstrate skill in delivering patient care using the Nutrition Care Process.
• 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 proficient in written and spoken English.
• Hold a current, valid, and unrestricted driver's license to operate a government-owned vehicle for HBPC duties.
• Pass a pre-employment physical examination and required background/security investigation; selected applicants are also subject to drug screening and required onboarding procedures.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Complete all application requirements in the announcement's Required Documents section.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to written certification for continued employment.

Nice To Haves

• Previous Home Care or Primary Care experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments using the Nutrition Care Process, including nutrition-focused physical examinations, to establish diagnoses and assess malnutrition risk or degree.
• Develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate Medical Nutrition Therapy interventions, modifying plans as needed to improve patient outcomes.
• Calculate nutrient requirements and dietary restrictions, accounting for individual needs and food and drug interactions.
• Document MNT in the medical record using the ADIME format and maintain accurate clinical records and patient encounters in approved systems.
• Identify patients who need nutritional support, recommend an appropriate mode of support, and communicate recommendations to 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.
• Support continuous improvement of safe, high-quality Veteran care.
• Lead activities to implement new initiatives; use data to develop and evaluate measures and initiate corrective actions.
• Comply with Joint Commission and other accrediting agency requirements and standards.
• Collaborate with Food Operations and department leadership to enhance Veterans’ dining experience.
• Perform other related duties appropriate to the grade and assignment as assigned.

Benefits

• Federal employees may earn annual leave at a rate based on years of federal service; selected applicants may request prior work or military service credit toward annual leave accrual, subject to approval.
• A comprehensive federal employee benefits package is offered; specific eligibility depends on position type, and applicants are directed to contact the hiring agency for details.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed