Dietitian (Clinical)

Veterans Health Administration • Milwaukee, WI

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Clinical Dietitian works in the Nutrition and Food Division at the Clement J. Zablocki Medical Center, a Level 1a Complexity VHA facility in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The dietitian is the medical nutrition expert responsible for independently planning, developing, and directing nutritional care for assigned patients, including patients with complex medical and nutritional needs. The role supports the facility's mission and coordinates nutrition care with other health care providers, patients, their families, and the community.

This is a float position supporting inpatient and outpatient operations, with a rotating weekend schedule. The dietitian uses the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) to assess patients, develop and monitor Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT), document care, provide education and counseling, and support safe, high-quality care for Veterans. The role also includes use of virtual care technology and participation in the education of dietetic students and interns.

The work schedule is 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with rotating weekends. Ad-hoc telework is available; this is not a virtual position. The full performance level is GS-11, and selection may be at GS-07 through GS-11.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified U.S. citizens cannot be recruited under 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 temporary appointments.
• For the GS-07 or GS-09 non-credentialed temporary appointment exception: hold a bachelor's or higher degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university, or foreign equivalent, and have completed an ACEND-accredited experiential or supervised practice program with verification of eligibility to take the CDR registration exam.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Must meet the applicable grade-level qualification: GS-07 requires no experience or education beyond the basic requirements; GS-09 requires one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade or a master's degree; GS-11 requires at least one year of experience as a registered dietitian equivalent to the next lower grade.
• GS-09 candidates 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 candidates must demonstrate skill in delivering care using the NCP, interpreting research to apply evidence-based nutrition practices, developing patient-centered goals, analyzing performance-improvement data, and collaborating with stakeholders; and ability to comply with accrediting, regulatory, and agency authorities.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
• Must complete a background/security investigation and the online onboarding process.
• Must provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements; beginning May 7, 2025, non-REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or state identification cards are not acceptable identification for employment.
• Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program for Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period, during which continued employment is subject to written certification that it advances the public interest.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments using the Nutrition Care Process, including nutrition-focused physical examinations, to establish nutrition diagnoses and determine malnutrition risk or severity.
• Develop and implement Medical Nutrition Therapy to address nutrition diagnoses, evaluate and monitor effectiveness and outcomes, and modify interventions as needed.
• Use assessment and evaluation techniques that account for age-specific needs and cultural, religious, and ethnic considerations.
• Calculate nutrient requirements and diet restrictions, consider food and drug interactions, and tailor diet prescriptions to individual patients.
• Document Medical Nutrition Therapy in the medical record using the Assessment, Diagnosis, Intervention, Monitoring, Evaluation (ADIME) format.
• Order laboratory tests, diets, supplements, and consults within the scope of practice and policy order authorization.
• Participate in formal and informal interdisciplinary team meetings.
• Assess educational needs and provide nutrition education and counseling to individuals and groups, tailored to Veterans.
• Evaluate whether patients and/or family members achieve learning objectives.
• Adapt nutrition education materials and counseling techniques to clients' level of understanding, including simplifying complex dietary restrictions.
• Use virtual care technology to improve access to care.
• Maintain accurate records of daily activities and complete patient encounters using approved systems.
• Support continuous improvement of safe, high-quality care for Veterans.
• Assist in educating dietetic students and interns by planning learning experiences, teaching, and evaluating performance.
• Perform other related duties as assigned that are appropriate for the grade and assignment.

Benefits

• Federal employees earn annual leave at a rate of 4, 6, or 8 hours per pay period based on years of federal service.
• Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to request and approval.
• A comprehensive federal employee benefits package is available, with eligibility depending on position type.

What This Job Offers

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