Dietitian (Clinical)

Veterans Health Administration • Gainesville, FL

9d • Onsite

About The Position

Clinical Dietitians coordinate Veterans’ nutritional care with other health care providers, Veterans, caregivers, and the community. They interpret research and use whole health principles to develop patient-centered goals and improve outcomes. They also collaborate with the Food Operations Section to enhance the Veterans’ dining experience and patient satisfaction.

The position provides comprehensive clinical nutrition care, including nutrition assessments, nutrition diagnosis, Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT), monitoring and evaluation of interventions, nutrition support recommendations, education and counseling, and documentation. The Dietitian participates in interdisciplinary care, uses virtual care technology, supports quality and performance improvement, and helps implement new initiatives. The role may include other related duties appropriate to the grade and assignment.

The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telework is not available, and this is not a virtual position. The full performance level is GS-11; the selection range is GS-7 through GS-11. Relocation and recruitment incentives and Permanent Change of Station authorization are not available.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship; non-citizens may be appointed only when qualified U.S. citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
• Hold the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential from the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• For 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.
• For GS-09: knowledge of accrediting and regulatory requirements and virtual technology for nutrition care; ability to deliver care using the NCP, apply evidence-based nutrition practices, develop patient-centered goals, collect data for performance improvement studies, and collaborate with stakeholders.
• For GS-11: at least one year of experience as an RDN equivalent to the next lower grade.
• For GS-11: skill in delivering care using the NCP, interpreting research and applying evidence-based nutrition practices, developing patient-centered goals, analyzing data for performance improvement studies, and collaborating with stakeholders; ability to comply with accrediting, regulatory, and agency authorities.
• Meet applicable background and security investigation requirements and complete the online onboarding process and required application documentation.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program, as required for VA Health Care Personnel.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, during which continued employment is subject to written certification that it advances the public interest.
• Education used to qualify must be from an institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education; foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency and transcript.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments using the Nutritional Care Process (NCP), including nutrition-focused physical examinations, to establish nutrition diagnoses and determine malnutrition risk or severity.
• Develop and implement Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT), evaluate and monitor intervention effectiveness and outcomes, and modify plans as needed.
• Calculate nutrient requirements and diet restrictions, account for food and drug interactions, and tailor 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 who need nutritional support, recommend an appropriate support method, 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.
• Maintain productivity standards, accurately record daily clinical activities, and complete patient encounters using approved systems.
• Support continuous improvement of safe, high-quality Veteran care and lead activities implementing new initiatives.
• Use data to develop measures, evaluate performance, 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 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.

Benefits

• Federal employees receive a comprehensive benefits package; eligibility and specific benefits depend on position type and other factors.
• Selected applicants may request credit for prior work or military service toward annual leave accrual; credit must be approved before appointment and is not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

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