Dietitian (Clinical)

Veterans Health Administration • Leavenworth, KS

4d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located in the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, in Leavenworth, Kansas (VISN 15). The Clinical Dietitian plans, develops, and directs nutritional care activities for assigned Veterans, including people with complex medical and nutritional needs. The position is offered at developmental and full-performance grade levels, with work complexity, supervision, and independence varying by grade.

The Dietitian conducts nutrition assessments using the Nutrition Care Process (NCP), develops and implements Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT), and monitors and evaluates interventions and patient outcomes. The role includes calculating nutrient needs and dietary restrictions, identifying patients who may need nutritional support, coordinating recommendations with the healthcare team, participating in interdisciplinary meetings, and completing care plans and Minimum Data Set documentation within established timeframes. The Dietitian also provides tailored nutrition education and counseling, maintains accurate clinical records and productivity, and uses virtual-care technology to improve access.

The position works a schedule of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is not a virtual position; ad-hoc telework is available. The position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for appointment of non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Registered Dietitian (RD) credential through the Commission on Dietetic Registration, except for eligible GS-07 and GS-09 appointments described in the posting.
• For the GS-07/GS-09 non-credentialed temporary appointment exception: a bachelor's or higher degree from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university (or qualifying foreign equivalent), and completion of an ACEND-accredited experiential or supervised practice program with verification of eligibility to take the CDR registration examination.
• 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-11: at least one year of experience as an RDN equivalent to the next lower grade.
• For GS-09: knowledge of accrediting and regulatory requirements and virtual-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.
• For GS-11: skill in delivering care using the NCP, interpreting research and applying evidence-based nutrition practices, developing patient-centered goals, analyzing performance-improvement data, and collaborating with stakeholders; ability to comply with accrediting, regulatory, and agency authorities.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Valid driver's license.
• Registration with Selective Service is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Subject to background and security investigation, online onboarding, and required pre-employment identification requirements.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA healthcare 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 nutrition assessments using the Nutrition Care Process, including nutrition-focused physical examinations, to establish diagnoses and determine malnutrition risk or degree.
• Develop and implement Medical Nutrition Therapy to address nutrition diagnoses; evaluate and monitor effectiveness and outcomes, and modify interventions as needed.
• Document Medical Nutrition Therapy in the medical record using the ADIME format.
• Calculate nutrient requirements and identify necessary dietary restrictions and food-drug interactions.
• Identify patients who need nutritional support, recommend an appropriate mode of support, and communicate recommendations to the healthcare team.
• Participate in formal and informal interdisciplinary team meetings.
• Complete care plans and Minimum Data Set documentation within established timeframes.
• Assess educational needs and provide nutrition education and counseling tailored to Veterans, individually and in groups.
• Maintain productivity standards and accurate records of daily clinical activities; complete patient encounters using approved systems.
• Use virtual-care technology to improve access to care.
• Comply with The Joint Commission and other accrediting, regulatory, and agency requirements to support safe, quality care.
• Collect and analyze data related to performance-improvement activities; assist with or lead implementation of initiatives depending on grade level.
• Collaborate with food-service staff and other stakeholders to enhance Veterans' dining experience, support patient satisfaction, and coordinate between clinical units and food service.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package for employees and their families.
• Annual leave accrual may be credited for qualifying prior federal work or military service, if requested and approved before appointment.

What This Job Offers

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