Dietitian (Clinical)
About The Position
This Clinical Dietitian position is in Nutrition and Food Service at the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center. The dietitian practices in accordance with Nutrition and Food Service directives, policies and procedures, and VA regulations, and may be assigned to any nutrition practice area. The role includes planning, developing, and directing nutritional care for assigned Veterans, including those with complex medical and nutritional needs, and coordinating care with health care providers, Veterans, caregivers, and the community. The position applies the Nutritional Care Process (NCP) to assess patients, identify nutrition diagnoses and malnutrition risk, develop and monitor Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT), and document care in the medical record using the ADIME format. It also involves nutrition support recommendations, interdisciplinary collaboration, care planning, and individualized nutrition education and counseling. The full performance level is GS-11; selection may be at GS-07 through GS-11. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The position is in the Excepted Service and requires a one- or two-year trial period.
Requirements
- U.S. citizenship, except where appointment of a non-citizen is permitted under VA policy because qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
- Registration as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Registered Dietitian (RD) with the Commission on Dietetic Registration, subject to the stated GS-07/GS-09 temporary appointment exception.
- Proficiency in written and spoken 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 college or university.
- For GS-09, knowledge of accrediting and regulatory requirements and virtual technology for nutrition care; ability to deliver patient care using the NCP, apply evidence-based nutrition practices, develop patient-centered goals, collect performance-improvement data, 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 performance-improvement data, and collaborating with stakeholders; ability to comply with accrediting, regulatory, and agency authorities.
- 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 foreign equivalent), completion of an ACEND-accredited experiential or supervised practice program, and a program director's verification statement confirming eligibility to take the CDR registration exam.
- Foreign education used to qualify must meet applicable evaluation requirements; a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency and transcript are required when applicable.
- Must complete required background/security investigation and online onboarding, provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements, and participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Must serve a one-year or two-year trial period.
- Physical demands are described as typical for the occupation and generally do not require a pre-employment examination.
Responsibilities
- Conduct nutrition assessments for lower-acuity patients using the Nutritional Care Process, including nutrition-focused physical examinations, to establish diagnoses and assess malnutrition risk or severity.
- Develop and implement Medical Nutrition Therapy, evaluate and monitor its effectiveness and outcomes, and modify interventions as needed.
- Document Medical Nutrition Therapy in medical records using the Assessment, Diagnosis, Intervention, Monitoring, Evaluation (ADIME) format.
- Calculate nutrient requirements and identify necessary diet restrictions and food–drug interactions.
- 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.
- Complete care plans and Minimum Data Set (MDS) documentation within established time frames.
- Assess educational needs and provide individualized nutrition education and counseling to Veterans and groups.
- Maintain productivity standards.
- Plan, develop, and direct nutritional care activities for assigned Veterans, including those with complex medical and nutritional needs.
- Coordinate nutritional care with health care providers, Veterans, caregivers, and the community, supporting the facility's mission.
- Diagnose nutrition problems and assess the nutritional implications of diseases and medical treatments.
- Use assessment methods to identify physical signs of malnutrition, drug–nutrient interactions and depletions, and intake and nutrient losses.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Federal employee benefits package for employees and their families; specific benefits depend on position type and eligibility.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
