Dietitian (Clinical)

Veterans Health Administration • Appleton, WI

12d • Onsite

About The Position

The Clinical 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 dietitian coordinates nutrition care with other health care providers, patients, families, and the community in support of the facility’s mission. This outpatient primary care position serves both the John H. Bradley Outpatient Clinic in Appleton and the Milo C. Huempfner Outpatient Clinic in Green Bay.

The dietitian conducts nutrition assessments and develops, implements, monitors, and adjusts medical nutrition therapy (MNT). The role includes patient and group education and counseling, interdisciplinary collaboration, use of virtual care technology, accurate documentation and record keeping, quality improvement, and education of dietetic students and interns. The position is full-time, Monday through Friday, with a schedule of 7:30 AM–4:00 PM and variations. Telework may be available per facility policy; this is not a virtual position.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, except that non-citizens may be appointed when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
• Registration with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Registered Dietitian (RD), except for the specified GS-07 and GS-09 temporary appointment pathway.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• For the non-credentialed GS-07/GS-09 exception: a bachelor’s or higher degree from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university, or foreign equivalent, and completion of an ACEND-accredited experiential or supervised practice program with a verification statement establishing eligibility to take the CDR registration exam.
• 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; demonstrate knowledge of accrediting and regulatory requirements, virtual nutrition-care technology, the NCP, evidence-based nutrition practices, and patient-centered goal development.
• For GS-11: at least one year of experience as a registered dietitian equivalent to the next lower grade; demonstrate skill in NCP-based care, interpreting research and applying evidence-based practices, developing patient-centered goals, analyzing data for performance improvement studies, collaborating with stakeholders, and complying with accrediting, regulatory, and agency authorities.
• Selected applicants must complete a background/security investigation and online onboarding, provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements, and participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Serve a one-year or two-year trial period, as applicable.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments using the Nutrition Care Process (NCP), including nutrition-focused physical examinations, to establish nutrition diagnoses and determine risk or degree of malnutrition.
• Develop and implement Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT), evaluate and monitor its effectiveness and outcomes, and modify plans as needed to achieve positive patient outcomes.
• Use assessment and evaluation techniques that account for age-specific needs and cultural, religious, and ethnic concerns.
• Calculate nutrient requirements and necessary diet restrictions or food and drug interactions, tailoring diet prescriptions to individual patients.
• Document MNT in the medical record using the Assessment, Diagnosis, Intervention, Monitoring, Evaluation (ADIME) format.
• Order labs, diets, supplements, and consults within the scope of practice and under the Policy Order Authorization.
• Participate in formal and informal interdisciplinary team meetings.
• Assess educational needs and provide tailored nutrition education and counseling to individuals and groups.
• Evaluate whether patients and/or families achieve learning objectives.
• Adapt nutrition education materials and counseling techniques to clients’ levels 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 in the safety and quality of care for Veterans.
• Assist in educating dietetic students and interns by planning learning experiences, teaching, and evaluating performance.
• Perform other related duties appropriate to the grade and assignment.

Benefits

• Federal employees receive access to a comprehensive benefits package for themselves and their families; specific benefits depend on position eligibility.
• Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to request and approval.

What This Job Offers

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