Dietitian - Clinical

Veterans Health Administration • Washington, DC

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

Clinical Dietitians coordinate Veterans’ nutritional care with other health care providers, Veterans, caregivers, and community partners. They interpret research and apply whole health principles to establish patient-centered goals and improve outcomes. They also collaborate with Food Operations to improve Veterans’ dining experiences and patient satisfaction.

The position conducts nutrition assessments using the Nutritional Care Process (NCP), develops and evaluates Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT), documents care in the medical record using the ADIME format, and tailors diet prescriptions to individual nutrition needs and restrictions. Dietitians identify patients who may need nutrition support, recommend appropriate support, and communicate with the health care team. They provide nutrition education and counseling, participate in interdisciplinary meetings, complete care plans and Minimum Data Set documentation within required time frames, and maintain accurate clinical records.

Dietitians contribute to service-level planning, performance improvement, and implementation of initiatives. They collect and evaluate data, initiate corrective actions, comply with accrediting and regulatory standards, and promote safe, high-quality care. They also liaise between clinical units and Food Operations to support dining experience and patient satisfaction. Other related duties appropriate to the grade and assignment may be assigned.

The full performance level is GS-11; selection may be at GS-7 through GS-11. The role is primarily scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with some rotating weekends and holidays. Ad hoc telework may be available according to agency policy; the position is not virtual.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Registered Dietitian (RD) credential through the Commission on Dietetic Registration, except for eligible GS-07 and GS-09 temporary appointees under the stated non-credentialed exception.
• For the GS-07/GS-09 non-credentialed exception: a bachelor's or higher degree from a U.S. regionally accredited institution or foreign equivalent, and completion of an ACEND-accredited experiential or supervised practice program with verification of 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 college or university.
• 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 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.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA health care personnel.
• Must complete applicable pre-employment requirements, onboarding, and background/security investigation; selected applicants must provide acceptable identification.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to written certification for continued employment.
• Education used to qualify must be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and come from an accredited institution; foreign education must meet the stated evaluation and documentation requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Two to five years of work experience as a dietitian in an acute care environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments 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, monitor its effectiveness and outcomes, and adjust interventions as needed.
• Document Medical Nutrition Therapy in the medical record using the ADIME format.
• Calculate nutrient requirements and account for dietary restrictions and food-drug interactions when tailoring diet prescriptions.
• Identify patients requiring nutritional support, recommend an appropriate mode of support, and communicate with the health care team.
• Participate in formal and informal interdisciplinary team meetings.
• Complete care plans and Minimum Data Set documentation within established time frames.
• Assess educational needs and provide tailored nutrition education and counseling to individuals and groups.
• Maintain accurate records of daily clinical activities and complete patient encounters using approved systems.
• Participate in service-level strategic planning and implementation of initiatives, policies, procedures, and goals.
• Support performance improvement activities, including developing measures, collecting and evaluating data, and initiating corrective actions.
• Comply with The Joint Commission and other accrediting agency requirements and standards to ensure safe, high-quality patient care.
• Lead activities to implement new initiatives at the applicable grade level.
• Collaborate with Food Operations and department leadership to improve Veterans’ dining experience and patient satisfaction, serving as a liaison between clinical units and Food Operations.
• Perform other related duties appropriate to the grade and assignment.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package for the employee and family; specific benefits eligibility depends on position type.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior federal service or military service, subject to request and approval.

What This Job Offers

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