Dietitian (Clinical)

Veterans Health Administration • Philadelphia, PA

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The incumbent serves as a Clinical Dietitian within the Clinical Section of Nutrition and Food Service (NFS) at the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Clinical Dietitians coordinate nutritional care for Veterans with other health care providers, Veterans, caregivers, and the community.

The position conducts nutrition assessments for patients with lower acuity using the Nutritional Care Process (NCP), including nutrition-focused physical examinations, to establish nutrition diagnoses and determine malnutrition risk or degree. The Dietitian develops and implements Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT), evaluates and monitors its effectiveness and outcomes, and modifies plans as needed to support positive patient outcomes. MNT is documented in the medical record using the Assessment, Diagnosis, Intervention, Monitoring, Evaluation (ADIME) format. The position calculates nutrient requirements and necessary dietary restrictions or food and drug interactions, tailoring diet prescriptions to individual patients. It also identifies patients who need nutritional support, recommends an appropriate mode of support, and communicates with the health care team.

The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 0800–1630, with occasional weekends and holidays. Telework is ad hoc; this is not a virtual position. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified U.S. citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Registration as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Registered Dietitian (RD) with the Commission on Dietetic Registration, except for eligible GS-07 or GS-09 non-credentialed Dietitians appointed temporarily under the stated conditions.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• For the GS-09 level, at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade or a master's degree from a regionally accredited college or university; also demonstrate the listed knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• For the GS-11 level, at least one year of experience as an RDN equivalent to the next lower grade; also demonstrate the listed knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• For the GS-09 non-credentialed 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.
• Foreign degrees must be evaluated by ACEND and meet its International Dietitian Education standards to be creditable.
• Register with Selective Service if applicable (males born after December 31, 1959).
• Meet background and security investigation requirements and complete the online onboarding process and acceptable identity-document requirements.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a condition of employment.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, as applicable, subject to evaluation and written certification for continued employment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct nutrition assessments for lower-acuity patients using the Nutritional Care Process, including nutrition-focused physical examinations.
• Establish nutrition diagnoses and determine patients’ risk or degree of malnutrition.
• Develop and implement Medical Nutrition Therapy to address nutrition diagnoses.
• Evaluate and monitor the effectiveness and outcomes of Medical Nutrition Therapy, modifying plans as needed to achieve positive patient outcomes.
• Document Medical Nutrition Therapy in the medical record using the ADIME format.
• Calculate nutrient requirements and dietary restrictions or food and drug interactions, tailoring diet prescriptions to individual patients.
• Maintain accurate records and function independently in record keeping.
• Identify patients needing nutritional support, recommend an appropriate mode of support, and communicate recommendations to the health care team.
• Coordinate Veterans’ nutritional care with health care providers, Veterans, caregivers, and the community.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.
• Prior work or military service may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, subject to request and approval before appointment.

What This Job Offers

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