Dietitian (Clinical) - Home Based Primary Care

Veterans Health Administration • Bath, NY

19d • Onsite

About The Position

Employees in this assignment serve as clinical dietitians within the Nutrition and Food Service Clinical Section and act as medical nutrition experts. They independently apply evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines for patients, including those with complex medical and nutritional needs, and coordinate Veterans’ nutritional care with other health care providers, Veterans, caregivers, and community partners. The position provides home-based primary care and requires travel into the community to meet with community agencies, Veterans, and caregivers. The schedule is Monday through Friday, with the tour of duty to be determined. Telework is not available, and the position is not virtual. The full performance level is GS-11; applicants may be selected at GS-7 through GS-11.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizen appointments when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Registered Dietitian (RD) credential with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), subject to the stated GS-07 and GS-09 temporary-appointment exception for qualifying non-credentialed dietitians.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• For non-credentialed GS-07 or GS-09 candidates under the temporary-appointment 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 program-director verification statement confirming 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.
• 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 patient care using the NCP, interpreting research to apply evidence-based nutrition practices, developing patient-centered goals, analyzing performance-improvement data, collaborating with stakeholders, and complying with accrediting, regulatory, and agency authorities.
• Subject to a background/security investigation and completion of the required online onboarding process.
• Male applicants born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care 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.
• Part-time professional dietitian experience is credited in proportion to the full-time workweek.

Nice To Haves

• A valid state driver's license is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments using the Nutritional Care Process (NCP), including nutrition-focused physical examinations, to establish a nutrition diagnosis and determine the 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.
• 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, and maintain accurate records independently.
• Identify patients needing nutritional support, recommend the appropriate mode of support, and communicate recommendations to the health care team.
• Participate in formal and informal interdisciplinary team meetings.
• Assess educational needs and provide nutrition education and counseling tailored to Veterans, individually and in groups.
• Use virtual care technology to improve access to care.
• Maintain productivity standards, accurately record daily clinical activities, and complete patient encounters using approved systems.
• Support continuous improvement of safe, quality Veteran care and lead implementation activities for new initiatives.
• Use data to develop measures, evaluate data, and initiate corrective actions.
• Comply with The Joint Commission requirements and other accrediting agency standards for safe, quality patient care.
• Collaborate with the Food Operations Section and department leadership to enhance the Veterans’ dining experience, support patient satisfaction, and serve as a liaison between clinical units and the Food Operations Section.
• Perform other related duties as assigned that are appropriate for the grade and assignment.

Benefits

• The announcement states that federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive federal benefits package; specific benefits are not listed.

What This Job Offers

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