Dietitian (Clinical)

Veterans Health Administration • Iron Mountain, MI

10d • Onsite

About The Position

Clinical Dietitians coordinate nutritional care for Veterans in collaboration with health care providers, Veterans, caregivers, and community partners. They interpret research and apply whole health principles to develop patient-centered goals and improve outcomes. They also work with the Food Operations Section to enhance the dining experience and patient satisfaction.

The position conducts nutrition assessments and provides Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT), including monitoring results and adjusting care plans. It involves documenting care, identifying and recommending nutritional support, providing tailored education and counseling, using virtual care technology, and participating in interdisciplinary teams. The Dietitian also supports quality improvement, new initiatives, data evaluation, corrective actions, accreditation compliance, and coordination between clinical units and Food Operations.

The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Telework is not suitable, and this is not a virtual position. Relocation and recruitment incentives and Permanent Change of Station (PCS) are not authorized. The position is in the Excepted Service and requires a one- or two-year trial period.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Registered Dietitian (RD) credential from the Commission on Dietetic Registration, except that certain non-credentialed applicants may receive a temporary appointment at GS-07 or GS-09 if they meet the stated education and supervised-practice requirements.
• For the GS-07/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.
• For GS-07: no experience or education beyond the basic requirements.
• 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, plus the stated knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• For GS-11: at least one year of experience as an RDN equivalent to the next lower grade, plus the stated knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Knowledge of accrediting and regulatory requirements; virtual technology for nutrition care; and evidence-based nutrition practice.
• Ability or skill to deliver patient care using the Nutritional Care Process, develop patient-centered goals, collect or analyze data for performance-improvement studies, and collaborate with stakeholders.
• Ability to comply with accrediting, regulatory, and agency authorities.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service.
• Successful completion of a background/security investigation and online onboarding process; acceptable identification is required for pre-employment requirements.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA Health Care Personnel.
• Successful completion of a one- or two-year trial period, including written certification for continued employment after the trial period.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments using the Nutritional Care Process, including nutrition-focused physical examinations, to establish nutrition diagnoses and determine malnutrition risk or severity.
• Develop and implement Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT), evaluate and monitor its effectiveness and outcomes, and modify care plans as needed.
• Calculate nutrient requirements and diet restrictions, account for food and drug interactions, and tailor diet prescriptions to individual patients.
• Document MNT in the medical record using the ADIME format and maintain accurate, independent clinical records.
• Identify patients who need nutritional support, recommend appropriate support methods, and communicate with the health care team.
• Participate in formal and informal interdisciplinary team meetings.
• Assess educational needs and provide tailored nutrition education and counseling to individuals and groups.
• Use virtual care technology to improve access to care.
• Meet productivity standards, maintain accurate records of daily clinical activities, and complete patient encounters using approved systems.
• Support continuous improvement in the safety and quality of Veteran care and lead implementation of new initiatives.
• Use data to develop measures, evaluate performance, and initiate corrective actions.
• Comply with The Joint Commission requirements and other accrediting-agency standards.
• Collaborate with Food Operations and department leadership to improve the dining experience and patient satisfaction, and serve as a liaison between clinical units and Food Operations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package for eligible employees; specific benefits depend on position type and are available from the hiring agency.
• Possible credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to request and approval before appointment and not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

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