Dietitian (Clinical)

Veterans Health Administration • Kernersville, NC

12d • Onsite

About The Position

This is a full-performance-level Dietitian (Clinical) position in the Clinical Section of Nutrition and Food Services (NFS), serving as a medical nutrition expert. The Clinical Dietitian independently applies evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines to provide care for Veterans, including patients with complex medical and nutritional needs. The role coordinates nutritional care with other health care providers, Veterans, caregivers, and community partners.

Clinical Dietitians use the Nutrition Care Process to assess nutrition needs, diagnose nutrition problems, deliver and monitor Medical Nutrition Therapy, and adjust interventions to support positive patient outcomes. They provide individualized nutrition education and counseling, contribute to interdisciplinary care and performance-improvement initiatives, and use virtual care technology to improve access to care. They also collaborate with food service staff and leadership to support the Veteran dining experience and patient satisfaction.

The position is full-time, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with rotating holiday and weekend work. Telework is not available, and the position is not virtual. The full performance level is GS-11. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Must be registered with the Commission on Dietetic Registration as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Registered Dietitian (RD), unless qualifying under the stated grandfathering provision applicable to eligible current VHA employees.
• At least one year of experience as an RDN/RD equivalent to the GS-09 level.
• Demonstrated skill in delivering patient care using the Nutrition Care Process, including assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Demonstrated skill in interpreting research and applying evidence-based nutrition practices to improve patient outcomes.
• Demonstrated skill in developing patient-centered goals.
• Demonstrated skill in analyzing data for performance-improvement studies.
• Demonstrated skill in collaborating with stakeholders.
• Ability to comply with accrediting, regulatory, and agency authorities.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Must meet applicable Selective Service registration requirements for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Must complete required background/security investigation and online onboarding, provide acceptable identification, and pass a pre-employment physical evaluation as stated in the posting.
• Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program for VA Health Care Personnel.
• Must complete the application requirements listed in the announcement's Required Documents section.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period and receive written certification that continued employment advances the public interest to remain employed after the trial period.
• Education used to qualify must be from an institution accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education; foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency and transcript documentation.

Nice To Haves

• Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition (CSR).

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments using the Nutrition Care Process, including nutrition-focused physical examinations, to establish nutrition diagnoses and determine malnutrition risk or degree.
• Develop and implement Medical Nutrition Therapy to address nutrition diagnoses; evaluate and monitor intervention effectiveness and outcomes; and modify plans as needed.
• Calculate nutrient requirements and appropriate diet restrictions, taking food and drug interactions into account and tailoring prescriptions to individual patients.
• Document Medical Nutrition Therapy in the medical record using the Assessment, Diagnosis, Intervention, Monitoring, Evaluation (ADIME) format, maintaining accurate and independent records.
• Identify patients who need nutritional support, recommend an 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 tailored nutrition education and counseling to individuals and groups.
• Use virtual care technology to improve access to care.
• Maintain productivity standards and efficiently complete patient encounters using approved systems.
• Collect and analyze data related to NFS performance-improvement activities and lead implementation of new initiatives.
• Ensure work complies with The Joint Commission and other accrediting, regulatory, and agency standards, supporting safe, high-quality care and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with stakeholders, including food service staff and leadership, to enhance the Veteran dining experience, support patient satisfaction, and serve as a liaison between clinical units and the Food Service Section.
• Perform other related duties as assigned that are appropriate for the grade and assignment.

Benefits

• Comprehensive federal employee benefits package for eligible employees and their families.
• Potential 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: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed