Dietitian (Clinical)

Veterans Health Administration • Asheville, NC

11d

About The Position

Clinical Dietitians coordinate the nutritional care of Veterans with other health care providers, Veterans, caregivers, and the community. They provide individualized nutrition care, monitor treatment outcomes, contribute to interdisciplinary care, and support continuous improvement in the safety and quality of Veteran care. The position also collaborates with Food Operations and department leadership to improve the dining experience and patient satisfaction.

The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Telework is ad hoc virtual; this is not a virtual position. The position is in the Excepted Service and is classified as Dietitian (Clinical), GS-11. Relocation and recruitment incentives are not authorized.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for appointments when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a).
• Hold the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential from the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
• Be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Have at least one year of experience as an RDN equivalent to the next lower grade.
• Demonstrate specialized experience that includes conducting NCP nutrition assessments, applying evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines, interpreting research and using whole-health principles to develop patient-centered goals and improve outcomes, maintaining accurate records using approved systems, and using virtual care technology to improve access.
• Demonstrate skill in delivering patient care using the NCP, including assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Demonstrate skill in interpreting research and applying evidence-based nutrition practices to improve patient outcomes.
• Demonstrate skill in developing patient-centered goals.
• Demonstrate skill in analyzing data for performance-improvement studies.
• Demonstrate skill in collaborating with stakeholders.
• Demonstrate the ability to comply with accrediting, regulatory, and agency authorities.
• Meet applicable physical requirements referenced in VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
• Meet applicable background and security investigation requirements and complete the online onboarding process and pre-employment identification requirements.
• Register with Selective Service if male and born after December 31, 1959.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a condition of employment.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, during which fitness and whether continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated.

Nice To Haves

• Outpatient experience 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 risk or degree of malnutrition.
• Develop and implement Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT), evaluate and monitor the effectiveness and outcomes of interventions, 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 of clinical activities and patient encounters using approved systems.
• Identify patients who need nutritional support, recommend an appropriate mode of support, and communicate with the health care team.
• Participate in formal and informal interdisciplinary team meetings.
• Assess educational needs and provide nutrition education and counseling for individuals and groups, tailored to Veterans.
• Use virtual care technology to improve access to care.
• Support continuous improvement of safe, quality care for Veterans; lead implementation activities for new initiatives; and use data to develop measures, evaluate performance, and initiate corrective actions.
• Collaborate with Food Operations and department leadership to enhance Veterans' dining experience, support patient satisfaction, and serve as a liaison between clinical units and Food Operations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned that are appropriate for the grade and assignment.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive federal benefits package; specific eligibility depends on position type.
• Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior federal work or military service, subject to request and approval before appointment.

What This Job Offers

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