Dietitian (Clinical)

Veterans Health Administration • New Braunfels, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Outpatient Dietitian (Clinical) works in the Clinical Section of Nutrition and Food Service at the New Braunfels Community Based Outpatient Clinic. The position provides comprehensive, evidence-based nutrition care to Veterans, including those with complex medical and nutritional needs, using the Nutrition Care Process (NCP). The Dietitian coordinates care with Veterans, caregivers, community resources, and other health care providers, and works with Food Operations and department leadership to support patient satisfaction and the Veterans' dining experience.

The position is part of an open and continuous announcement scheduled to remain open until April 19, 2027, subject to earlier closure or extension. The initial application referral cutoff is November 1, 2026, with subsequent cutoffs on the first of each month and referrals as additional vacancies arise.

This is a Monday–Friday position with a scheduled workday of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telework is ad hoc only, as determined by the agency; the position is not virtual. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, except that non-citizens may be appointed only when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
• Registration as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Registered Dietitian (RD) with the Commission on Dietetic Registration, subject to the stated GS-07 and GS-09 exception for eligible non-credentialed dietitians appointed temporarily.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• 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 provide 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 using the NCP, interpreting research and applying evidence-based nutrition practices, developing patient-centered goals, analyzing performance-improvement data, collaborating with stakeholders, and complying with accrediting, regulatory, and agency authorities.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
• May be required to pass a physical examination or evaluation, undergo a background/security investigation, complete online onboarding, and participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Successful completion of a one- or two-year trial period is required, with continued employment subject to written certification that it advances the public interest.
• A transcript must be submitted if education is used to establish qualifications; qualifying education must be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and earned from an accredited institution.

Nice To Haves

• One to three years of experience as a clinical dietitian.
• One to three years of experience using the Nutrition Care Process Model.
• Experience working in a team setting.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments using the Nutrition Care Process, including nutrition-focused physical examinations, to establish nutrition diagnoses and assess risk or degree of malnutrition.
• Develop and implement Medical Nutrition Therapy, monitor and evaluate its effectiveness and outcomes, and modify plans as needed to achieve positive patient outcomes.
• Document Medical Nutrition Therapy in the medical record using the Assessment, Diagnosis, Intervention, Monitoring, Evaluation (ADIME) format.
• Calculate nutrition requirements and necessary diet restrictions or food and drug interactions, tailoring diet prescriptions to individual patients.
• Identify patients who need 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 tailored nutrition education and counseling to individuals and groups.
• Maintain productivity standards, accurate records of daily clinical activities, and complete patient encounters using approved systems.
• Support continuous improvement of safe, high-quality Veteran care; lead implementation of new initiatives; use data to develop and evaluate measures and initiate corrective actions.
• Comply with The Joint Commission requirements and other accrediting agency standards.
• Collaborate with Food Operations and department leadership to enhance the Veterans' dining experience, support patient satisfaction, and serve as a liaison between clinical units and Food Operations.
• Perform other related duties appropriate to the grade and assignment.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package; specific benefit eligibility depends on position type and other factors.
• Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to request and approval before appointment.

What This Job Offers

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