Dietitian (Clinical)

Veterans Health Administration • Gainesville, FL

26d • Onsite

About The Position

Clinical Dietitians coordinate nutritional care for Veterans with other health care providers, Veterans, caregivers, and community members. They interpret research and apply whole health principles to develop patient-centered goals and improve outcomes. They also collaborate with the Food Operations Section to enhance Veterans’ dining experiences and support patient satisfaction.

The position provides comprehensive nutrition care using the Nutritional Care Process (NCP), including assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring, and evaluation. Dietitians develop and adjust Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT), document care using the ADIME format, identify patients needing nutritional support, provide tailored education and counseling, and participate in interdisciplinary care. The role also supports virtual nutrition care, quality improvement, new initiatives, and compliance with accreditation standards.

The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telework is not available, and the position is not virtual. Relocation and recruitment incentives, as well as permanent change of station, are not authorized. The full performance level is GS-11; selection may be at GS-7 through GS-11.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Hold the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential from the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Meet the qualification requirements for the assigned grade: GS-7 requires no experience or education beyond the basic requirements; GS-9 requires either one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade or a master's degree; GS-11 requires at least one year of experience as an RDN equivalent to the next lower grade.
• For GS-9, demonstrate knowledge of accrediting and regulatory requirements and virtual nutrition-care technology; 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, demonstrate skill in providing care using the NCP, interpreting research and applying evidence-based nutrition practices, developing patient-centered goals, analyzing performance-improvement data, and collaborating with stakeholders; ability to comply with accrediting, regulatory, and agency authorities.
• Meet applicable education and registration requirements for the assignment. Only education from institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may be used; foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency and transcript.
• Register for Selective Service if applicable to males born after December 31, 1959.
• Complete a background/security investigation, online onboarding, identification and other application requirements, and participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to written certification for continued employment.

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, implement, monitor, and evaluate Medical Nutrition Therapy interventions, modifying plans as needed to improve patient outcomes.
• Calculate nutrient requirements and diet restrictions, account for food and drug interactions, and tailor diet prescriptions to individual patients.
• Document Medical Nutrition Therapy in the medical record using the Assessment, Diagnosis, Intervention, Monitoring, Evaluation (ADIME) format.
• Maintain accurate, independent record keeping, including daily clinical activity records and completion of patient encounters in approved systems.
• Identify patients who need nutritional support, recommend an appropriate support mode, 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 nutrition care.
• Maintain productivity standards and contribute to continuous improvement of safe, high-quality Veteran care.
• Lead activities implementing new initiatives and use data to develop measures, evaluate performance, and initiate corrective actions.
• Comply with The Joint Commission requirements and other accrediting agency standards.
• Collaborate with the Food Operations Section and department leadership to improve the dining experience, support patient satisfaction, and liaise between clinical units and Food Operations.
• Perform other related duties appropriate to 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 federal employment or military service, subject to request and approval.

What This Job Offers

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