Dietitian (Clinical)

Veterans Health Administration • Salisbury, NC

6d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is in Nutrition and Food Service at the Salisbury VA Medical Center in North Carolina. Clinical Dietitians coordinate Veterans’ nutritional care with health care providers, Veterans, caregivers, and the community. They interpret research and apply whole health principles to develop patient-centered goals and improve outcomes. The position includes a mix of inpatient and outpatient care and collaboration with the Food Operations Section to enhance Veterans’ dining experiences.

The Clinical Dietitian conducts comprehensive nutrition assessments using the Nutritional Care Process (NCP), including nutrition-focused physical examinations, to establish nutrition diagnoses and determine malnutrition risk or degree. The position develops, implements, monitors, and adjusts Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT); calculates nutrient requirements and diet restrictions; and documents care in the medical record using the ADIME format. The Dietitian identifies nutritional support needs, participates in interdisciplinary meetings, provides individualized and group education and counseling, and uses virtual care technology to improve access.

The role also includes maintaining productivity standards and accurate records, promoting safe and high-quality care, leading implementation of new initiatives, using data for performance evaluation and corrective action, complying with accrediting standards, and partnering with Food Operations and department leadership to support patient satisfaction and liaison between clinical units and Food Operations. Other related duties appropriate to the grade and assignment may be assigned.

The position is part-time and scheduled Tuesday and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Telework is unavailable, and this is not a virtual position. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception under VA policy for recruiting qualified citizens.
• Registration as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Registered Dietitian (RD) with the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
• At least one year of experience as an RDN equivalent to the next lower grade for the GS-11 grade determination.
• Skill in delivering patient care using the Nutritional Care Process, including assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Skill in interpreting research and applying evidence-based nutrition practices to improve patient outcomes.
• Skill in developing patient-centered goals.
• Skill in analyzing data for performance improvement studies.
• Skill in collaborating with stakeholders.
• Ability to comply with accrediting, regulatory, and agency authorities.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background and security investigation and completion of online onboarding requirements.
• Must participate in the VA seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period, during which continued employment is evaluated.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.

Nice To Haves

• At least one year of experience as a registered dietitian equivalent to the next lower grade level, or education equivalent to three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education, or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree from an accredited university or college in dietetics or a closely related field.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments using the Nutritional Care Process, including nutrition-focused physical examinations, to establish nutrition diagnoses and assess malnutrition risk or degree.
• Develop and implement Medical Nutrition Therapy, evaluate and monitor its effectiveness and outcomes, and modify the plan as needed to achieve positive patient outcomes.
• Calculate nutrient requirements and diet restrictions, including consideration of food and drug interactions, and tailor diet prescriptions to individual patients.
• Document Medical Nutrition Therapy in the medical record using the ADIME format and maintain independent, accurate 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, record daily clinical activities accurately, and complete patient encounters using approved systems.
• Support continuous improvement in the safety and quality of Veteran care.
• Lead activities to implement new initiatives and use data to develop measures, evaluate performance, and initiate corrective actions.
• Comply with Joint Commission and other accrediting agency requirements and standards.
• Collaborate with Food Operations and department leadership to enhance Veterans’ dining experiences, support patient satisfaction, and act as a liaison between clinical units and Food Operations.
• Perform other related duties appropriate for the grade and assignment as assigned.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive 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: Part-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed