Dietitian (Clinical)

Veterans Health Administration•Grand Island, NE

21d•Hybrid

About The Position

Employees in this assignment serve as Clinical Dietitians within the Clinical Section of Nutrition and Food Services (NFS). They work autonomously, applying evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines to patients, including those with complex medical and nutritional needs. They coordinate Veterans’ nutritional care with other health care providers, the Veteran, caregivers, and the community. Clinical Dietitians conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments using the Nutrition Care Process (NCP), including nutrition-focused physical examinations, and develop, implement, evaluate, and modify Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT). They tailor nutrient requirements, diet restrictions, and food- and drug-interaction considerations to each patient, document care in the medical record using the ADIME format, and identify and communicate recommendations for patients who need nutritional support. They provide individualized and group nutrition education, participate in interdisciplinary teams, use virtual care technology, maintain productivity and accurate records, and contribute to safe, high-quality care and improvement initiatives. The position collaborates with Food Operations and department leadership to improve Veterans’ dining experiences, support patient satisfaction, and serve as a liaison between clinical units and Food Operations. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telework is ad hoc; this is not a virtual position. Relocation and recruitment incentives and 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.
Registration as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Registered Dietitian (RD) with the Commission on Dietetic Registration, except for eligible GS-7 or GS-9 temporary appointments described in the announcement.
For the GS-7/GS-9 non-credentialed temporary appointment exception: a bachelor's or higher degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university (or foreign equivalent), and completion of an ACEND-accredited experiential or supervised practice program with a verification statement confirming eligibility to take the CDR registration exam.
For GS-7: no experience or education beyond the basic requirements.
For GS-9: at least one year of experience equivalent to GS-7, or a master's degree from a regionally accredited university or college.
For GS-9: knowledge of accrediting and regulatory requirements and virtual technology for nutrition care; ability to deliver 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 GS-9.
For GS-11: skill in delivering 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.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
Subject to a background/security investigation and completion of the online onboarding process and pre-employment identification requirements.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA Health Care Personnel.
Must complete application requirements in the announcement’s Required Documents section.
Must serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to written certification for continued employment.
A pre-employment examination or evaluation is part of the pre-employment process.
Education used to qualify must be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and from an accredited institution; foreign education requires the specified credential evaluation or certificate of foreign equivalency.

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; evaluate and monitor intervention effectiveness and outcomes; and modify plans as needed.
Calculate nutrient requirements and account for diet restrictions and food- and drug-interaction considerations when tailoring diet prescriptions.
Document Medical Nutrition Therapy in the medical record using the ADIME format and maintain accurate, independent records.
Identify patients needing 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 Veteran-tailored nutrition education and counseling to individuals and groups.
Use virtual care technology to improve access to care.
Maintain productivity standards, accurately record daily clinical activities, and complete patient encounters using approved systems.
Promote continuous improvement of safe, high-quality Veteran care.
Lead implementation of new initiatives; use data to develop measures, evaluate performance, and initiate corrective actions.
Comply with Joint Commission requirements and other accrediting agency standards.
Collaborate with Food Operations and department leadership to improve Veterans’ dining experiences and patient satisfaction, and act as a liaison between clinical units and Food Operations.