Dietitian (Clinical)

Veterans Health Administration • Bronx, NY

11d • Onsite

About The Position

The James J. Peters VA Medical Center in Albany, NY is seeking a Clinical Dietitian to join its Nutrition and Food Services team. Clinical Dietitians serve as medical nutrition experts and coordinate Veterans’ nutritional care with other health care providers, Veterans, caregivers, and the community. They work autonomously, applying evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines to patients, including those with complex medical and nutritional needs. They interpret research and use whole health principles to develop patient-centered goals and improve outcomes. The role collaborates with the Food Operations Section to improve Veterans’ dining experiences and patient satisfaction.

The position may be filled at GS-07 through GS-11, with GS-11 identified as the full-performance level. At GS-07, the role is an entry-level developmental position under the guidance of a full-performance Dietitian or above. At GS-09, the role is developmental and performs increasingly complex tasks under general supervision. At GS-11, the role operates at the full-performance level, with autonomous clinical coverage and responsibility for leading implementation of new initiatives and analyzing performance-improvement data.

The work schedule is 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with rotating weekends and holidays. Telework is not available, and this is not a virtual position. Relocation and recruitment incentives are authorized; permanent change of station is not authorized. Physical requirements are referenced in VA Handbook 2019.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Must be registered with the Commission on Dietetic Registration as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Registered Dietitian (RD), except for the stated GS-07 and GS-09 temporary appointment exception.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• For the non-credentialed GS-07/GS-09 exception: a bachelor's or higher degree from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university, or foreign equivalent, and completion of an ACEND-accredited experiential or supervised practice program with a verification statement establishing eligibility to take the CDR registration exam.
• GS-09: At least one year of experience equivalent to GS-07, or a master's degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
• GS-09: 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.
• GS-11: At least one year of experience as an RDN equivalent to GS-09.
• GS-11: Skill in delivering patient 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.
• Must meet applicable background and security investigation requirements and complete online onboarding and pre-employment identification requirements.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA health care personnel.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period, during which continued employment is subject to written certification that it advances the public interest.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must meet Selective Service registration requirements.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments using the Nutritional Care Process (NCP), including nutrition-focused physical examinations, to diagnose nutrition needs and determine malnutrition risk or degree.
• Develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT), adjusting interventions as needed to achieve positive patient outcomes.
• Calculate nutrient requirements and diet restrictions, account for food and drug interactions, and tailor diet prescriptions to individual patients.
• Document MNT in the medical record using the Assessment, Diagnosis, Intervention, Monitoring, Evaluation (ADIME) format.
• Maintain accurate clinical records, daily activity records, and patient encounters using approved systems.
• 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 and ensure continuous improvement in safe, quality Veteran care.
• Lead activities to implement 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 Food Operations and department leadership to improve Veterans’ dining experiences, 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 benefits depend on position eligibility and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.
• Selected applicants may qualify to receive credit for prior work or military service when determining annual leave accrual, subject to prior request and approval.

What This Job Offers

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