Dietitian (Informatics)

Veterans Health Administration • Omaha, NE

13d

About The Position

The Dietitian (Informatics) plans, coordinates, implements, evaluates, and improves food service technology within Nutrition and Food Services (NFS). The position manages VHA-supported and commercial off-the-shelf software used for food operations and patient meal services, and maintains ingredients, recipes, nutritional information, and menus. It oversees technology supporting meal production, meal service, and temperature control; leads a menu committee; standardizes and costs recipes; and develops menus that comply with VA guidelines and policies while considering patient preferences and religious and cultural needs. The role conducts nutrient analyses of regular and modified menus and ensures compliance with diet guidelines.

The Dietitian develops training and reference materials for the Nutrition Communication Center (NCC), manages its productivity reports, audits its operations and develops corrective action plans as needed, and keeps downtime procedures current. The position coordinates computer systems, menu, and informatics training for NFS employees; collaborates with clinical nutrition and leadership to improve Veterans’ dining experience and patient satisfaction; serves as the department ADPAC liaison among administration, food services, clinical staff, and the Office of Information Technology regarding clinical information system processes; and maintains the service SharePoint site. Other related duties appropriate to the grade and assignment may be assigned.

This is a full-time position with a work schedule of 0800–1630. Telework is ad hoc; the position is not virtual. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized.

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 qualifying GS-07 and GS-09 temporary appointments described in the posting.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Must complete applicable background/security investigation and online onboarding requirements; acceptable identification is required for pre-employment 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 evaluated and requires written certification to continue after the trial period.
• GS-07: No experience or education beyond the basic requirements.
• GS-09: Either at least one year of experience equivalent to GS-07, or a master's degree from a regionally accredited university or college; must demonstrate knowledge of nutritional standards and requirements; ability to manage food service system software; ability to develop training and reference materials; ability to evaluate data to improve outcomes; ability to train others on food service systems technology; and ability to collaborate with stakeholders.
• GS-11: One year of experience as an RDN Dietitian equivalent to GS-09; must demonstrate skill in managing food service system software, applying nutrition knowledge to menu development and nutritional standards, developing training and reference materials, evaluating data to improve outcomes, providing technology-related food service systems training, and collaborating with stakeholders.
• A pre-employment examination or evaluation is part of the pre-employment process.
• For the stated exception for non-credentialed GS-07 and GS-09 dietitians: must have a bachelor's or higher degree from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university or foreign equivalent, and have completed an ACEND-accredited experiential or supervised practice program with a verification statement confirming eligibility to take the CDR registration exam. Such appointments may be full-time temporary appointments not exceeding one year; these employees may not be promoted or converted until they obtain the RDN credential.

Responsibilities

• Use available technology to enhance the work of NFS employees.
• Manage VHA-supported software and/or commercial off-the-shelf software for food operations and patient meal services.
• Enter and maintain ingredients, recipes, nutritional information, and menus.
• Oversee technology used for meal production, meal service, and temperature control.
• Lead a menu committee and ensure recipes are standardized.
• Cost recipes and ensure they meet budgetary constraints.
• Create and revise menus in accordance with VA guidelines and policies, patient preferences, and religious and cultural considerations.
• Complete nutrient analyses of regular and modified menus and ensure menus follow required diet guidelines.
• Develop and maintain training and reference materials for the Nutrition Communication Center (NCC).
• Manage NCC productivity reports and conduct audits, determining action plans when corrective measures are needed.
• Coordinate and maintain current NCC downtime procedures.
• Coordinate training for NFS employees related to computer systems, menus, and informatics.
• Collaborate with the clinical nutrition section and leadership to enhance the Veterans dining experience and support patient satisfaction within NFS.
• Serve as the department Automated Data Processing Application Coordinator (ADPAC) liaison among administration, food services, clinical staff, and the Office of Information Technology regarding clinical information system processes.
• Manage and update the service SharePoint site.
• Perform other related duties appropriate to the grade and assignment as assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive federal employee benefits package for employees and their families; eligibility and specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.

What This Job Offers

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