Health Technician (Dietetic)

Veterans Health Administration•Chicago, IL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is in the Nutrition and Food Service Department at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. It provides administrative and customer service support for the hospital food service program. The work schedule is Wednesday through Sunday, 5:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This is not a virtual position. The work is performed in a hospital and involves some exposure to contagious diseases. The employee must observe office ergonomics and safety precautions around wet floors, gas, steam, electrical equipment, and lifting. Changes in temperature or humidity may cause discomfort, and personal protective equipment may be needed when exposure is possible. The position requires walking, standing, sitting, bending, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling. It includes repetitive hand and finger motions for extensive keyboard and mouse use, as well as office tasks such as answering and holding a telephone and writing. Objects weighing up to 20 pounds are frequently lifted or moved.

Requirements

At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-4 level in the Federal Service, involving knowledge of quantity food service operations, proper nutrition, food items and appropriate quantities; working with clients, patients, or customers to assess needs, provide information or assistance, resolve problems, or satisfy expectations; and using computers, software applications, databases, and automated systems to accomplish work; OR qualifying education or a combination of education and experience.
Alternatively, successful completion of a full four-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree, with a major or at least 24 semester hours in directly related subjects such as nutrition, dietary therapy, food and nutrition science, or food service systems management.
Alternatively, an equivalent combination of successfully completed post-high-school education beyond the second year and specialized experience. The education must include courses directly related to the work and be from an accredited college or university.
Submit transcripts if using education to qualify.
Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Complete all required application steps, including an online assessment.
Selected applicants for testing-designated positions are subject to urinalysis for illegal drug use before appointment.
Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
Subject to background and security investigation.
Selected applicants must complete online onboarding and provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA Health Care Personnel.
Must serve a one-year probationary period.
Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited institutions may be used to qualify; foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency and transcripts.

Responsibilities

Handle patient meal service orders and enter meal orders into the Dietetics Software system.
Provide professional and courteous customer service by telephone, email, and in person.
Collaborate with dietitians regarding food/drug interactions and notify clinical staff of potential meal service or delivery issues.
Interpret and process diet orders.
Print, prepare, and review meal tickets.
Triage calls from inpatient units, outpatient clinics, and procedure areas about patient meal trays or nourishments.
Retrieve computerized information and printouts to assist with tray or nourishment assembly, including standing orders, nourishment labels, tabulated recipe lists, and other information needed for meal delivery.
Provide basic-level education and information on therapeutic diets.
Interpret diet activity and patient information to ensure meal trays comply with patient requests and preferences and current therapeutic diet orders.
Communicate patient concerns to a registered dietitian or dietetic technician.
Verify physician orders for unusual diets, conflicting modifications, tube feeding orders, and nutritional supplements.
Use a computer to record, retrieve, and print recipes, menus, and inventory reports.
Perform other related duties as assigned.