Health Technician (Dietetic)

Veterans Health Administration•Columbia, SC

13d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is in the Nutrition and Food Service at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Columbia, South Carolina. The Health Technician (Dietetic) provides administrative and customer service support for the hospital food service program. The role handles patient meal service orders, collects and records nutrition-related information, supports meal quality checks, and works with dietitians, clinical staff, and other interdisciplinary team members. The position is not virtual. The schedule rotates across Sunday through Saturday, with shifts from 5:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. or 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., including weekends and holidays. The schedule may change based on agency needs. The work includes periods of standing, sitting, and walking, as well as bending, reaching, pushing, pulling, and stooping. Frequently lifting or moving objects weighing up to 20 pounds may be required. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and complete the application, questionnaire, and online assessment. The position is designated for drug testing, and selected applicants are subject to background and security investigations, onboarding requirements, and seasonal influenza vaccination. A one-year probationary period or two-year trial period applies. The position requires either one year of qualifying specialized experience equivalent to GS-4 or a qualifying four-year bachelor's degree with a major or at least 24 semester hours in subjects directly related to the position.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship.
Complete all required application steps, including the questionnaire and online assessment.
At least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-4 in the Federal Service, including relevant knowledge and skills for Health Technician (Dietetic) duties; qualifying experience includes quantity food service operations, proper nutrition, food items and appropriate quantities, customer or patient service, and use of computers, software, databases, and automated systems; OR 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 subjects directly related to the position.
Submit a transcript if relying on education to qualify; education must be from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Pass required drug screening; refusal or a verified positive result prevents appointment.
Meet Selective Service registration requirements for males born after December 31, 1959.
Complete background/security investigation and online onboarding requirements.
Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Serve a one-year probationary period or two-year trial period.
Ability to perform job-related physical activities, including walking, standing, bending, lifting and carrying light items, and frequently lifting or moving objects up to 20 pounds; reasonable accommodation or workplace adjustment may be available.

Responsibilities

Handle patient meal service orders and enter meal orders into the Dietetics Software system.
Review nutrition-related laboratory results and discuss them with the RON.
Collect information from patients or caretakers, including intake history, allergies, likes and dislikes, diet, and preferences, and update the electronic record.
Assist with completing test trays, including checking temperature and taste.
May assist in conducting meal rounds.
Conduct patient satisfaction surveys.
Work collaboratively with interdisciplinary team members.
Collaborate with dietitians regarding food/drug interactions and notify clinical staff of potential issues with meal service and delivery.
Print, prepare, and review meal tickets.
Communicate patient concerns to the registered dietitian or supervisors.
Perform other appropriate duties as assigned within the scope of the occupation.