Health Technician (Dietetic)

Veterans Health Administration • Amarillo, TX

4d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is in Nutrition and Food Service at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Amarillo, Texas. The Health Technician (Dietetic) provides administrative and customer service support for the hospital food service program. This is not a virtual position. The vacancy remains open until filled, with the first application cut-off date of November 2, 2026; additional applications may be referred as needed.

The position requires one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-4 level, or qualifying education or a combination of education and experience for the GS-5 level. A bachelor's degree with a major study or at least 24 semester hours in directly related subjects may substitute for experience. Applicants using education must provide transcripts. The role is subject to a background/security investigation, drug testing before appointment, seasonal influenza vaccination, and a one-year probationary period.

The work is performed in a hospital and office environment, with some exposure to contagious diseases and potential exposure to wet floors, gas, steam, electrical equipment, and temperature or humidity changes. Standard precautions may require personal protective equipment. Physical activities include extended periods of sitting, standing, and walking; keyboard and mouse use; bending, stooping, reaching, pushing, and pulling; and frequently lifting or moving objects up to 20 pounds.

The schedule is five days per week, including weekends and holidays, with two consecutive days off during the week. Available shifts are 5:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. and 10:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized; a Critical Skills Incentive is not approved.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-4 level, including experience applying knowledge of quantity food service operations, proper nutrition, food items and appropriate quantities; serving clients, patients, or customers; and using computers, software applications, databases, and automated systems; OR qualifying education or a combination of education and experience for GS-5.
• Experience must be fully documented on the resume, including job title, duties, month and year start/end dates, and hours worked per week.
• Applicants qualifying through education must submit transcripts.
• Completion of all required application steps, including an online assessment.
• Successful completion of a background/security investigation and required onboarding.
• Applicants tentatively selected for employment in this testing-designated position must submit to urinalysis; refusal or a verified positive result prevents appointment.
• Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Ability to perform the position's physical demands, with accommodation or workplace adjustment where applicable.
• Serve a one-year probationary period.
• Work five days per week, including weekends and holidays, with two consecutive days off during the week.

Responsibilities

• Handle patient meal service orders and enter meal orders into the Dietetics Software system.
• Provide professional, 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 regarding patient meal trays or nourishments.
• Retrieve computerized information and printouts to assist with tray or nourishment assembly and delivery, including standing orders, nourishment labels, and tabulated recipe lists.
• Provide basic-level education and information on therapeutic diets.
• Interpret diet activity and patient information to ensure meal trays meet patient requests and preferences and comply with 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.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific eligibility depends on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.
• VA may grant eligible newly appointed federal employees credit for related non-federal experience or active-duty uniformed military service when determining annual leave accrual; this must be requested and approved before appointment and is not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

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