Clinical Dietitian Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizen appointments when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under applicable law.
• Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential from the Commission on Dietetic Registration, except for eligible non-credentialed dietitians who may qualify for a temporary appointment not exceeding one year at GS-7 or GS-9 under the stated conditions.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• For the non-credentialed temporary appointment exception: a bachelor's or higher degree from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university, or foreign equivalent; completion of an ACEND-accredited experiential or supervised practice program; and a program-director verification statement confirming eligibility to take the CDR registration examination.
• Foreign degrees must be evaluated by ACEND and meet its International Dietitian Education standards to be creditable.
• GS-7: No experience beyond the basic requirements.
• GS-9: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade, or a nutrition-related master's degree from a regionally accredited university or college.
• GS-9: Knowledge of accrediting and regulatory requirements and virtual technology for nutrition care; ability to deliver care using the Nutritional Care Process, 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 the next lower grade.
• GS-11: Skill in delivering patient care using the Nutritional Care Process; 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 all qualification requirements by the announcement closing date of 10/28/2026.
• Must meet applicable background and security investigation requirements and complete online onboarding and pre-employment identification requirements.
• Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a condition of employment.
• Must serve a one-year or two-year trial period if required; continued employment depends on written certification that it advances the public interest.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments using the Nutritional Care Process, including nutrition-focused physical examinations, to establish nutrition diagnoses and determine risk or degree of malnutrition.
• Develop and implement Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT), evaluate and monitor its effectiveness and outcomes, and modify plans as needed to achieve positive patient outcomes.
• Calculate nutrient requirements and necessary diet restrictions or food and drug interactions, tailoring diet prescriptions to individual patients.
• Document MNT in the medical record using the Assessment, Diagnosis, Intervention, Monitoring, Evaluation (ADIME) format and maintain accurate records independently.
• Identify patients who need nutritional support, recommend the 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 individualized nutrition education and counseling for individuals and groups.
• Use virtual care technology to improve access to care.
• Promote continuous improvement in safe, quality care for Veterans.
• Lead activities implementing new initiatives.
• Use data to develop measures, evaluate performance, and initiate corrective actions.
• Comply with The Joint Commission requirements and other accrediting-agency standards to support safe, quality patient care.
• Collaborate with Food Operations to enhance the dining experience.
• 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.
• Eligible selected applicants may request credit for prior qualifying federal or military service toward annual-leave accrual, subject to approval before appointment and not guaranteed.