Dietitian Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified U.S. 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 or GS-09 non-credentialed temporary appointments.
• For the GS-07 or GS-09 non-credentialed temporary appointment exception: hold a bachelor's or higher degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university, or foreign equivalent, and have completed an ACEND-accredited experiential or supervised practice program with verification of eligibility to take the CDR registration exam.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Must meet the applicable grade-level qualification: GS-07 requires no experience or education beyond the basic requirements; GS-09 requires one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade or a master's degree; GS-11 requires at least one year of experience as a registered dietitian equivalent to the next lower grade.
• GS-09 candidates must demonstrate knowledge of accrediting and regulatory requirements and virtual nutrition-care technology; ability to deliver care using the NCP, apply evidence-based nutrition practices, develop patient-centered goals, collect performance-improvement data, and collaborate with stakeholders.
• GS-11 candidates must demonstrate skill in delivering care using the NCP, interpreting research to apply evidence-based nutrition practices, developing patient-centered goals, analyzing performance-improvement data, and collaborating with stakeholders; and ability to comply with accrediting, regulatory, and agency authorities.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
• Must complete a background/security investigation and the online onboarding process.
• Must provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements; beginning May 7, 2025, non-REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or state identification cards are not acceptable identification for employment.
• Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program for Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period, during which continued employment is subject to written certification that it advances the public interest.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments using the Nutrition Care Process, including nutrition-focused physical examinations, to establish nutrition diagnoses and determine malnutrition risk or severity.
• Develop and implement Medical Nutrition Therapy to address nutrition diagnoses, evaluate and monitor effectiveness and outcomes, and modify interventions as needed.
• Use assessment and evaluation techniques that account for age-specific needs and cultural, religious, and ethnic considerations.
• Calculate nutrient requirements and diet restrictions, consider food and drug interactions, and tailor diet prescriptions to individual patients.
• Document Medical Nutrition Therapy in the medical record using the Assessment, Diagnosis, Intervention, Monitoring, Evaluation (ADIME) format.
• Order laboratory tests, diets, supplements, and consults within the scope of practice and policy order authorization.
• Participate in formal and informal interdisciplinary team meetings.
• Assess educational needs and provide nutrition education and counseling to individuals and groups, tailored to Veterans.
• Evaluate whether patients and/or family members achieve learning objectives.
• Adapt nutrition education materials and counseling techniques to clients' level of understanding, including simplifying complex dietary restrictions.
• Use virtual care technology to improve access to care.
• Maintain accurate records of daily activities and complete patient encounters using approved systems.
• Support continuous improvement of safe, high-quality care for Veterans.
• Assist in educating dietetic students and interns by planning learning experiences, teaching, and evaluating performance.
• Perform other related duties as assigned that are appropriate for the grade and assignment.

Benefits

• Federal employees earn annual leave at a rate of 4, 6, or 8 hours per pay period based on years of federal service.
• Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to request and approval.
• A comprehensive federal employee benefits package is available, with eligibility depending on position type.