Dietitian (Advanced Level Practice)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Phoenix VA Medical Center, seeks an Advanced Level Practice Dietitian to assess Veterans health through the Nutrition Care Process, delivering high-quality nutrition care under an advanced and expanded scope.

The role emphasizes leadership in nutrition services, collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, and applying evidence-based guidelines to optimize patient outcomes; certification requirements and GS-12 grade apply.

Qualifications

• Must hold RDN/RD and be registered with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
• Must hold an advanced practice certification related to the assignment (e.g., BCS, CDE, or other recognized cert.).
• English language proficiency in speaking and writing.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments for Veterans using the Nutrition Care Process.
• Deliver high-quality nutrition care under an advanced and expanded scope of practice.
• Provide guidance and staff development; lead teams in nutrition-related activities.

Skills

Team leadership

Evidence-based practice

Written communication

Nutrition expert guidance

Research & QA

Public speaking

Job description

This position will be within the Food and Nutrition service at the Phoenix VA medical center. The incumbent will serve as an Advanced Level Practice Dietitian. They conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments for Veterans using the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) assuring high-quality nutrition care under an advanced and expanded scope of practice.

Basic Requirements

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Registered Dietitian (RD) - Must be registered with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) the credentialing branch of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics formerly known as the American Dietetic Association (ADA).
• English Language Proficiency. Dietitian candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
• Current VHA Dietitians that qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision may not be promoted to a higher grade if they do not meet the current RDN/RD requirements.

Grade Determinations

Dietitian (Advanced Level Practice), GS-12 Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.

Certification

Must hold an advanced practice certification from a nationally recognized certifying body such as the Commission on Dietetic Registration, the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists or the National Board of Nutrition Certification. The certification must be directly related to the assignment being filled. For example, where the assignment requires diabetes management, a Board Certified-Advanced Diabetes Management or Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists certification is qualifying.

• Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition
• Board Certified Specialist in Gerontological Nutrition
• Registered Dietitian Nutritionist-Advanced Practitioner
• Certified Nutrition Support Clinician

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Skill in leading a team in the implementation of nutrition-related activities.
• Skill in utilizing evidence- based practice guidelines to establish or modify goals and improve patient outcomes.
• Ability to communicate in writing to develop policies and standard operating procedures.
• Ability to serve as a nutrition expert, providing technical guidance, direction and staff development.
• Ability to lead research or performance improvement studies.
• Ability to present complex nutrition information to a large group of health care providers to persuade and influence provision of care.

Preferred Experience

• Board Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition or Certified Nutrition Support Clinician.

Reference

For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Physical Requirements

The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment.