Dietitian (Clinical)

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Kernersville (NC); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in the United States seeks a Dietitian (Clinical) at the full performance level to serve in the Clinical Section of NFS as the medical nutrition expert.

You will conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments, apply evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines, and coordinate care with Veterans, caregivers, and other health professionals. The role emphasizes autonomous patient care, use of virtual care to improve access, and compliance with accrediting standards.

Qualifications

• Autonomous in applying nutrition guidelines to all patients.
• Coordinate nutrition care with Veterans, caregivers and health teams.
• Proficient in the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) components.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments for Veterans using the NCP.
• Develop patient-centered goals and monitor outcomes with care teams.
• Coordinate with Food Service and leadership to improve care quality.

Skills

Nutrition Care Process (NCP)

Autonomy in clinical care

Evidence-based practice

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Health data interpretation

Education

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Registered Dietitian (RD)

Job description

Employees in this assignment serve in a Dietitian (Clinical) full performance level position within the Clinical Section of NFS serving as the medical nutrition expert. They are autonomous in their work in applying evidenced-based nutrition practice guidelines for all patients, including those with complex medical and nutritional needs. Clinical Dietitians coordinate nutritional care of Veterans with other health care providers, the Veteran, the Veteran's caregiver, and the community.

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).

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Grade Determinations

Dietitian (Clinical) (Full Performance Level) Experience Requirement: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, to qualify for the GS-11 up must possess at least 1 year of experience as an RDN/RD equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09) which demonstrates the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Skill in delivering patient care using the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) (e.g., assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring, and evaluation).
• Skill in interpreting research to apply evidence-based nutrition practices to improve patient outcomes.
• Skill in developing patient-centered goals.
• Skill in analyzing data for performance improvement studies.
• Skill in collaborating with stakeholders.
• Ability to comply with various accrediting, regulatory and agency authorities.

Assignment

Employees in this assignment serve in a Dietitian (Clinical) full performance level position. Clinical Dietitians conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments for Veterans using the NCP (e.g., assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring and evaluation), assuring high-quality nutrition care. They apply evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines, interpret research and utilize whole health principles to develop patient- centered goals and improve outcomes. Clinical Dietitians also utilize virtual care technology to improve access to care. They are accountable for independent and accurate record keeping, autonomous coverage of daily clinical activities and efficiently completing patient encounters using approved systems. Clinical Dietitians are knowledgeable of and ensure work accomplishments comply with TJC and other accrediting agency standards and ensure continuous improvement of safe and quality care. They collect and analyze data related to performance improvement activities within NFS, lead activities in the implementation of new initiatives and collaborate with stakeholders. Clinical Dietitians frequently collaborate with the food service section and leadership staff to enhance the Veteran's dining experience, support patient satisfaction and serve as a liaison between clinical units and the Food Service Section.

Preferred Experience

Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition (CSR)

Reference

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

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11.

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. A pre-placement physical examination is not required.