Dietitian (Clinical)

Veterans Health Administration; New Braunfels (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Veterans Health Administration is seeking a Dietitian (Clinical) to conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments for Veterans using the Nutrition Care Process (NCP). The role focuses on developing patient-centered goals and applying evidence-based guidelines to improve health outcomes.

The position requires RDN/RD credentials with ACEND acceptance for foreign education where applicable, and may include temporary appointments for non-credentialed candidates under GS-07/09 provisions.

Qualifications

• Must be registered (RDN/ RD) with CDR credentialing
• Non-credentialed Dietitians may be appointed at GS-07/09 for up to one year with future qualification requirements
• Foreign education must be evaluated by ACEND and meet international standards, with approved supervised practice
• Current VHA Dietitians may be grandfathered under certain conditions

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments using the NCP
• Develop patient-centered nutrition goals and interventions
• Monitor and evaluate patient outcomes and adjust care as needed

Skills

NCP patient care

Evidence-based practice

Performance improvement data

Stakeholder collaboration

Nutrition care planning

Education

Master’s degree in Dietetics

Bachelor’s degree (US regionally accredited) or foreign equivalent

Tools

ACEND accreditation standards

Job description

The Dietitian (Clinical) position is within the Clinical Section of the Nutrition and Food Service. 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.

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).
• Exception for GS-07 and GS-09 Only: Dietitians who do not possess the RDN/RD credential.
• Non-credentialed Dietitians who otherwise meet the basic qualification requirements and have fulfilled the requirements below, but do not possess the RDN credential, may be given a full-time temporary appointment not to exceed one year under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405(c)(2). May only be appointed at the GS-07 or GS-09 level and may not be promoted/converted until they obtain their RDN credential.
• Non-credentialed Dietitians must have fulfilled each of the following: Earned a bachelor's or higher degree from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university or foreign equivalent.
• Foreign Education: To be creditable, college and/or university degrees earned outside the U.S and its territories must be evaluated by ACEND and meet ACEND's International Dietitian Education standards which are designed to provide graduates with the knowledge and competencies to sit for the CDR credentialing exam. ~AND~ Completed an ACEND accredited experiential or supervised practice program and provide a verification statement from the program director that conveys eligibility to take the CDR registration exam as a prospective RDN. A list of ACEND accredited programs are located on the ACEND website or at ACEND Accredited Programs Directory.
• 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 (Clinical), GS-07:
  • Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements.
• Dietitian (Clinical), GS-09:
  • Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
  • OR Education. Master's degree from a regionally accredited university or college.
  • Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
  • (a) Knowledge of various accrediting and regulatory requirements.
  • (b) Knowledge of virtual technology to provide nutrition care.
  • (c) Ability to deliver patient care using the NCP (e.g., assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring and evaluation).
  • (d) Ability to apply evidence-based nutrition practices to improve patient outcomes.
  • (e) Ability to develop patient-centered goals.
  • (f) Ability to collect data for performance improvement studies.
  • (g) Ability to collaborate with stakeholders.
• Dietitian (Clinical), GS-11:
  • Experience. At least one year of experience as an RDN equivalent to the next lower grade.
  • Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
  • (a) Skill in delivering patient care using the NCP (e.g., assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring and evaluation).
  • (b) Skill in interpreting research to apply evidence-based nutrition practices to improve patient outcomes.
  • (c) Skill in developing patient-centered goals.
  • (d) Skill in analyzing data for performance improvement studies.
  • (e) Skill in collaborating with stakeholders.
  • (f) Ability to comply with various accrediting, regulatory and agency authorities.

Preferred Experience

• 1-3 years experience as a clinical dietitian
• 1-3 years experience using the Nutrition Care Process Model
• Experience working in a team setting

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.