Dietitian (Clinical)

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; New Braunfels (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in the United States is seeking a Dietitian (Clinical) to conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments for Veterans using the NCP and evidence-based guidelines within the Nutrition and Food Service.

This role emphasizes patient-centered care and collaboration with stakeholders to improve outcomes. GS-07/09/11 eligible candidates must meet the basic requirements and credentials; advanced experience or a Master’s degree may qualify for higher grades.

Qualifications

• Must have an RDN or RD credential.
• Experience applying the Nutrition Care Process (NCP).
• Ability to apply evidence-based nutrition practices to improve patient outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments for Veterans.
• Develop and monitor patient-centered nutrition plans using the NCP.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to improve outcomes.

Skills

Nutrition care

NCP knowledge

Evidence-based practice

Patient-centered care

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

ACEND accredited program

RDN/RD credential

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.

Dietitian (Clinical), GS-09: 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.