Dietitian (Clinical)

Veterans Health Administration; Rochester (Beaver County); On-site; USD 52,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Beaver CBOC within the Veterans Health Administration is seeking a Clinical Nutrition Specialist to independently plan, develop, and direct clinical nutrition care for veterans with diverse medical needs.

You will conduct nutrition assessments using the Nutrition Care Process (NCP), develop MNT plans, perform NFPE, educate patients, and coordinate care with the medical team and caregivers. The role includes a 7:30am–4:00pm schedule with occasional weekends; telework is not available.

Qualifications

• ACEND accredited programs recognized for dietitian eligibility.
• Evidence-based clinical nutrition care planning and evaluation.
• Ability to coordinate care with medical staff and community resources.

Responsibilities

• Conducts a comprehensive nutrition assessment using the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) for assigned patients.
• Develops and implements an individualized plan for Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT).
• Performs a Nutrition Focused Physical Exam (NFPE) during assessments to determine risk.
• Calculates nutrient requirements and tailors diet prescriptions to individual needs.
• Provides education/counseling incorporating cultural and psychosocial factors.
• Utilizes virtual care technology (VVC/ Secure Messaging) to improve access.
• Serves as nutrition expert for medical staff and coordinates with care teams.

Skills

Nutrition Care Process

Medical Nutrition Therapy

Motivational Interviewing

Secure Messaging

VA Video Connect

Education

ACEND accredited programs

Job description

• Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

The Clinical Nutrition Specialist position is at the Beaver CBOC. The incumbent clinical nutrition expert is responsible for independently planning, developing and directing all clinical nutrition care activities for assigned clients, including those with complex medical and nutritional needs. Supports the facility's mission and coordinates clinical nutrition care with other health care providers.

Key Responsibilities

The clinical dietitians is responsible for independently planning, developing and directing all nutritional care activities for assigned veterans, including those with complex medical and nutritional needs. The clinical dietitians support the facility's mission and coordinates nutritional care with other healthcare providers, the Veterans, the Veteran's caregiver and the community.

Major Duties Include: Conducts a comprehensive nutrition assessment utilizing the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) for assigned patients. Develops and implements an individualized plan for Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) in accordance with the patient's medical program goals and objectives. Performs a Nutrition Focused Physical Exam (NFPE) during assessments to determine risk and/or degree of malnutrition.

Calculates nutrient requirements (calories, protein, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, electrolytes and fluids) and necessary diet restrictions or food/drug interactions. Evaluates patterns and relationships among data obtained and possible root causes for nutrition problems. Tailors diet prescription to each individual patient according to physical and metabolic needs.

With an understanding of the patient's health condition, designs the nutritional treatment plan with consideration for psychosocial, behavioral, physical activity, ethnic and cultural factors to obtain desirable outcomes and promote long term adherence to a medical nutrition care plan. Prioritizes the importance of nutrition problems for optimal health, recovery from illness, management of chronic disease or disease prevention.

Utilizes evidenced-based nutrition practice guidelines and Whole Health Principles to develop shared goals with the patient and formulates a plan of care that is focused on the etiology of the nutrition problem. Provides initial and on-going nutritional assessment of patients receiving enteral nutrition. Order labs, diets, and consults per clinical scope of practice. Evaluates and monitors the effectiveness and outcome of MNT interventions.

Evaluates the patient's response to care based on identified, measurable outcomes and reviews the plan, as appropriate. Assesses educational needs and provides nutrition education/counseling for individuals and groups, incorporating a learning approach that considers the cultural, religious, educational and medical situation of the patient. Includes information regarding budgeting, menu planning, food purchasing and preparation, food storage and sanitation.

Utilizes motivational interviewing techniques to evaluate patient and/or caregiver's readiness to learn and potential for changing behaviors. Evaluates achievement of learning objectives by the patient and/or family. Adapts nutrition education materials and counseling techniques to the patient's level of understanding, which frequently involves simplifying complex dietary restrictions.

Identifies drug-nutrient interactions and drug-drug incompatibilities and counsels / communicates with the patient regarding the impact on nutrition status and/or nutrient utilization. Utilizes virtual care technology such as VA Video Connect (VVC) and Secure Messaging (SM) to improve access to nutrition care.

Provides follow-up nutrition education/counseling in accordance with the patient's treatment goals and determines when a problem requires consultation or referral to another provider or service. Incumbent may perform other duties as directed. Serves as the nutrition expert for medical staff on the nutritional management of patients.

Communicates and influences treatment interventions determined by the medical team through interdisciplinary meetings, team rounds, medical conferences and nutrition-related in-services. Work Schedule: Monday thru Friday, 7:30am to 4:00pm, Rotate weekends ( 3 weekends per year) and work one holiday at University Drive. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: PD99531S, PD99530S, and PD99529S Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements & Education

ACEND accredited programs are located on the ACEND website or at ACEND Accredited Programs Directory.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $52171 – $100380/yr.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-10-19.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Competitive' hiring path.