Dietitian (Clinical)

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Rochester (Beaver County); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Beaver CBOC is seeking a Clinical Nutrition Specialist to independently plan, develop and direct clinical nutrition care for assigned clients, including those with complex needs.

The incumbent collaborates with other health care providers to support the facility's mission. Responsibilities include applying NCP-based care, data-driven performance improvement, and communicating patient-centered goals while ensuring regulatory compliance and quality dietetics

Qualifications

• Must be registered with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) as an RDN or RD.
• Non-credentialed Dietitians may be considered for temporary appointments at GS-07 or GS-09 if requirements met but without the credential.
• Bachelor's degree from regionally accredited college or university or foreign equivalent; ACEND requirements if education outside the U.S.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop and direct all clinical nutrition care activities for assigned clients.
• Coordinate clinical nutrition care with other health care providers.
• Support the facility's mission and ensure quality dietetics care.

Skills

Regulatory knowledge

Virtual care tech

NCP patient care

Evidence-based nutrition

Patient-centered goals

Performance improvement data

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

RDN/RD credential

Bachelor's degree in Nutrition

Master's degree preferred

Job description

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.

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

GS-7 Dietitian (Entry Level): Experience or Education.

None beyond the basic requirements.

GS-09 Dietitian (Developmental Level): Experience or Education.

At least 1 year of experience as a registered dietitian equivalent to the next lower grade level, or Master's degree from a regionally accredited university or college.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

• Knowledge of various accrediting and regulatory requirements.
• Knowledge of virtual technology to provide nutrition care.
• Ability to deliver patient care using the NCP (e.g., assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring and evaluation).
• Ability to apply evidence-based nutrition practices to improve patient outcomes.
• Ability to develop patient-centered goals.
• Ability to collect data for performance improvement studies.
• Ability to collaborate with stakeholders.

GS-11 Dietitian (Full Performance Level): Experience.

At least 1 year of experience as a registered dietitian equivalent to the next lower grade level.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

• Skill in delivering patient care using the 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.

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. A pre-placement physical examination is not required.