Dietitian (Clinical)

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Salisbury (NC); On-site; USD 68,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at the Salisbury VA Medical Center, NC, seeks a Clinical Dietitian (GS-11) to coordinate nutritional care in collaboration with health teams. The role emphasizes patient-centered goals, evidence-based nutrition, and data-driven performance improvement within the Nutrition and Food Service.

The position supports virtual care and requires registration as an RDN or RD. Applicants must meet the qualification standards and full performance level expectations for

Qualifications

• Must be a registered dietitian or RD with RDN credential.
• Clinical dietetics experience, especially with veterans.
• Knowledge of NCP and whole health principles.

Responsibilities

• Conduct nutrition assessments for Veterans using the NCP.
• Collaborate with care teams to develop patient-centered goals.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with standards.
• Utilize virtual care to improve access to care.

Skills

NCP patient care

Evidence-based nutrition

Data analysis

Stakeholder collaboration

Regulatory compliance

Education

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

Job description

This position is located in Nutrition and Food Service at the Salisbury VA Medical Center, NC. Clinical Dietitians coordinate nutritional care of Veterans with other health care providers, the Veteran, the Veteran's caregiver, and the community. They interpret research and utilize whole health principles to develop patient-centered goals and improve outcomes. Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

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

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:

• 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.

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.

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

Preferred Experience

At least 1 year of experience as a registered dietitian equivalent to the next lower grade level, or education equivalent to 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education, or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree from an accredited university or college in the field of dietetics or closely related field.

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.