Dietitian (Clinical)

Veterans Health Administration; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Veterans Health Administration's VA Puget Sound in Seattle is recruiting for a full-time Clinical Dietitian. The role serves as the nutrition expert for HBPC and PACT, delivering evidence-based nutrition care for Veterans with complex needs at home and via telehealth within primary care.

The Dietitian collaborates with providers, Veterans, caregivers, and the community to assess needs, develop patient-centered goals, and ensure high-quality documentation while expanding access to nutrition

Qualifications

• English language proficiency is required.
• RDN/RD credential is required; non-credentialed candidates may be considered at GS-07/09 with conditions.
• Experience with evidence-based nutrition practices and care coordination is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct nutrition assessments for Veterans with complex needs.
• Develop patient-centered nutrition goals and care plans.
• Coordinate with HBPC/PACT teams, Veterans, caregivers and community partners.
• Utilize telehealth to provide nutrition care in primary care settings and document encounters.

Skills

English proficiency

Evidence-based practice

NCP knowledge

Education

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or RD

Master's degree in Nutrition (preferred)

Tools

Telehealth platforms

Job description

VA Puget Sound is recruiting for a full-time Clinical Dietitian in Seattle, Washington. The role serves as the nutrition expert for HBPC and PACT. The HBPC Dietitian provides evidence-based care for Veterans with complex needs at home. The PACT Dietitian offers telehealth nutrition support in primary care and coordinates care with providers, Veterans, caregivers, and the community.

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.
• English Language Proficiency. Dietitian candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
• 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.
• Assignment. Employees in this assignment serve in a Dietitian (Clinical) entry-level developmental position. They work under the guidance of a Dietitian who is at the full performance level or above, performing increasingly complex tasks designed to prepare them for promotion.

Clinical Dietitians conduct nutrition assessments for patients with lower acuity using the NCP while developing skills to apply evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines. Clinical Dietitians learn to interpret research, apply whole health principles and develop patient-centered goals. They develop skills in accurate record keeping of clinical activities and complete patient encounters using approved systems. Clinical Dietitians comply with The Joint Commission (TJC) requirements and other accrediting agency standards to ensure safe and quality patient care. They collaborate with the Food Operations Section to enhance the Veterans' dining experience and ensure patient satisfaction. 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: 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 Assignment. Employees in this assignment serve in a Dietitian (Clinical) developmental position. They perform increasingly complex tasks under general supervision. Clinical Dietitians conduct nutrition assessments using the NCP. They develop skills in applying evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines, interpreting research and utilizing whole health principles to develop patient-centered goals and improve outcomes. Clinical Dietitians also utilize virtual care technology to improve access to care. They maintain accurate record keeping of daily clinical activities and patient encounters using approved systems. Clinical Dietitians comply