Dietitian (Clinical)

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Wilmington (DE); On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks Clinical Dietitians to provide expert nutrition care for Veterans. In this role, you will apply evidence-based guidelines to create patient-centered goals and enhance the dining experience. Your expertise will be crucial in collaborating with healthcare providers and stakeholders to ensure high-quality nutrition services. This position offers an opportunity to make a significant impact on patient satisfaction and care delivery, utilizing innovative approaches such as virtual care technology. If you are passionate about nutrition and dedicated to improving patient outcomes, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen or meet specific VA recruitment criteria.
• At least one year of experience as an RDN at a lower grade.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments for Veterans.
• Develop patient-centered goals and improve outcomes.

Skills

Patient care using NCP

Interpreting research

Developing patient-centered goals

Data analysis for performance improvement

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

Job description

Dietitians (Clinical) serve at the full performance level within NFS, acting as medical nutrition experts. They apply evidence-based guidelines independently, including for patients with complex needs. They coordinate care with providers, veterans, caregivers, and the community. They use research and Whole Health principles to create patient-centered goals. Dietitians also work with food operations to enhance dining experience and patient satisfaction.

Duties

Functions or Scope of Assigned Duties:

Requirements

Qualifications

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.

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-11.

Experience

At least one year of experience as an RDN equivalent to the next lower grade.

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.

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.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.