Dietitian (Clinical) - Home Based Primary Care

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Orangeburg (SC); On-site; USD 68,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

US Department of Veterans Affairs Columba VA Healthcare System seeks a Dietitian (GS-11) to provide clinical nutrition expertise in Home Based Primary Care (HBPC). You will assess, plan, implement, and monitor patient nutrition care in Veterans’ homes across Orangeburg and surrounding areas, coordinating with providers and community resources.

You will apply the Nutrition Care Process, rely on evidence-based guidelines, and communicate patient-centered goals while maintaining accurate records

Qualifications

• Must be a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Registered Dietitian (RD).
• U.S. citizenship required.
• English proficiency in speech and writing per VA standards.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments using the Nutrition Care Process.
• Apply evidence-based guidelines to improve patient outcomes.
• Coordinate care with Veterans, caregivers, and community resources.
• Deliver nutrition care in HBPC with timely documentation in approved systems.
• Collaborate with clinical teams and leadership to ensure high-quality care.

Skills

NCP (Nutrition Care Process)

Evidence-based nutrition

Patient-centered goals

Data analysis

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

RDN/RD credential

Job description

Columbia VA Healthcare System is hiring a Dietitian within the Clinical Section of Nutrition & Food Services (NFS) to work with Home Based Primary Care (HBPC). The employee will serve as a medical nutrition expert, apply evidence-based guidelines to complex patients, and coordinate care with providers, Veterans, caregivers, and community resources. The employee will provide nutrition care in the homes of Veterans in Orangeburg, SC and portions of Sumter, SC HBPC catchment areas.

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).

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 Dietitian (Clinical) (Full Performance Level)

Experience Requirement: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, to qualify for the GS-11 you must possess at least 1 year of experience as an RDN/RD equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09).

Your experience must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Skill in delivering patient care using the Nutrition Care Process (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/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-11.

Physical Requirements:

See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. Dietitian (Clinical) providing HBPC must possess a current, valid. and unrestricted drivers license in order to operate a government owned vehicle.