Dietitian

Summary Clinical Dietitians in this role provide expert evidence‑based nutrition care within the Clinical Section of NFS. They work independently to support patients with a wide range of medical and nutritional needs, partner with Veterans, caregivers, and care teams, apply current research to guide patient‑centered goals, and collaborate with Food Operations to enhance the dining experience. Qualifications United States Citizenship: Non‑citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Registration: 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). English Language Proficiency: Dietitian candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f) 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. GS‑11 Grade Determination: 1) Experience – At least one year of experience as an RDN equivalent to the next lower grade. 2) Knowledge – Skills and Abilities – In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) skill in delivering patient care using the NCP (e.g., assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring, and evaluation); (b) skill in interpreting research to apply evidence‑based nutrition practices to improve patient outcomes; (c) skill in developing patient‑centered goals; (d) skill in analyzing data for performance improvement studies; (e) skill in collaborating with stakeholders; (f) ability to comply with various accrediting, regulatory, and agency authorities. 3) 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, assure high‑quality nutrition care, and apply 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 are accountable for independent and accurate record keeping and for autonomous coverage of daily clinical activities, 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. Preferred Experience – One year or more practicing as a Registered Dietitian in a clinical setting working with a wide variety of disease states such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, enteral nutrition, and weight management. Reference – For more information on this qualification standard, please visit Physical Requirements – See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. Duties Conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments using the Nutritional Care Process (NCP), including nutrition‑focused physical examinations, to establish a nutrition diagnosis and determine risk and/or degree of malnutrition. Develop and implement Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) to address the nutrition diagnosis, evaluate and monitor the effectiveness and outcomes of MNT interventions. Modify the plan as needed to achieve positive patient outcomes. Calculate nutrient requirements and necessary diet restrictions or food and drug interactions, tailoring the diet prescription to each individual patient. Document MNT in the medical record using the Assessment‑Diagnosis‑Intervention‑Monitoring‑Evaluation (ADIME) format. Function independently and accurately when record keeping. Identify patients in need of nutritional support and recommend the appropriate mode of support, communicating appropriately with the health care team. Actively participate in formal and informal interdisciplinary team meetings. Assess educational needs and provide nutrition education/counseling for individuals and groups tailored to the Veteran(s). Utilize virtual care technology to improve access to care. Maintain productivity standards. Maintain accurate record keeping of daily clinical activities and complete patient encounters using approved systems. Ensure continuous improvement of safe and quality care of Veterans. Lead activities in the implementation of new initiatives – use data in the development of measures, data evaluation, and initiation of corrective actions. Comply with the Joint Commission requirements and other accrediting agency standards to ensure safe and quality patient care. Collaborate with the Food Operations Section and department leadership to enhance the Veterans' dining experience, support patient satisfaction, and serve as a liaison between clinical units and the Food Operations Section. May perform other related duties as assigned which are appropriate for this grade and assignment. Work Schedule – Monday–Friday 0800‑1630. Telework – Available ad‑hoc per agency policy. Virtual – This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives – Not authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS) – Not authorized. #J-18808-Ljbffr