Dietitian (Clinical)

Summary This position is located at the New Braunfels VA Clinic New Braunfels - TX. The Dietitian (Clinical) position serves as the medical nutrition expert, autonomous in applying evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines for all patients, including those with complex medical and nutritional needs. The clinical dietitian supports the facility's mission and coordinates nutritional care with other health care providers, the Veteran, the Veteran's caregiver and the community. 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 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 ADA) Exception for GS-07 and GS-09 Only: Dietitians who do not possess the RDN/RD credential Non-credentialed Dietitians who meet basic qualifications and fulfill requirements below may be given a full-time temporary appointment not to exceed one year under 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: Earned a bachelor’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited college/university or foreign equivalent Foreign Education: Degrees earned outside the U.S. must be evaluated by ACEND and meet ACEND’s International Dietitian Education standards Complete an ACEND accredited experiential or supervised practice program and provide a verification statement from the program director ACEND Accredited Programs are listed on the ACEND website ACEND Foreign Education: Must meet International Dietitian Education standards to sit for the CDR exam Failure to Obtain Registration: Dietitians must actively pursue meeting registration requirements from appointment At appointment, HR will provide non-registered Dietitians the written requirement to obtain registration with a deadline Failure to obtain registration within one year may result in removal from the Dietitian GS-0630 occupation and possible termination Current VHA Dietitians covered by Grandfathering provisions may not be promoted to a higher grade without meeting current RDN/RD requirements Grade Determinations: GS-07 Dietitian (Clinical) (Entry Level Developmental) – No additional requirements beyond basic requirements GS-09 Dietitian (Clinical) (Developmental) – Requires at least 1 year of experience equivalent to GS-07 GS-7 assignments include working under guidance of a Dietitian at full performance level or above Clinical Dietitians conduct nutrition assessments using the NCP and develop skills to apply evidence-based guidelines They interpret research, apply whole health principles, and develop patient-centered goals They maintain accurate record keeping of clinical activities and patient encounters They comply with The Joint Commission (TJC) and other accrediting standards They collaborate with Food Operations to enhance dining experience and patient satisfaction The position may require a master’s degree in dietetics or closely related field KSAs: Knowledge of accrediting and regulatory requirements; knowledge of virtual technology to provide nutrition care; ability to deliver care using the NCP; ability to apply evidence-based practices; ability to develop patient-centered goals; data collection for performance improvement; collaboration with stakeholders GS-11 Dietitian (Clinical) (Full Performance Level) – Requires at least 1 year of RDN/RD experience at GS-09 level GS-11 responsibilities include administering nutrition care, applying evidence-based practices, using virtual care technology, and collaborating with multiple stakeholders Preferred Experience: 1 to 3 years as Clinical Dietitian; experience with the Nutrition Care Process; interdisciplinary teamwork Physical Requirements: sedentary work; cognitive, emotional, and mental stability; clinical dietitian duties in clinic or via video connect Hours/Work setting: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Telework Ad-hoc per policy; Virtual: not a virtual position Functional Statement #: PD99529-S - PD99531-S - PD99530-S Duties Coordinate nutritional care of Veterans with other health care providers, the Veteran, the Veteran’s caregiver, and the community Interpret research and use whole health principles to develop patient-centered goals and improve outcomes Collaborate with Food Operations to enhance dining experience and patient satisfaction Conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments using the Nutritional Care Process, including nutrition-focused physical examinations, to establish a nutrition diagnosis and determine risk Develop and implement Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT); evaluate and monitor outcomes Modify plans to achieve positive patient outcomes Calculate nutrient requirements and dietary restrictions, and account for food and drug interactions Document MNT in the medical record using ADIME format Record-keeping: maintain accuracy and completeness Identify patients needing nutritional support and communicate with the health care team Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings Provide tailored nutrition education/counseling for individuals and groups Utilize virtual care technology to improve access to care Maintain productivity and documentation standards Support continuous improvement of safe and quality care Lead initiatives and use data to develop measures and initiate corrective actions Comply with TJC and accrediting standards Collaborate with Food Operations and leadership to enhance dining experience and patient satisfaction May perform other related duties as assigned Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telework: Ad-hoc as determined by Agency policy Virtual: This is not a virtual position #J-18808-Ljbffr