Dietitian (Clinical)

Summary This Dietitian (Clinical) position provides Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) within the Clinical Section of NFS, serving as the medical nutrition expert. They work autonomously applying evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines for all patients, including those with complex medical and nutritional needs. They interpret research and utilize whole health principles to develop patient-centered goals and improve outcomes. Qualifications 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. Exception for GS-07 and GS-09 only: Dietitians who do not possess the RDN/RD credential. Non-credentialed Dietitians who meet basic qualification requirements and have fulfilled the requirements below 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. must be evaluated by ACEND and meet ACEND's International Dietitian Education standards. 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 is 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). Dietitian (Clinical) – GS-09: Experience – at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade, or Education – Master’s degree from a regionally accredited university or college. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of various accrediting and regulatory requirements; knowledge of virtual technology to provide nutrition care; ability to deliver patient care using the NCP; ability to apply evidence-based nutrition practices; ability to develop patient-centered goals; ability to collect data for performance improvement studies; ability to collaborate with stakeholders. 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, skill in interpreting research to apply evidence-based nutrition practices, skill in developing patient-centered goals, skill in analyzing data for performance improvement studies, skill in collaborating with stakeholders, ability to comply with accrediting and regulatory authorities. Preferred Experience: 1–3 years experience as a clinical dietitian; experience working in an interdisciplinary team setting; experience using the Nutrition Care Process. Physical Requirements: May be required – pre- or post-employment physical examination depending on the needs of the organization. Duties Conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments using the Nutritional Care Process, including nutrition-focused physical examinations, to establish a nutrition diagnosis and determine risk 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 ADIME format. Function independently and accurately in record keeping. Identify patients in need of nutritional support; recommend the appropriate mode of support and communicate appropriately with the health care team. Participate actively in formal and informal interdisciplinary team meetings. Assess educational needs and provide nutrition education and counseling 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. Perform other related duties as assigned which are appropriate for this grade and assignment. Work Schedule: Monday – Friday 0800‑1630; weekend work may be assigned intermittently to support service needs during periods of limited staffing. Telework: Available – Ad‑Hoc only. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: PD99500S – PD99501S – and PD99502S. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. #J-18808-Ljbffr