Clinical Dietitians coordinate nutritional care of Veterans with other health care providers, the Veteran, the Veteran's caregiver, and the community. They interpret research and utilize whole health principles to develop patient-centered goals and improve outcomes. Clinical Dietitians collaborate with the Food Operations Section to enhance the Veterans' dining experience and ensure patient satisfaction.
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. Proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d). Registered with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) 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). Exception: Non-credentialed Dietitians who meet the basic qualification requirements and have fulfilled the requirements below, but do not possess the RDN credential, may be given a temporary full-time appointment not to exceed one year under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2). Non-credentialed Dietitians must have fulfilled each of the following: A Earned a bachelor's or higher degree from a U.S. regionally accredited college, university or foreign equivalent (refer to below). B 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. Foreign Education. To be creditable, college and/or university degrees earned outside the U.S and its territories must be evaluated by ACEND® and meet ACEND®'s International Dietitian Education standards which are designed to provide graduates with the knowledge and competencies to sit for the CDR credentialing exam. Non-credentialed Dietitians may only be appointed at the GS-07 or GS-09 grade level and may not be promoted/converted until they obtain their RDN credential. Non-credentialed Dietitians must provide care under the supervision of a RDN at or above the full performance level. Temporary appointments of non-credentialed Dietitian will not be extended beyond one year or converted to a new temporary appointment. 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 for the GS-11: At least one year of experience as an RDN equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-9). 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. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: The position requires intermittent walking and standing. Carrying normal amounts of written/reference materials is routinely done. Occasionally, duties may require the movement of audio-visual equipment, charts and arrangement of classroom areas.
Duties for the Dietitian (Clinical) are as follows: Assesses physical, psychosocial and environmental factors in the Veteran's home which impact upon adequate nutrition intake and develops plans with the Veteran and caregiver to facilitate provision of adequate nutrition intake. When assessing or providing Veteran care the dietitian considers the age of the Veteran as it relates to ability to understand directions, provide objective self assessment or any other medical milieu appropriate to overall treatment plan. Assists the Veteran and/or caregiver with menu planning, label reading and food selection. Demonstrates food preparation techniques in the home, emphasizing conservation of nutrients, aesthetic appeal and palatability. Assesses the Veteran's nutrition status and the need for oral nutrition supplements and total enteral nutrition therapy products and writes the prescriptions for same. Develops, organizes and implements nutrition education programs for Veterans and/or significant others including individual instruction, group classes as feasible and health promotion activities. reviews, updates and develops Veteran education materials to maximize Veteran Knowledge and adherence to diet. Provides and participates in educational programs such as medical conferences, seminars, and workshops. She/he provides support, expertise and serves as consultant to other dietitians, diabetic students, and health team members regarding all aspects of nutrition care for the HBPC Veterans. Utilize dietic computer programs to communicate Veteran care needs and administrative information effectively, and to assess pertinent information. The HBPC Nutrition Specialist Dietitian is independently responsible for managing the dietary treatment of Veterans in the HBPC program. This includes making significant and positive clinical decisions, without assistance, based on sound judgment, knowledge and experience. Coordinates all nutrition activities with other health professionals, including other members of the HBPC team, food service workers and supervisors, and with Veterans and their families/caregivers. Advises supervisor and the HBPC Program Director of progress and of controversial situations with potential far-reaching implications. Independently resolves most conflicts that arise. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Ad-hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 99529-S Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized