Created at: May 16, 2025 00:08
Company: Veterans Health Administration
Location: Baltimore, MD, 21201
Job Description:
The Supervisory Dietitian (Food Operations), assignment is in the Food Nutrition and provides expert supervision of a complex Veteran-Centric food operation which consist of four distinct sections (Informatics, Food Service, Production, Nutrition Communication Center). They are an essential part of the NFS executive leadership team. Supervisory Dietitian make decision based on intricate and unrelated information and assumptions from inconclusive or variable data related to Food Operations.
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 known as the American Dietetic Association (ADA). 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: GS-12 Supervisory Dietitian (Food Operations) Experience Requirement: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, to qualify for the GS-12 you must possess at least 1 year of experience as an RDN/RD equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11) which demonstrates the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities in your resume: Knowledge of standards to assess staff compliance and implement performance improvements. Skill in establishing goals and objectives in order to coordinate activities, evaluate accomplishments and solve problems. Skill in applying nutritional knowledge to ensure menus meet nutrition standards. Ability to utilize Evidence-Based Nutrition Practice Guidelines in order to develop, implement and coordinate best practices. Ability to serve as a food operations expert, providing technical guidance, direction and staff development. Ability to supervise subordinate staff (i.e., plan, organize, delegate, direct, control and review activities and performance). Ability to analyze data in order to recommend allocation of resources. Preferred Experience: The Supervisory Dietitian, Food Operations Manager/Section Chief for Nutrition and Food Services (N&FS) serves as an assistant to the Assistant Chief, N&FS, advising the Assistant Chief on all matters pertinent to the service. Has full responsibility for the planning, implementing and directing of food production and service at the Loch Raven VA Medical Center (VAMC). Provides direct supervision for the Food Service Worker Supervisors and Cooks and overall supervision of all lower grade food service workers and production staff while also working with the clinical staff and successfully integrating both sections. The Food Operations Manager works in cooperation with the Assistant Chief in the identification of major management initiatives as well as the provision, production, and service of high-quality food and effective nutrition therapy to the Veteran population served. Shares the technical, professional and administrative responsibility with the Assistant Chief and Chief, N&FS, for planning, developing, organizing, staffing, implementing, and evaluating a functionally comprehensive nutrition program. Supports the Medical Center mission and coordinates departmental activities with other services in the health care system and the local community. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre-placement physical examination is not required
Duties The duties of the position may include but are not limited to the following: General Description of Assigned Duties: Employees in this Supervisory Dietitian (Food Operations) assignment oversee a food service and production operation providing administrative and technical supervision over staff. The Supervisory Dietitian is responsible for the execution of Food Service and Production operations to meet individual meal needs through Veteran-centric, "Food Forward" meal programs with conventional cooking, convenience cooking, advance food preparation and delivery, room service, or a combination of food production and service modalities. They supervise wage grade positions which includes at least a supervisor or leader and other wage grade positions. Supervisory Dietitians provide administrative management and direction of the Food Operations Section. ensure evidence-based guidelines are integrated into food operations and collaborate closely with the clinical nutrition section to enhance the Veteran's dining experience and to support the strategic goals of the clinical nutrition section. Functions or Scope of Assigned Duties: Serves as professional and technical advisor to staff and other health care professionals. Represents the food operations section on projects, committees and/or workgroups within the department and the facility. Assumes full responsibility for planning, directing, and assessing the work and competence of subordinate staff. Develops procedures and guidelines for food operations. Coordinates food service operation policies and procedures with clinical nutrition management, nursing, and other services, as applicable. Monitors compliance with regulatory standards, policies, and procedures. Participates in performance improvement efforts within the Food Service Operations section, acting on quality improvement data and plans. Completes internal audits of food service and food production. Completes routine kitchen inspections. Leads the action planning process to attain goals and resolve deficiencies. Implements the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) program ensuring that requisitioning, receipt/storage, preparation and service of food conforms to quality/quantity standards. Evaluates food operations to ensure proper allocation of resources. Devises solutions and implements action plans to resolve issues and meet service goals and objectives leading to improved patient satisfaction and quality food operations. Participates in an active patient test tray program including evaluation of overall tray accuracy, food safety, quality and palatability, temperature, exceptional service, and implementing similar evaluations for bulk service settings, such as dining rooms or cafeteria settings. Ensures menus meet nutritional and budgetary requirements. Assesses technological equipment innovations and reviews specifications, making recommendations for equipment purchases. Builds and implements contingency plans within the section, ensuring continuity of food operations during internal and external emergency situations and unusual circumstances. Manages emergency feeding cache and ensures menus and supplies meet facility and The Joint Commission requirements. Executes the training plan for the food operations section. Orients and trains employees related to food service and food production and appropriate policies and procedures. Assists with new employee onboarding in food service and food production. Collaborates with the clinical nutrition staff, bridging the work of the food service section with the nutritional care plans for Veterans. May perform other duties as assigned which are appropriate for this grade and assignment. Supervisory Controls The incumbent works under the general supervision of a Supervisory Dietitian, GS-13 or above, who establishes objectives and department priorities. The incumbent is expected to complete work assignments with relative independence and minimal guidance, personally setting the deadlines for completion of work. Assumes responsibility in work assignments in accordance with regulations and independently resolves most conflicts by using considerable judgment and interpretation. Work is reviewed to ensure that overall objectives of the position are met. Work Schedule: Monday --Friday 7:30 am- 4:00 pm Functional Statement #: PD000000 EDRP Authorized: Not Authorized