Clinical Dietetic Technician

Full Job Description

The Fargo VA Health Care System is recruiting for 1 full-time Clinical Dietetic Technician for the Nutrition and Food service line.

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

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. Experience and/or Education.

(1) Education. Completion of an associate's or higher degree program in Dietetic Technology, Dietetics or another related field of study that is accredited by ACEND®.

A list of ACEND® accredited programs are located on the ACEND® website or at ACEND Accredited Programs Directory (https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend/accredited-programs/program-directory).

OR (2) Experience. Completion of one (1) year of clinical experience in dietetics, and the possession of an active Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) certification.

The experience must have been received after possession of the CDM certification. OR (3) Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying.

Licensure/Certification/Registration. (1) List of Licensure/Certification/Registration.

Possession of the DTR credential from the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), the credentialing agency of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

(2) Exception for Non-registered CDT (a) Non- registered applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for licensure, may be given a temporary appointment as a CDT under the authority of 38 U.S.C.

§ 7405(c)(2). (b) Non-registered individuals shall only provide care under the supervision of a credentialed CDT at or above the full performance level.

(c) Non-registered individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted until certification is obtained.

(d) Temporary appointments of non-registered CDTs may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment. Physical Requirements.

You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position.

Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination. English Language Proficiency.

CDT candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).

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: Clinical Dietetic Technician, GS-05. (1) Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. (2) Assignment.

Employees at this grade level serve in CDT entry-level developmental positions.

It is expected that the CDT receives guidance from higher-level staff members or supervisors and require frequent and direct supervision.

The CDT is responsible for screening patients, which includes but is not limited to, collecting nutritionally relevant data such as diagnoses, medications, clinical symptoms, laboratory values, dietary history, and anthropometrics.

The CDT will receive and record patient information regarding allergies, patient meal preferences and enter this information into the applicable software program(s) including the medical record.

The CDT may recommend modification of the diet order for texture/consistency, tolerance, and supplemental feedings as appropriate.

The CDT will assist clinical dietitians and the food service section in provision of medical nutrition therapy appropriate to the age-related needs of patients across the continuum of care and provide nutrition education for patients at the direction of a registered dietitian.

Clinical Dietetic Technician, GS-06. (1) Experience. One year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade.

NOTE: Possession of the Dietetic Technician, Registered (DTR) credential can be substituted for the one year of specialized experience. (2) Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs).

In addition to meeting the experience or certification requirements for this grade level, the candidate must fully demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of nutrition screening process.

(b) Knowledge of programs and systems used to manage patient diet orders and preferences. (c) Skill in conducting diet education to selected groups of patients and individuals.

(d) Ability to work collaboratively with patients and coworkers to provide nutrition care. Clinical Dietetic Technician, GS-07. (1) Experience.

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade. (2) Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs).

In addition to meeting the experience or certification requirements for this grade level, the candidate must fully demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge in Medical Nutrition Therapy pertaining to completing nutrition assessments.

(b) Knowledge of food service operations. (c) Skill in conducting nutrition intervention, patient interviewing, and nutrition counseling as part of the nutrition care process.

(d) Ability to organize, evaluate, and execute teaching plans to provide nutrition education for selected groups of patients and individuals.

(e) Ability to effectively communicate nutrition education and care plans with patients, family members, coworkers, internal customers, and external customers.

All qualifying experience you possess must be clearly described in your application package. We will not make assumptions when reviewing applications.

Failure to demonstrate your experience in your resume may result in disqualification. It is strongly recommended that you write to each KSA in your application package.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7.

The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-7.

Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position.

Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination. Major Duties:

The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers.

This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest.

As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran.

This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community.

This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

The CDT is responsible for screening patients, collecting nutritionally relevant data such as diagnoses, medications, clinical symptoms, laboratory values, dietary history, and anthropometrics.

The CDT receives and records patient information regarding allergies, patient meal preferences and enters this information into the applicable software program(s) including the medical record.

CDTs at this level perform all duties and assignments are given with general instruction and guidance.

Duties include, but are not limited to: Conducts the screening and evaluation of the nutrition care needs of patients.

Assists the RDN in the development of nutritional care plans including nutrition interventions, nutrition focused physical exam, and diet counseling in collaboration with the RDN.

Collects nutritionally relevant data from the medical record for medications, clinical symptoms, laboratory values, diet history and anthropometrics.

Makes recommendations for adjustments to the plan of care to improve patient's recovery and document outcomes on nutrition intervention.

Modifies diet orders for texture/consistency, tolerance, and supplemental feedings as appropriate under the oversight of the RDN.

Educates patients or employees, in groups or individually, and/or those accompanying the patient, regarding medical nutrition therapies.

Serves as a preceptor for dietetic technician affiliated programs and associated tasks as applicable. Assists with administrative or clerical functions associated with food service operations.

Assists in related duties that support performance improvement activities for the service. Conducts nutrient intake analysis and meal rounds. Works collaboratively with interdisciplinary team members.

Completes test trays and tray studies. Completes patient satisfaction surveys.

May perform other duties as assigned as appropriate for the grade and assignment and which are within the scope of the occupation.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, administrative hours (days) Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 99306 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized