Clinical Dietitian

Full Job Description

The VA New Jersey Healthcare System is currently recruiting for one Clinical Dietitian to serve within our clinical section of the Nutrition and Food Service (NFS).

Clinical dietitians coordinate the nutritional care of Veterans with other health care providers, the Veteran, the Veteran's caregiver, and the community.

The selectee provides cross coverage between East Orange and Lyons, NJ as needed, regardless of duty station assignment on record.

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-11 Dietitian (Clinical) (Full Performance Level) Experience Requirement: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, to qualify for the GS-11 you must possess at least 1 year of experience as an RDN/RD equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09) which demonstrates the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Skill in delivering patient care using the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) (e.g., assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring, and evaluation).

Skill in interpreting research to apply evidence-based nutrition practices to improve patient outcomes. Skill in developing patient-centered goals.

Skill in analyzing data for performance improvement studies. Skill in collaborating with stakeholders. 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: See VA Handbook 5019 Major Duties:

Duties of this position include, but are not limited to: Conducts comprehensive nutrition assessments using the Nutritional Care Process (NCP), including nutrition-focused physical examinations, to establish a nutrition diagnosis and determine risk and/or degree of malnutrition.

Develops and implements Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) to address the nutrition diagnosis and evaluates and monitors the effectiveness and outcomes of MNT interventions.

Modifies the plan as needed to achieve positive patient outcomes.

Calculates nutrient requirements and necessary diet restrictions or food and drug interactions, tailoring the diet prescription to each individual patient.

Documents MNT in the medical record using the Assessment, Diagnosis, Intervention, Monitoring, Evaluation (ADIME) format. Functions independently and accurately when recordkeeping.

Identifies patients in need of nutritional support and recommends the appropriate mode of support and communicates appropriately with the health care team.

Actively participates in formal and informal interdisciplinary team meetings.

Assesses educational needs and provides nutrition education/counseling for individuals and groups that is tailored to the Veteran(s). Utilizes virtual care technology to improve access to care.

Maintains productivity standards. Maintains accurate recordkeeping of daily clinical activities and completes patient encounters using approved systems.

Ensures continuous improvement of safe and quality care of Veterans. Leads activities in the implementation of new initiatives.

Uses data in the development of measures, data evaluation, and initiation of corrective actions.

Complies with The Joint Commission requirements and other accrediting agency standards to ensure safe and quality patient care.

Collaborates 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.

May perform other related duties as assigned which are appropriate for this grade and assignment.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: PD99529S Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized