Dietitian (Clinical)

Full Job Description

The Charles George VA Medical Center is seeking a Clinical Dietician. Employees in this assignment will serve within Whole Health Service serving as the medical nutrition expert.

They are autonomous in their work in applying evidenced-based nutrition practice guidelines for all patients, including those with complex medical and nutritional needs.

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.

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

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).

GRADE DETERMINATION GS-11 Dietitian (Clinical) (Full Performance Level): In addition to meeting the basic requirements, to qualify for the GS-11, you must have: Experience: At least one (1) year of experience as an RDN/RD equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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.

Assignment: Employees in this assignment serve in a Dietitian (Clinical) full performance level position.

Clinical Dietitians conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments for Veterans using the NCP (e.g., assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring and evaluation), assuring high-quality nutrition care.

They apply evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines, interpret research and utilize whole health principles to develop patient- 8 centered goals and improve outcomes.

Clinical Dietitians also utilize virtual care technology to improve access to care.

They are accountable for independent and accurate record keeping, autonomous coverage of daily clinical activities and efficiently completing patient encounters using approved systems.

Clinical Dietitians are knowledgeable of and ensure work accomplishments comply with TJC and other accrediting agency standards and ensure continuous improvement of safe and quality care.

They collect and analyze data related to performance improvement activities within Whole Health Service, lead activities in the implementation of new initiatives and collaborate with stakeholders.

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. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. Major Duties:

This employee serves as the Dietitian (Clinical) within Whole Health Service.

This individual will perform increasingly complex tasks as they acquire skills in clinical nutrition to apply evidenced-based nutrition practice guidelines.

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

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, 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 record keeping.

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

Functional Statement #: PD000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized