Dietitian (Clinical)

Full Job Description

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program.

You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment.

Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application.

Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.

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. b. Registration.

All applicants must hold the RDN credential from the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) the credentialing agency of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Note: Applicants who hold the RDN credential have met the education requirement (e.g.

bachelor's degree or higher) of CDR, as such this occupation is considered professional and scientific with a positive education requirement and the procedures in Part I, Chapter 4 of this Handbook will be followed when applying Veteran's preference.

Exception for GS-07 and GS-09 Only: Dietitians who do not possess the RDN credential.

(a) 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: Earned a bachelor's or higher degree from a U.S.

regionally accredited college, university or foreign equivalent (refer to ii below) 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.

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: Dietitian (Clinical), GS-07: (1) Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements. (2) Assignment.

Employees in this assignment serve in a Dietitian (Clinical) entry-level developmental position.

They work under the guidance of a Dietitian who is at the full performance level or above, performing increasingly complex tasks designed to prepare them for promotion.

Clinical Dietitians conduct nutrition assessments for patients with lower acuity using the NCP while developing skills to apply evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines.

Clinical Dietitians learn to interpret research, apply whole health principles and develop patient-centered goals.

They develop skills in accurate record keeping of clinical activities and complete patient encounters using approved systems.

Clinical Dietitians comply with The Joint Commission (TJC) requirements and other accrediting agency standards to ensure safe and quality patient care.

They collaborate with the Food Operations Section to enhance the Veterans' dining experience and ensure patient satisfaction. Dietitian (Clinical), GS-09 (1) Experience.

At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. OR (2) Education. Master's degree from a regionally accredited university or college. (3) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities.

In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of various accrediting and regulatory requirements.

(b) Knowledge of virtual technology to provide nutrition care. (c) Ability to deliver patient care using the NCP (e.g., assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring and evaluation).

(d) Ability to apply evidence-based nutrition practices to improve patient outcomes. (e) Ability to develop patient-centered goals. (f) Ability to collect data for performance improvement studies.

(g) Ability to collaborate with stakeholders. (4) Assignment. Employees in this assignment serve in a Dietitian (Clinical) developmental position.

They perform increasingly complex tasks under general supervision. Clinical Dietitians conduct nutrition assessments using the NCP.

They develop skills in applying evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines, interpreting research and utilizing whole health principles to develop patient-centered goals and improve outcomes.

Clinical Dietitians also utilize virtual care technology to improve access to care. They maintain accurate record keeping of daily clinical activities and patient encounters using approved systems.

Clinical Dietitians comply with TJC and other accrediting agency standards to ensure safe and quality patient care.

They collect data related to performance improvement activities within Nutrition and Food Services (NFS) and assist in implementing new initiatives.

Clinical Dietitians collaborate with the Food Service Section to enhance the Veterans' dining experience, support patient satisfaction and serve as a liaison between clinical units and the food service section.

Dietician (Clinical) GS-11 (1) Experience. At least one year of experience as an RDN equivalent to the next lower grade. (2) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities.

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 (3) 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-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 NFS, lead activities in the implementation of new initiatives and collaborate with stakeholders.

Clinical Dietitians frequently collaborate with the food service section and leadership staff to enhance the Veteran's dining experience, support patient satisfaction and serve as a liaison between clinical units and the Food Service Section.

Preferred Experience: MOVE! Program 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-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-7 up to GS-11.

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 Major Duties:

GS-07 Dietitian (Clinical) - Entry-Level Developmental Conducts nutrition assessments for lower acuity patients using the Nutritional Care Process.

Develops, implements, and monitors MNT, modifying plans as necessary for patient outcomes. Calculates nutrient requirements and addresses diet restrictions or food-drug interactions.

Identifies patients needing nutritional support and communicates with healthcare teams. Documents care using the ADIME format and completes required care plans within set timeframes.

Provides basic nutrition education and counseling tailored to the Veterans. Participates in interdisciplinary team meetings and maintains productivity standards.

Collaborates with Food Operations to support patient dining satisfaction.

GS-09 Dietitian (Clinical) - Developmental Level Conducts nutrition assessments and nutrition-focused physical exams to diagnose malnutrition risks.

Develops, implements, monitors, and adjusts MNT for patient-specific needs. Coordinates with healthcare teams to identify and recommend nutritional support strategies.

Documents MNT using the ADIME format and maintains accurate clinical records. Provides tailored nutrition education to individuals and groups.

Participates in interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient care. Collaborates with Food Operations to enhance the Veterans' dining experience.

Maintains productivity standards and completes patient encounters using approved systems.

GS-11 Dietitian (Clinical) - Full Performance Level 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 and performs additional duties as assigned. Work Schedule: 7:30-4:00 or 8:00-4:30, Monday - Friday. Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 59578-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive.

Contact lena.gowder@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized