Health Technician (Dietetic)

Full Job Description

The Veterans Health Administration has adopted the Nutrition and Food Service Modernization Initiative which is a new model of organizing and consolidating Nutritional Food Service functions and services to the Medical Center.

This streamlined approach moves VHA forward in its continuum of providing comprehensive, compassionate, and coordinated care to Veterans.

This position is in Nutrition and Food Services located in the New York Harbor Healthcare System. ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY: In accordance with 38 U.S.C.

7402(d), No person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English.

You must be proficient in basic written and spoken English in order to meet the requirements of this position To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 03/09/2026.

To qualify for this position at the GS-5 level, you must meet one of the following: Specialized Experience: At least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-4) in the Federal Service that has given you the particular knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform the duties of a Health Technician (Dietetics).

Qualifying specialized experience includes: Experience where you applied knowledge of quantity food service operations, proper nutrition, food items and appropriate quantities; working with clients, patients, and/or, customers to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; use computers, software applications, databases, and automated systems to accomplish work.

NOTE: Experience must be fully documented on your resume and must include job title, duties, month and year start/end dates AND hours worked per week.

OR, EDUCATION: Successful completion of a full four (4) year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree, with a major study or at least 24 semester hours in subjects directly related to this position (i.e.

nutrition, dietary therapy, food and nutrition science, food service systems management, etc.).

This education must have been obtained in an accredited business or technical school, junior college, college or university for which high school graduation or the equivalent is the normal prerequisite.

NOTE: Transcripts (unofficial or official) must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation.

NOTE: Transcripts (unofficial or official) must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation.

OR, COMBINATION: Equivalent combination of successfully completed post-high school education (beyond the second year) and specialized experience, as listed above.

The education portion must include courses directly related to the work of the position (i.e. nutrition, dietary therapy, food and nutrition science, food service systems management, etc.).

This education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. NOTE: Transcripts (unofficial or official) must be submitted with your application materials.

Education cannot be credited without documentation.

You will be rated on the following Competencies as part of the assessment questionnaire for this position: Computer Skills: Uses computers, software applications, databases, and automated systems to accomplish work Customer Service: Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services Food Service: Knowledge of preparing and serving food for consumption Communication: Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately Physical Demands: The work requires walking, standing, bending, lifting and carrying of light items, such as food trays, instruction materials, books, and manuals.

Requires long periods of sitting and moving about in an office environment, including repetitive motion activities of the hands and fingers for extensive keyboard and computer mouse use, and office tasks such as answering and holding a telephone and writing.

The work may require walking indoors, outdoors or to and from other areas of the medical center. It may be necessary to lift and/or push equipment.

Incumbent is subject to periods of continuous standing, sitting, walking and frequent stooping, reaching, pushing, pulling, and bending. Frequently lifts or moves objects weighing up to 20 lbs.

Work Environment: Work is performed in a hospital and involves some exposure to contagious diseases.

The employee must observe ergonomics pertaining to working in an office setting with electrical and stationary equipment.

Employee must be alert to wet floors, gas, steam, electrical equipment, and general safety precautions including correct lifting techniques in all potential work areas.

Discomfort may exist due to changes in temperature and/or humidity. Standard precautions may necessitate the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in situations of potential exposure.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described above: For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

Major Duties:

Triages calls from inpatient units or outpatient clinics and procedure areas relating to patient meal trays or nourishments.

Handles routine telephone inquiries from nursing units/nursing personnel regarding patient meal orders and may maintain a log of telephonic client inquiries/concerns.

Prints lists, reports, labels, and tray tickets following the established local facility procedures.

Collaborates with Dietitians regarding Food/Drug Interactions, notifying clinical staff of potential issues with meal service and delivery.

Retrieves computerized information/printouts to assist with tray and/or nourishment assembly such as standing orders, nourishment labels, tabulated recipe lists, and other simple information to assist in meal delivery.

Communicates patient concerns with registered dietitian or dietetic technician. Interprets and processes diet orders.

Correctly interprets diet activity and patient information, to ensure meals trays contain food items adhering to patient requests and preferences, and current therapeutic diet order.

Uses a computer to record, retrieve and print recipes, menus, and inventory reports. Provides professional and courteous customer service via telephone, e-mail, and in-person.

Verifies physician orders for unusual diets, conflicting modifications, tube feeding orders and nutritional supplements. Provides basic-level education and information on therapeutic diets.

Handles patient meal service orders, and enters meal orders into Dietetics Software system. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Rotating Shift Schedule - 6:00am-2:30pm / 10:30-7:00am Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Position Description Title/PD#: Health Technician (Dietetic)/PD99796S CBTE-12896701-26-TN Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.

DESIGNATED DRUG-TESTING POSITION: Applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.

Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Applicants will not be appointed to the position if a verified positive drug test result is received.