Dietitian (Clinical)

This Clinical Dietitian position is located within the Nutrition and Food Service (NFS) at the Coatesville VA Medical Center serving as a medical nutrition expert. This position will be involved in the professional practice of dietetics in accordance with the guidance set forth in Nutrition & Food Service (NFS) directives, policies and procedures, and VA regulations governing the practice of dietetics. The clinical dietitian may be scheduled and assigned to any nutrition practice area.

Qualifications:

Employees in this assignment serve in a Dietitian (Clinical) full performance level position within the Clinical Section of NFS 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. Clinical Dietitians coordinate nutritional care of Veterans with other health care providers, the Veteran, the Veteran's caregiver, and the community. They interpret research and utilize whole health principles to develop patient-centered goals and improve outcomes. Clinical Dietitians collaborate with the Food Operations Section to enhance the Veterans' dining experience and ensure patient satisfaction.

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).
• English Language Proficiency: Dietitian candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. ? 7403(f).
  • Exception for GS-07 and GS-09 Only: Dietitians who do not possess the RDN/RD credential. Non-credentialed Dietitians who otherwise meet the basic qualification requirements and have fulfilled the requirements below, but do not possess the RDN credential, may be given a full-time temporary appointment not to exceed one year under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405(c)(2). May only be appointed at the GS-07 or GS-09 level and may not be promoted/converted until they obtain their RDN credential.
    • Non-credentialed Dietitians must have fulfilled each of the following:
      • Earned a bachelor's or higher degree from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university or foreign equivalent. Foreign Education: To be creditable, college and/or university degrees earned outside the U.S and its territories must be evaluated by ACEND and meet ACEND's International Dietitian Education standards which are designed to provide graduates with the knowledge and competencies to sit for the CDR credentialing exam. ~AND~
      • 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 are located on the ACEND website or at ACEND Accredited Programs Directory.

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-07 Dietitian (Entry Level) Experience or Education: None beyond the basic requirements.

GS-09 Dietitian (Developmental)

• Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (or)
• Education. Master's degree from a regionally accredited university or college.
• Knowledge, skills, and abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
  • Knowledge of various accrediting and regulatory requirements.
  • Knowledge of virtual technology to provide nutrition care.
  • Ability to deliver patient care using the NCP (e.g., assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring and evaluation).
  • Ability to apply evidence-based nutrition practices to improve patient outcomes.
  • Ability to develop patient-centered goals.
  • Ability to collect data for performance improvement studies.
  • Ability to collaborate with stakeholders.

GS-11 Dietitian (Clinical)

• Experience. At least one year of experience as an RDN equivalent to the next lower grade.
• Knowledge, skills, and abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
  • Skill in delivering patient care using the 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.

Customer Service Requirements: Employee strives to meet the needs of customers while supporting the VA mission. Consistently communicates and treats customers (Veterans, families, Veteran representatives, all VA staff) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner. Provide the customer with consistent information according to established policies and procedures. Handles conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately.

Computer Security Requirements: Protects sensitive and electronic files that must be safeguarded under the provisions of the Privacy Action of 1974 and other applicable laws, federal regulations, VA statutes and policy, and VHS policy. This responsibility includes protecting data from unauthorized release or from loss, alteration, or unauthorized deletion; and for following applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files and release of access codes.

Preferred Experience: At least one year of experience as a dietitian in a clinical setting.

References: VA Handbook 5005/154 Part II Appendix G20,GS-0630.

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. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.

Responsibilities:

• 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 he Assessment, Diagnosis, Intervention, Monitoring, Evaluation (ADIME) format
• Identifies patients in need of nutritional support and recommends the appropriate mode of support and communicates appropriately with the health care team
• Maintains accurate record keeping of daily clinical activities and completes patient encounters using approved systems
• Ensures continuous improvement of safe and quality care of Veterans
• 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)
Compressed/Flexible: Not available
Telework: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Functional Statement #:PD99529S
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not available
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not available
PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not available
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required