Summary This position is located in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Mid-Atlantic Health Care Network (VISN 6), Fayetteville NC. The clinical dietitian supports the facility's mission and coordinates nutritional care with other health care providers, the veteran, the veteran's caregiver and the community. Responsibilities Duties and responsibilities for this position include, but not limited to the following: Dietitian (Clinical), GS-09: Incumbent in this assignment will 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. Conducts a comprehensive nutrition assessment utilizing the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) for assigned patients. Develops and implements an individualized plan for MNT in accordance with the patient's medical program goals and objectives. Performs a Nutrition Focused Physical Exam (NFPE) during assessments to determine risk and/or degree of malnutrition. Calculates nutrient requirements (calories, protein, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, electrolytes and fluids) and necessary diet restrictions or food and drug interactions. Evaluates patterns and relationships among data obtained and possible root causes for nutrition problems. All other duties assigned. Dietitian (Clinical), GS-11: Incumbent in this assignment will 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. 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. All other duties assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am To 4:30pm. Rotating Holidays & Saturdays. Functional Statement #: 99630, 99529-S Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required. Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a trial period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Qualifications 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. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. 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 Determinations: GS-09, Clinical Dietitian. Experience/Education Requirement: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, to qualify for the GS-09 you possess one of the following which includes demonstrates the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 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. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 1. Knowledge of various accrediting and regulatory requirements. 2. Knowledge of virtual technology to provide nutrition care. 3. Ability to deliver patient care using the NCP (e.g., assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring and evaluation). 4. Ability to apply evidence-based nutrition practices to improve patient outcomes. 5. Ability to develop patient-centered goals. 6. Ability to collect data for performance improvement studies. 7. Ability to collaborate with stakeholders. Grade Determinations: GS-11, Clinical Dietitian. Experience/Education Requirement: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, to qualify for the GS-11 you possess one of the following which includes demonstrates the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Experience: At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09). Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Skill in delivering patient care using the NCP (e.g., assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring and evaluation). 2. Skill in interpreting research to apply evidence-based nutrition practices to improve patient outcomes. 3. Skill in developing patient-centered goals. 4. Skill in analyzing data for performance improvement studies. 5. Skill in collaborating with stakeholders. 6. Ability to comply with various accrediting, regulatory and agency authorities. 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-09 to GS-11. Physical Requirements: The position requires intermittent walking and standing for up to 50% of tour and driving to HBPC patients' homes. Carrying normal amounts or written/reference materials is routinely done. Occasionally, duties may require movement of audio-visual equipment charts and arrangement of classroom areas. Some of the work is sedentary, involving nutritional plans, research and reports. Use of computer keyboard and mouse to access patient data and record patient encounters is a frequent part of the work and happens intermittently during the day. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
