Dietitian (Clinical)

Basic Requirements: Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Registration. Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Registered Dietitian (RD) – Must hold the RDN credential from the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) the credentialing agency of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. (SUBMIT DOCUMENTATION) Exception for 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-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. 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 Determination. Dietitian (Clinical) GS-09 Requirement Experience. In addition to meeting the basic requirements, you must have at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-07). ~or Education. A Master’s degree from a regionally accredited university or college. ~and~ Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) below: 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. Dietitian (Clinical) GS-11 Requirement Experience. In addition to meeting the basic requirements, you must have at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09). ~and~ Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) below: 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 References: VA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G20 Selective Placement Factor: Must be proficient in spoken and written Spanish language. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-09 or GS-11 grade level. Physical Requirements: The regular and recurring work of the position involves sitting at a desk, conferences, meetings, etc., and staff interaction in patient care areas. Work involves frequent periods of walking, standing and the ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, visual acuity, hearing and clear speech.
Clinical Dietitians coordinate nutritional care of Veterans with other health care providers, the Veteran, the Veterans 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.