Dietitian (Clinical)

The Dietitian (Clinical) will be involved in the professional practice of dietetics in accordance with the guidance set forth in Nutrition and Food Services (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, and must possess the required knowledge and skills in order to perform the required functions.
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).

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).

Grandfathering Provision. Employees in VHA in this occupation, under a permanent, appropriate and legal placement on the effective date of the qualification standard, are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade and/or assignment held, including positive education and registration/certification, where applicable.

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-11

• Experience. At least one year of experience as an RDN equivalent to the next lower grade, (GS-9).
• Knowledge , Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSA's:

-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.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• Served as an active member of the multidisciplinary treatment team and is independently responsible for managing the total nutritional care to adult Veteran patients of varying ages.
• Independently responsible for all phases of assessment, planning, intervention, education, and evaluation using the Nutrition Care Process (NCP).
• Assessing nutritional status, reviews and interprets pertinent diagnostic and treatment data, and develops, implements, and monitors the nutritional care plan.
• Reviewing and calculating modified diets to meet the special dietary needs of those patients requiring nutrition intervention.
• In the medical record, accurately documenting the nutritional status, nutrient intake, nutritional education, and other pertinent data.
• Participating as part of a interdisciplinary treatment team within each outpatient clinic and inpatient when needed.
• Assessing educational needs of a mainly outpatient population, with inpatient coverage as part of the weekend rotation.
• Providing nutrition counseling for individuals and groups and schedules both new and follow-up Clinical outpatient visits.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit .

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11.

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. 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: . 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: .

ACEND accredited programs are located on the ACEND website or at ACEND Accredited Programs Directory .