Dietitian (Clinical)

SummaryClinical 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.QualificationsApplicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.Basic RequirementsUnited States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA PolicyRegistered 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)Individuals who have earned college and/or university degrees outside the United States and its territories also must have their transcripts evaluated by a foreign transcript evaluation service to determine if their degree is equivalent to a degree granted by a regionally accredited college or university in the United StatesValidation of a foreign degree does not eliminate the need for verification of completion of didactic program - dietetic internship - or coordinated program requirementsCurrent 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 requirementsMay 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)In addition to the Basic Requirements - all applicants must meet the following to qualify for the positionGrade Determinations for the GS-11: ExperienceAt least one year of experience as an RDN equivalent to the next lower gradeKnowledge - Skills and AbilitiesIn addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Skill in delivering patient care using the NCP (e.g. - assessment - diagnosis - intervention - monitoring and evaluation)(b) Skill in interpreting research to apply evidence-based nutrition practices to improve patient outcomes(c) Skill in developing patient-centered goals(d) Skill in analyzing data for performance improvement studies(e) Skill in collaborating with stakeholders(f) Ability to comply with various accrediting - regulatory and agency authoritiesAssignment: Employees in this assignment serve in a Dietitian (Clinical) full performance level positionClinical Dietitians conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments for Veterans using the NCP (e.g. - assessment - diagnosis - intervention - monitoring and evaluation) - assuring high-quality nutrition careThey apply evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines - interpret research and utilize whole health principles to develop patient- centered goals and improve outcomesClinical Dietitians also utilize virtual care technology to improve access to careThey are accountable for independent and accurate record keeping - autonomous coverage of daily clinical activities and efficiently completing patient encounters using approved systemsClinical Dietitians are knowledgeable of and ensure work accomplishments comply with TJC and other accrediting agency standards and ensure continuous improvement of safe and quality careThey collect and analyze data related to performance improvement activities within NFS - lead activities in the implementation of new initiatives and collaborate with stakeholdersClinical 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 Operations SectionReferences: VA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G20 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11Physical Requirements: The work primarily is sedentarySome work may require periods of walking - standing - and bending in offices - hospitals - and other work areasFrequently carry light items such as books - education material - equipment required for assessment (i.escale or dynamometer) and other similar materialsThe work does not require any special physical effort.DutiesFunctions or Scope of Assigned Duties: 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 malnutritionDevelops and implements Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) to address the nutrition diagnosis - evaluates and monitors the effectiveness and outcomes of MNT interventionsModifies the plan as needed to achieve positive patient outcomesCalculates nutrient requirements and necessary diet restrictions or food and drug interactions tailoring the diet prescription to each individual patientDocuments MNT in the medical record using the Assessment - Diagnosis - Intervention - Monitoring - Evaluation (ADIME) formatFunctions independently and accurately when record keepingIdentifies patients in need of nutritional support and recommends the appropriate mode of support and communicates appropriately with the health care teamActively participates in formal and informal interdisciplinary team meetingsAssesses educational needs and provides nutrition education/counseling for individuals and groups that is tailored to the Veteran(s)Utilizes virtual care technology to improve access to careMaintains productivity standardsMaintains accurate record keeping of daily activities and completes patient encounters using approved systemsEnsures continuous improvement of safe and quality care of veteransLeads activities in the implementation of new initiativesUses data in the development of measures - data evaluation - and initiation of corrective actionsComplies with the Joint Commission requirements and other accrediting agency standards to ensure safe and quality patient careCollaborates 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 Food Operations SectionMay perform other related duties as assigned which are appropriate for this grade and assignmentWork Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 4:00pm Telework: AD-Hoc telework Virtual: This is not a virtual positionEDRP: Position is EDRP eligible Functional Statement #: 99529-S Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized