Dietitian (Clinical)

SummaryWorks out of Milwaukee and/or Union Grove as the medical nutrition expert applying evidence-based nutrition guidelines for patients enrolled in Primary Care and Home-Based Primary Care in Milwaukee and/or Union Grove; coordinates care of Veterans with other providers - caregivers - and the community; interprets research and utilizes whole health principles to develop patient-centered goals. A valid drivers license and use of a government car is required.QualificationsBasic Requirements:United 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)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 requirementsGrade Determinations: GS-11 Experience or EducationAt least 1 year of experience as a registered dietitian equivalent to the next lower grade level - or education equivalent to 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education - or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree from an accredited university or college in the field of dietetics or closely related fieldIn addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1knowledge of research methods - study design - data collection - interpretation of findings - and translation of results into nutrition practice2Ability to comply with various accrediting - regulatory - and agency authorities3Ability to develop and maintain a system of internal reviews and direct quality control and performance improvement studies4Knowledge of computer software programs relative to food service systems5Knowledge of the principles and practices of nutrition care and the treatment of complex cases in clinical settings in order to develop - implement and coordinate best practices in the dietetics profession (e.gassessment - diagnosis - intervention - monitoring and evaluation)6Knowledge of best practices in areas of clinical nutrition and the ability to apply nutrition interventions to patients with multiple co-morbidities7Ability to act as a consultant for health care providers including registered dietetic technicians - dietetic interns - nurses - physicians - medical students - and allied health professionalsThe full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-09 to GS-11Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/Physical Requirements: Light lifting (up to 15 pounds) - light carrying (up to 15 pounds) - reaching above shoulders - walking (4 hours) - standing - hearing (aid permitted) - sitting 3-4 hours intermittently - hand and eye coordination.DutiesThe Clinical Dietitian is the medical nutrition expert responsible for independently planning - developing - and directing all nutritional care activities for assigned patients - including those with complex medical and nutritional needsHe/she works with the interdisciplinary team to ensure patient's needs are being met when an alternative form of nutrition management (enteral/parenteral nutrition) is determined to be necessaryHe/She supports the facility's mission and coordinates nutritional care with other health care providers - the client - the clients family and the communityDuties Include: Conducts comprehensive nutrition assessments for patients at nutritional risk using the Nutrition Care Process Develops and implements an individualized plan for MNT in accordance with the patient's medical program goals and objectives Calculates nutritional requirements (calories - protein - carbohydrates - lipids - vitamins - electrolytes - fluid) and necessary diet restrictions Identifies patients in need of nutritional support and recommends the appropriate mode of support - including suitable route - formula - and rate of administration Utilizes assessment and evaluation techniques that consider age-specific needs as well as cultural - religious - and ethnic concerns Orders labs - diets - supplements - and consults per scope of Practice/Policy Order Authorization Evaluates and monitors the effectiveness and outcome of MNT interventions Documents nutrition care plan in the patient's medical record - including nutrition assessment data - nutrition diagnosis - medical nutrition therapy initiated and recommendations - results of nutrition counseling - and discharge planning Works cooperatively with Nutrition and Food Services and nursing staff to ensure conformance to diet prescriptions Assesses educational needs and provides nutrition counseling for individuals and groups - incorporating a learning approach that considers the cultural - religious - educational - and medical situation of the patient Provides nutrition education and counseling to individual in a variety of settings for nutrition related problems - preventive health measures and chronic disease managementAs necessary - includes information regarding budgeting - menu planning - food purchasing and preparation - food storage - and sanitationThis may include leading a group education class Evaluates achievement of learning objectives by the patient and/or familyAdapts nutrition education materials and counseling techniques to client's level of understanding - which frequently involves simplifying complex dietary restrictions Provides appropriate follow-up in accordance with patient's treatment goals - referring patients for outpatient counseling - community or home health services as appropriate Assists in the education of dietetic students and internsPlans learning experiences - teaches - and evaluates performance Participates in community projects and education as needed/assigned Documents all nutrition education in the medical record according to facility policy Work Schedule: Full timeMonday - Friday - 8am - 430pm - varies Telework: Available Virtual: This is not a virtual positionFunctional Statement #: PD99500S Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized