Description:
Please view the full description and apply on USAJOBS at: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/774679000#
This opportunity is open to both credentialed and non-credentialed Dieticians.
Non-credentialed Dietitians who otherwise meet the basic qualification requirements, but do not possess the RDN credential, may be given a full-time temporary appointment not to exceed one year at the Entry Level Developmental (“GS-07”) or Developmental Level (“GS-09”) and may not be promoted 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.
The Clinical Dietitian is the medical nutrition expert. They support the VA facility’s mission and coordinate nutritional care with other health care providers, the veteran, the veteran’s caregiver and the community. The clinical dietitian’s expertise is specific to diagnosing nutrition problems and the nutrition ramifications of disease entities and medical treatment modalities.
Duties listed below reflect the work of a Senior Dietician. Developmental grade Dietician duties will differ in complexity and oversight. Duties for the Clinical Dietitian include, but are not limited to:
- Conducts a nutrition assessment utilizing the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) for assigned patients.
- Develops and implements an individualized plan for Medical Nutrition Therapy (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 and necessary diet restrictions or food/drug interactions.
- Evaluates patterns and relationships among data obtained and possible root causes for nutrition problems.
- Tailors diet prescription to each individual patient according to physical and metabolic needs.
- Prioritizes the importance of nutrition problems for optimal health, recovery from illness, management of chronic disease or disease prevention.
- Utilizes evidenced-based nutrition practice guidelines and Whole Health Principles to develop shared goals with the patient and formulates a plan of care that is focused on the etiology of the nutrition problem.
- Actively supports veteran centric food service operations with a food forward approach through knowledge of computer software programs related to food service systems and through interfacing with the food service section to ensure patient satisfaction with meals, assisting in implementation of new initiatives, and acting as a liaison between clinical units/wards and the food service section, as applicable.
- Works cooperatively with foodservice staff to assure conformance to diet prescriptions, as applicable.
- Identifies patients in need of nutritional support and recommends the appropriate mode of support, including suitable route, formula, and rate of administration. Provides initial and on-going nutritional assessment of patients receiving enteral (EN) and/or Parenteral nutrition (PN).
- Orders labs, diets, and consults per Scope of Practice / Clinical privileges.
- Documents nutrition care plan in the patient’s medical record, including nutrition assessment data, MNT initiated and recommendations, results of nutrition counseling, patient consents and discharge planning.
- Assesses educational needs and provides nutrition education/counseling for individuals and groups, incorporating a learning approach that considers the cultural, religious, educational and medical situation of the patient.
- Utilizes motivational interviewing techniques to evaluate patient and/or caregiver’s readiness to learn and potential for changing behaviors.
- Evaluates achievement of learning objectives by the patient and/or family. Adapts nutrition education materials and counseling techniques to the patient’s level of understanding, which frequently involves simplifying complex dietary restrictions.
- Identifies drug-nutrient interactions and counsels / communicates with the patient regarding the impact on nutrition status and/or nutrient utilization.
- Participates in the orientation and training of new staff (e.g., Food Service Employees, dietetic interns, clinical dietitians, etc.)
How to Apply:
Apply on USAJOBS at: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/774679000#
All applicants are encouraged to apply online at https://www.usajobs.gov/job/774679000# . To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 05/06/2024 to receive consideration.
- To begin, create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to upload or select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
-
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Required Documents:
To apply for this position, you must provide
- Resume
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
Additional documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please see the full job announcement on USA JOBS for a complete list:
- Cover Letter
- Transcript
- License
- Health Professions Trainee Supporting Documentation
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- DD-214/ Statement of Service, Disability Letter (VA), SF-15
- Disability Letter (Schedule A)
Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50’s (current/former Federal employees), etc.
Qualifications:
Basic Qualifications Requirements:
- United States Citizenship
- Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Registered Dietitian (RD)
-
Exception: 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.
- 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.
- Non-credentialed Dietitians must have fulfilled each of the following:
-
Exception: 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.
Grade/Level Determinations:
“GS-07” Dietitian (Clinical) (Entry Level Developmental) – No additional requirements beyond the basic requirements.
“GS-09” Dietitian (Clinical) (Developmental) – Experience/Education Requirement: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, to qualify for the GS-09 you must have at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-7) OR a master’s degree from a regionally accredited university or college in the field of dietetics or closely related field. Your experience or education must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- 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.
“GS-11” Dietitian (Clinical) (Full Performance Level) Experience Requirement: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, to qualify for the GS-11 up must possess at least 1 year of experience as an RDN/RD equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09) which demonstrates the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- 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.