Dietitian (Clinical)
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Seattle, WA, United States
Summary
NOTE: THE 2-PAGE RESUME REQUIREMENT DOES NOT APPLY TO THIS OCCUPATIONAL SERIES. FOR MORE INFORMATION - REFER TO REQUIRED DOCUMENTS BELOW. The Clinical Dietitian is the medical nutrition expert. Responsible for independently planning - developing and directing all nutritional care activities for Veterans. Have expertise in a wide range of disease entities and treatment modalities. Specific to diagnosing nutrition problems and the nutrition ramifications.
Qualifications
NOTE: THE 2-PAGE RESUME REQUIREMENT DOES NOT APPLY TO THIS OCCUPATIONAL SERIES. FOR MORE INFORMATION - REFER TO REQUIRED DOCUMENTS BELOW. To qualify for this position - applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.
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
English Language Proficiency: Dietitian candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C.
7403(f)
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)
Exception for GS-07 and 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-07 or 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
Grade Determinations: Dietitian (Clinical) - GS-7 Experience or Education: None beyond the basic requirements
Assignment: Employees in this assignment serve in a Dietitian (Clinical) entry-level developmental position
They work under the guidance of a Dietitian who is at the full performance level or above - performing increasingly complex tasks designed to prepare them for promotion
Clinical Dietitians conduct nutrition assessments for patients with lower acuity using the NCP while developing skills to apply evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines
Clinical Dietitians learn to interpret research - apply whole health principles and develop patient-centered goals
They develop skills in accurate record keeping of clinical activities and complete patient encounters using approved systems
Clinical Dietitians comply with The Joint Commission (TJC) requirements and other accrediting agency standards to ensure safe and quality patient care
They collaborate with the Food Operations Section to enhance the Veterans' dining experience and ensure patient satisfaction
Dietitian (Clinical) - GS-9 Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level
OR Education: Master's degree from a regionally accredited university or college
Knowledge - Skills and Abilities: In addition to the experience or education above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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
Assignment: Employees in this assignment serve in a Dietitian (Clinical) developmental position
They perform increasingly complex tasks under general supervision
Clinical Dietitians conduct nutrition assessments using the NCP
They develop skills in applying evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines - interpreting research and utilizing whole health principles to develop patient-centered goals and improve outcomes
Clinical Dietitians also utilize virtual care technology to improve access to care
They maintain accurate record keeping of daily clinical activities and patient encounters using approved systems
Clinical Dietitians comply with TJC and other accrediting agency standards to ensure safe and quality patient care
They collect data related to performance improvement activities within Nutrition and Food Services (NFS) and assist in implementing new initiatives
Clinical Dietitians collaborate with the Food Service Section to enhance the Veterans' dining experience - support patient satisfaction and serve as a liaison between clinical units and the food service section
Dietitian (Clinical) - GS-11 Experience: At least one year of experience as an RDN equivalent to the next lower grade
Knowledge - Skills and Abilities: In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Skill in delivering patient care using the 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
Assignment: Employees in this assignment serve in a Dietitian (Clinical) full performance level position
Clinical Dietitians conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments for Veterans using the NCP (e.g. - assessment - diagnosis - intervention - monitoring and evaluation) - assuring high-quality nutrition care
They apply evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines - interpret research and utilize whole health principles to develop patient-centered goals and improve outcomes
Clinical Dietitians also utilize virtual care technology to improve access to care
They are accountable for independent and accurate record keeping - autonomous coverage of daily clinical activities and efficiently completing patient encounters using approved systems
Clinical Dietitians are knowledgeable of and ensure work accomplishments comply with TJC and other accrediting agency standards and ensure continuous improvement of safe and quality care
They collect and analyze data related to performance improvement activities within NFS - lead activities in the implementation of new initiatives and collaborate with stakeholders
Clinical 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 Service Section
Preferred Experience: Greater than 2 years' experience in outpatient nutrition education/counseling in an ambulatory care setting Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11
The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-7 to GS-11
Physical Requirements: This work requires lift carrying (under 15lbs) - use of fingers - walking - standing - ability to distinguish basic colors - hearing (aid may be permitted) - and mental and emotional stability
Environmental factors are working closely with others and working alone.
Duties
The clinical dietitian 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
This position will serve outpatient primary care clinics
Nutritional Care Conducts a comprehensive 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 (calories - protein - carbohydrates - lipids - vitamins - electrolytes and fluids) and necessary diet modifications or food/drug interactions
Evaluates patterns and relationships among data obtained and possible root causes for nutrition problems
Tailors nutrition therapy to each individual patient according to physical and metabolic needs
With an understanding of the patient's health condition - designs the nutritional treatment plan with consideration for psychosocial - behavioral - physical activity - ethnic and cultural factors to obtain desirable outcomes and promote long term adherence to a medical nutrition care plan
Utilizes evidenced-based nutrition practice guidelines to prioritize the importance of nutrition interventions for optimal health - recovery from illness - management of chronic disease or disease prevention
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
Evaluates and monitors the effectiveness and outcome of MNT interventions
Evaluates the patient's response to care based on identified - measurable outcomes and reviews the plan - as appropriate
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 as appropriate
Nutrition Education and Coordination of Care 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
Includes information regarding budgeting - menu planning - food purchasing and preparation - food storage - and sanitation
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
Utilizes virtual care technology such as VA Video Connect (VVC) and Secure Messaging (SM) to improve access to nutrition care
Provides follow-up nutrition education/counseling in accordance with the patient's treatment goals and determines when a problem requires consultation or referral to another provider or service
Participates in planning and education of home nutrition support
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday - 7:30am-4pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: PD000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized
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NOTE: THE 2-PAGE RESUME REQUIREMENT DOES NOT APPLY TO THIS OCCUPATIONAL SERIES. FOR MORE INFORMATION - REFER TO REQUIRED DOCUMENTS BELOW. The Clinical Dietitian is the medical nutrition expert. Responsible for independently planning - developing and directing all nutritional care activities for Veterans. Have expertise in a wide range of disease entities and treatment modalities. Specific to diagnosing nutrition problems and the nutrition ramifications.
Qualifications
NOTE: THE 2-PAGE RESUME REQUIREMENT DOES NOT APPLY TO THIS OCCUPATIONAL SERIES. FOR MORE INFORMATION - REFER TO REQUIRED DOCUMENTS BELOW. To qualify for this position - applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.
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
English Language Proficiency: Dietitian candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C.
7403(f)
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)
Exception for GS-07 and 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-07 or 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
Grade Determinations: Dietitian (Clinical) - GS-7 Experience or Education: None beyond the basic requirements
Assignment: Employees in this assignment serve in a Dietitian (Clinical) entry-level developmental position
They work under the guidance of a Dietitian who is at the full performance level or above - performing increasingly complex tasks designed to prepare them for promotion
Clinical Dietitians conduct nutrition assessments for patients with lower acuity using the NCP while developing skills to apply evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines
Clinical Dietitians learn to interpret research - apply whole health principles and develop patient-centered goals
They develop skills in accurate record keeping of clinical activities and complete patient encounters using approved systems
Clinical Dietitians comply with The Joint Commission (TJC) requirements and other accrediting agency standards to ensure safe and quality patient care
They collaborate with the Food Operations Section to enhance the Veterans' dining experience and ensure patient satisfaction
Dietitian (Clinical) - GS-9 Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level
OR Education: Master's degree from a regionally accredited university or college
Knowledge - Skills and Abilities: In addition to the experience or education above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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
Assignment: Employees in this assignment serve in a Dietitian (Clinical) developmental position
They perform increasingly complex tasks under general supervision
Clinical Dietitians conduct nutrition assessments using the NCP
They develop skills in applying evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines - interpreting research and utilizing whole health principles to develop patient-centered goals and improve outcomes
Clinical Dietitians also utilize virtual care technology to improve access to care
They maintain accurate record keeping of daily clinical activities and patient encounters using approved systems
Clinical Dietitians comply with TJC and other accrediting agency standards to ensure safe and quality patient care
They collect data related to performance improvement activities within Nutrition and Food Services (NFS) and assist in implementing new initiatives
Clinical Dietitians collaborate with the Food Service Section to enhance the Veterans' dining experience - support patient satisfaction and serve as a liaison between clinical units and the food service section
Dietitian (Clinical) - GS-11 Experience: At least one year of experience as an RDN equivalent to the next lower grade
Knowledge - Skills and Abilities: In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Skill in delivering patient care using the 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
Assignment: Employees in this assignment serve in a Dietitian (Clinical) full performance level position
Clinical Dietitians conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments for Veterans using the NCP (e.g. - assessment - diagnosis - intervention - monitoring and evaluation) - assuring high-quality nutrition care
They apply evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines - interpret research and utilize whole health principles to develop patient-centered goals and improve outcomes
Clinical Dietitians also utilize virtual care technology to improve access to care
They are accountable for independent and accurate record keeping - autonomous coverage of daily clinical activities and efficiently completing patient encounters using approved systems
Clinical Dietitians are knowledgeable of and ensure work accomplishments comply with TJC and other accrediting agency standards and ensure continuous improvement of safe and quality care
They collect and analyze data related to performance improvement activities within NFS - lead activities in the implementation of new initiatives and collaborate with stakeholders
Clinical 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 Service Section
Preferred Experience: Greater than 2 years' experience in outpatient nutrition education/counseling in an ambulatory care setting Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11
The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-7 to GS-11
Physical Requirements: This work requires lift carrying (under 15lbs) - use of fingers - walking - standing - ability to distinguish basic colors - hearing (aid may be permitted) - and mental and emotional stability
Environmental factors are working closely with others and working alone.
Duties
The clinical dietitian 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
This position will serve outpatient primary care clinics
Nutritional Care Conducts a comprehensive 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 (calories - protein - carbohydrates - lipids - vitamins - electrolytes and fluids) and necessary diet modifications or food/drug interactions
Evaluates patterns and relationships among data obtained and possible root causes for nutrition problems
Tailors nutrition therapy to each individual patient according to physical and metabolic needs
With an understanding of the patient's health condition - designs the nutritional treatment plan with consideration for psychosocial - behavioral - physical activity - ethnic and cultural factors to obtain desirable outcomes and promote long term adherence to a medical nutrition care plan
Utilizes evidenced-based nutrition practice guidelines to prioritize the importance of nutrition interventions for optimal health - recovery from illness - management of chronic disease or disease prevention
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
Evaluates and monitors the effectiveness and outcome of MNT interventions
Evaluates the patient's response to care based on identified - measurable outcomes and reviews the plan - as appropriate
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 as appropriate
Nutrition Education and Coordination of Care 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
Includes information regarding budgeting - menu planning - food purchasing and preparation - food storage - and sanitation
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
Utilizes virtual care technology such as VA Video Connect (VVC) and Secure Messaging (SM) to improve access to nutrition care
Provides follow-up nutrition education/counseling in accordance with the patient's treatment goals and determines when a problem requires consultation or referral to another provider or service
Participates in planning and education of home nutrition support
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday - 7:30am-4pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: PD000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized
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