Dietitian (Clinical)

Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration

Spokane, WA

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JOB DETAILS

SKILLS

Academic Advice, American Dietetic Association (ADA), Analysis Skills, Chronic Disease, Clinical Assessment, Clinical Outcomes, Computer Software, Consulting, Continuous Improvement, Data Analysis, Data Collection, Department of Veterans Affairs, Dietetics, Discharge Plans, Disease Prevention and Control, Documentation Plan, English Language, Establish Priorities, Fitness, Food Services, Health Plan, Healthcare, Home Care, Human Resources, Interviewing Skills, Leadership, Medical Records, NFS (Network File System), Needs Assessment, Nutrition, Nutrition Therapy, Onboarding, Operations Security (OPSEC), Outpatient Care, Patient Assessment, Patient Care, Patient Education, Performance Analysis, Performance Management, Physical Demands, Project/Program Management, Record Keeping, Regulations, Research Skills, Set Goals, Team Player, The Joint Commission (TJC), Treatment Plan, United States Citizen, Vaccination

LOCATION

Spokane, WA

POSTED

5 days ago

Summary This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until filled or September 30, 2026. All eligible applicants will be reviewed and referred to the hiring manager at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis. Responsibilities Nutritional Care: Conduct inpatient and outpatient comprehensive nutrition assessment utilizing the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) for assigned patients, NFPE and medical nutrition therapy. Evaluate patterns and relationships among data obtained and possible root causes for nutrition problems. Prioritize the importance of nutrition problems for optimal health, recovery from illness, management of chronic disease or disease prevention while tailoring diet prescriptions to each individual patient. Utilize evidenced-based nutrition practice guidelines and Whole Health Principles to develop shared goals with the patient and formulate a plan of care that is focused on the etiology of the nutrition problem. Actively support 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 as applicable. Work cooperatively with foodservice staff to assure conformance to diet prescriptions as applicable. Identify patients in need of nutritional support and recommend the appropriate mode of support, including suitable route, formula, and rate of administration. Provide initial and on-going nutritional assessment of patients receiving enteral (EN) and/or Parenteral nutrition (PN). Order EN/PN if Scope of Practice allows. Order oral nutritional supplements, diets, and consults per Scope of Practice / Clinical privileges. Evaluate and monitor the effectiveness and outcome of MNT interventions. Evaluate the patient's response to care based on identified, measurable outcomes and reviews the plan, as appropriate. Document 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. Measure outcomes and evaluate the effectiveness and measure progress toward outcomes of nutrition interventions. Nutrition Education and Coordination of Care: Assess educational needs and provide nutrition education/counseling for individuals and groups, incorporating a learning approach that considers the cultural, religious, educational and medical situation of the patient. Utilize motivational interviewing techniques to evaluate patient and/or caregiver's readiness to learn and potential for changing behaviors. Provide follow-up nutrition education/counseling in accordance with the patient's treatment goals, determines ongoing needs and referral to another provider or service as required. Participate in planning and education of home nutrition support. Serve on committees and workgroups as needed / assigned. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30am-4:00pm Compressed/Flexible: Available Telework: Available, Ad-Hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: PD99529S Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Qualifications 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). 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. 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: There are no physical requirements for this occupation per OCHCO Communications email to VA Handbook 5019, updated on 4/17/2026. Education ACEND accredited programs are located on the ACEND website or at ACEND Accredited Programs Directory. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

About the Company

Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration

INDUSTRY

Other/Not Classified

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