Clinical Dietitian

Quick Facts

• Role: Clinical Dietitian
• Schedule: Monday–Friday 8:00–4:30 pm; possible rotation at an acute care site every 5–6 weeks
• Telework: Ad-hoc (virtual care tools are used as part of the role)

Description

The clinical dietitian independently plans, develops, and directs nutritional care activities for assigned veterans, including those with complex medical and nutritional needs. The role includes comprehensive nutrition assessment using the Nutrition Care Process (NCP), Nutrition Focused Physical Exam (NFPE), individualized Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT), and ongoing monitoring and education. Care is coordinated with health care providers, the Veteran, and caregivers, using evidence-based guidelines and Whole Health principles.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments using NCP
• Develop and implement individualized MNT aligned to patient goals
• Perform NFPE to assess risk/degree of malnutrition
• Calculate nutrient requirements and diet restrictions; assess food/drug interactions
• Evaluate nutrition data for root causes
• Tailor diet prescriptions to physical/metabolic needs and consider psychosocial, behavioral, physical activity, ethnic, and cultural factors
• Prioritize nutrition needs for recovery, chronic disease management, and prevention
• Use evidence-based nutrition guidelines and Whole Health Principles to set shared goals and plan care
• Provide nutrition education/counseling to individuals and groups within the interdisciplinary team
• Support compliance with The Joint Commission and other accrediting standards for safety and quality
• Serve as nutrition expert to medical staff
• Use motivational interviewing to assess readiness to learn and change behaviors
• Evaluate learning objectives and adapt education materials to patient understanding
• Use virtual care technology (VA Video Connect, Secure Messaging) to improve access to nutrition care
• Provide follow-up counseling and determine when consultation/referral is needed
• Provide coverage as needed for vacancies and leave

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship
• Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Registered Dietitian (RD) registered with CDR (or meet the limited GS-07/GS-09 exception pathway described in the posting)
• Proficient in written and spoken English
• Subject to background/security investigation
• Complete onboarding and pre-employment requirements (I-9)
• Selective Service registration required for applicable candidates
• Seasonal influenza vaccination required

Benefits

Comprehensive federal employee benefits package (eligibility depends on position details).