Clinical Dietitian

Quick Facts

• Position: Clinical Dietitian (full performance level up to GS-11; developmental levels GS-7 to GS-9)
• Focus: Medical nutrition expert coordinating patient nutrition care

Description

Clinical Dietitians provide medical nutrition care for Veterans by conducting comprehensive nutrition assessments using the Nutrition Care Process (NCP), calculating nutrient requirements and diet restrictions, and recommending appropriate nutrition support. The role tailors diet prescriptions for individual patients, ensures safe and high-quality care aligned with VA and accrediting standards, and collaborates with healthcare teams, patients, caregivers, and community resources.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments, including nutrition-focused physical examinations, to establish nutrition diagnosis and malnutrition risk/degree.
• Calculate nutrient requirements and determine diet restrictions or food/drug interactions for individualized diet prescriptions.
• Identify patients needing nutritional support, recommend the mode of support, and communicate with the health care team.
• Coordinate continuous improvement of safe and quality care.
• Comply with The Joint Commission and other accrediting agency standards.
• Maintain accurate record keeping of clinical activities and complete patient encounters using approved systems.
• Interpret research and apply evidence-based nutrition guidelines; apply whole health principles to develop patient-centered goals.
• Collect data for performance improvement studies and assist with new Nutrition and Food Services initiatives.
• Collaborate with Food Operations/Food Service to enhance the Veterans’ dining experience, support patient satisfaction, and act as a liaison between clinical units and food service.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship
• Selective Service registration required for males born after 12/31/1959
• Proficiency in written and spoken English
• Subject to background/security investigation
• Complete online onboarding and pre-employment requirements (including acceptable identification)
• Pass pre-employment physical examination
• Seasonal influenza vaccination required
• Obtain and maintain RDN credential from the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), or meet the temporary appointment pathway (including ACEND-accredited supervised practice program and eligibility to take the CDR exam)
• Actively pursue meeting registration requirements starting from the appointment date; failure to obtain registration within one year may lead to removal from the occupation
• Must meet applicable grade/assignment qualification requirements and standards

Benefits

Comprehensive federal employee benefits package; eligibility depends on position type and may include benefits for you and your family.