This position is located in the Nutrition and Hospitality Service Center (N&HSC), Administrative Food Section, of the James J. Peters VA Medical Center. The incumbent provides support to the facility's mission and has responsibility for duties relating to food production, menu planning, food service, quality management/improvement, and computer support relative to food service systems.
Summary
This position is located in the Nutrition and Hospitality Service Center (N&HSC), Administrative Food Section, of the James J. Peters VA Medical Center. The incumbent provides support to the facility's mission and has responsibility for duties relating to food production, menu planning, food service, quality management/improvement, and computer support relative to food service systems.
The FSS Dietitian (RD) will be involved in the professional practice of dietetics in accordance with the guidance set forth in Nutrition and Food Service policies and procedures and VA regulations governing the practice of dietetics. The FSS RD has responsibility for duties relating to food production, food service, quality management/improvement, training, and computer support relative to food service systems. The incumbent also provides patient centered nutrition counseling in both the outpatient and inpatient setting as needed to meet the needs of the department, including providing support/coverage for vacancies and leave, and weekend coverage. The incumbent will conduct all aspects of the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) and assess needs/provide nutrition education for individuals and groups, including patients and their significant others in accordance with hospital policies.
Under the direct supervision of the Food Service Systems Manager, the incumbent is assigned the following duties:
A. FOOD PRODUCTION AND SERVICE
1. Plans menus for regular and modified diets and special events taking into consideration factors such as nutritional requirements, patient satisfaction, budget allocation, available manpower, and equipment limitations.
2. Ensures that all recipes are standardized and costed.
3. Maintains/updates data base on nutritive analysis of food items served. Performs nutritional analysis of regular and modified menus.
4. Reviews new products for acceptability on a variety of levels including taste, quality, cost, portion size, and appearance.
5. Works with Food Production and Service staff and sales representatives in coordinating the Prime Vendor program; plans for new food products and addresses food quality and delivery issues.
6. Assists the Food Service Systems Manager in developing and reviewing Nutrition and Hospitality Service Center policies and procedures.
7. Assists the Food Service Systems Manager in forecasting usage requirements.
8. Assists the Food Service Systems Manager in maintaining inventory control. Conducts physical inventory of food and supplies as required and enters data into computer as needed.
9. Participates in receiving food and supply deliveries. Reports inferior products to management.
10. Assists in annual planning of short and long range goals for the service. Identifies the action plan and initiates action to meet these goals in assigned areas.
11. Uses PC programs to produce reports, analyze data and to improve personal efficiency and productivity.
12. Serves as a liaison between clinical and foodservice staff, and can coordinate and teach classes through the Healthy Teaching Kitchen program.
B. TRAINING
1. Plans and administers monthly training programs for the food service system. Develops lesson plans, visual aids, and other training aides for the department training program. Recommends purchase of training pamphlets and visual aids. Develops and utilizes pre/post training evaluation methods to determine knowledge gained value of program, and areas to concentrate for improvement. Planned trainings will include a variety of topics for staff in food service systems. Suggested topics such as food productions methods, food safety, menus, diets, and equipment handling.
2. Develops and conducts an annual Training Needs Assessment for Food Service employees.
3. Training topics will be taught by the FSS Dietitian unless a subject matter expert (SME) has been arranged.
4. Responsible for logistics of training sessions for self and when a SME is utilized. Arranges for needed audio visual equipment availability.
5. Trains personnel in foodservice computer applications.
6. Monitors effectiveness of training programs.
7. Recommends purchase of training materials and visual aids.
8. May assist the Food Service Systems Manager and Assistant Chief/Clinical Nutrition Manager in rotation experiences and assignments during Food Service Management rotation.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00AM-4:40PM Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
You may be required to serve a probationary period
Subject to a background/security investigation
Must be proficient in written and spoken English
Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
ALL THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS LISTED IN THE ANNOUNCEMENT MUST BE SUBMITTED AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION.
Qualifications
Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
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: Dietitians must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d).
Registration: Must be registered with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), or pending CDR registration for GS-7 and GS-9 grade levels, the credentialing branch of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics formerly known as the American Dietetic Association (ADA). Exception. Non-CDR registered applicants who otherwise meet the minimum qualification requirements may be appointed, pending CDR registration, as a temporary full-time graduate dietitian under 38 U.S.C. 7405(a)(1)(B). In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7405(c)(2), this appointment may not exceed 2 years. Applicants appointed under this exception must provide care under the supervision of a registered dietitian at or above the full performance level. Applicants who fail to obtain CDR registration during this temporary full-time appointment may be terminated. The exception only applies to positions at the GS-7 and GS-9 level. For grade levels at or above the full performance level the candidate must be registered with the CDR.
Education: A bachelor's degree from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university or foreign equivalent and fulfilled each of the following criteria:
(a) Completed a didactic program in dietetics accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), formerly known as the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetic Education (CADE).(b) Completed an ACEND accredited or approved supervised practice program. Supervised practice programs are post-baccalaureate degree programs that provide supervised practice experiences which meet the eligibility requirements and accreditation standards of ACEND, formally known as CADE. Completion of a coordinated program in dietetics fulfills the requirements of a supervised practice program. Time spend in a dietetic internship or supervised practice program does not qualify as creditable experience.
Grade Determinations:
To Qualify for GS-07 Developmental Level (Experience or Education): None beyond the basic requirements. In addition to the experience/education listed above, the candidate must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
1. Basic knowledge of principles and practices of dietetics and Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT).
2. Ability to provide nutrition care utilizing the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) to patients, family members and/or caregivers considering psycho-social issues and age-appropriate, evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines.
3. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with patients, family and/or caregiver, and other professional healthcare providers (e.g., tailoring to audience and use of medical terminology).
4. Ability to plan and organize work consisting of multiple tasks and priorities under direct supervision.
5. Basic knowledge of, and ability to use, current information technology operations, software, hardware, terminology, security requirements, and capabilities.
6. Knowledge of basic food production and service for various populations which incorporates principles of sanitation, safety, and menu planning within a healthcare environment.
7. Knowledge of educational concepts, methods, and the ability to execute existing education and training activities for Nutrition and Food Services (NFS) employees.
To Qualify for GS-09 Developmental Level (Experience or Education): At least one (1) year of experience at the next lower level (GS-07) that demonstrates the core competencies described at the level, or Education equivalent to 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education, or Master's or equivalent graduate degree from an accredited university or college in the field of dietetics or closely related field. In addition to the experience/education listed above, the candidate must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
1. Ability to plan and organize work of considerable difficulty and responsibility, under general supervision.
2. Knowledge of various food preparation and delivery systems within a healthcare environment.
3. Knowledge of educational concepts, methods, training materials, and resources and the ability to develop and conduct education and training programs for NFS employees.
4. Ability to participate in research studies and conduct performance improvement studies and document findings to evaluate staff, food, supplies, equipment, and service, in order to improve the efficiency of the operation.
5. Knowledge of the principles and practices of clinical dietetics including NCP and MNT in order to plan, develop, and coordinate nutrition interventions, including enteral and parenteral nutrition, interdisciplinary care plans, and nutrition education activities that promote Veteran health, wellness and lifestyle management.
Employees at the GS-11 grade level serve as staff dietitians at the full performance level. Registered dietitians are responsible for independently planning, developing and directing all nutrition care activities (e.g., food service and/or clinical nutrition)
To Qualify for GS-11 Full Performance Level (Experience or Education): At least one (1) year of experience as a registered dietitian equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09),or Education equivalent to 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education, or A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree from an accredited university or college in the field of dietetics or closely related field. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
1.Knowledge of best practices in the dietetics profession and in scientific literature, including knowledge of research methods, study design, data collection, interpretation of findings, and translation of results into nutrition practice.
2. Ability to comply with various accrediting, regulatory, and agency authorities.
3. Ability to develop and maintain a system of internal reviews and direct quality control and performance improvement studies.
4. Knowledge of computer software programs relative to food service systems.
5. Ability to direct food service and production with focus on customer acceptance and budgetary guidelines to include principles of menu planning, food purchasing, delivery schedules, and ability to estimate food quantities.
6. Ability to develop and maintain a system of internal reviews and direct quality control and performance improvement studies.
7. Knowledge of computer software programs relative to food service systems
8. Knowledge of the principles of management required to establish program goals and objectives, to plan and administer a program, coordinate associated activities, evaluate program accomplishments, redefine priorities, solve problems, and modify objectives.
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-07 to GS-11.
Physical Requirements: The essential duties of a Registered Dietitian works efficiently and without hazard to themselves and others and include use of fingers, walking (1-2 hours), hearing (aid permitted); mental and emotional stability, working closely with others, exposure to TB and other diseases.
Education
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. This is a required document and must be submitted at the time of application, failure to do so will result in disqualification from being considered.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.
Additional information
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
VA Form 10-2850c- Application for Associated Health Occupations- dated within a year of application date
Resume
Transcript
VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at:https://www.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/vha-10-2850c-fill.pdfApplication is required at the time of application, failure to provide at the time of application will result in disqualification from being considered.
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. 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.
Cover Letter
DD-214/ Statement of Service
Disability Letter (VA)
License
VA Form 10-2850c- Application for Associated Health Occupations- dated within a year of application date
Resume
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript
FINAL DOCUMENTS REMINDER THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS WILL RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION FROM BEING CONSIDERED FOR THE POSITION. THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS ARE AS FOLLOWS: VA FORM 10-2850C- APPLICATION FOR ASSOCIATED HEALTH OCCUPATIONS, PROOF OF EDUCATION- TRANSCRIPTS, PROOF OF LICENSURE (IF APPLICABLE), IF YOU ARE A FEDERAL EMPLOYEE YOUR MOST CURRENT SF-50 DATED WITHIN A YEAR OF APPLICATION SHOWING YOUR MOST RECENT GRADE, STEP AND SALARY. THE SF-50 CANNOT BE AN AWARD SF-50. IF YOU ARE CLAIMING VETERAN STATUS YOU MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF VETERAN STATUS.
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. 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 11/06/2020 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10935857.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to 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.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations where patients receive care or who come into contact with VA patients as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, paid and unpaid, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, students, researchers, volunteers, and trainees who work at these facilities. HCPs that are unable to receive or otherwise decline a flu shot will be expected to wear a face mask throughout the influenza season.
Bronx VA Medical Center
130 West Kingsbridge Rd.
Bronx, NY 10468
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
VA Form 10-2850c- Application for Associated Health Occupations- dated within a year of application date
Resume
Transcript
VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at:https://www.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/vha-10-2850c-fill.pdfApplication is required at the time of application, failure to provide at the time of application will result in disqualification from being considered.
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. 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.
Cover Letter
DD-214/ Statement of Service
Disability Letter (VA)
License
VA Form 10-2850c- Application for Associated Health Occupations- dated within a year of application date
Resume
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript
FINAL DOCUMENTS REMINDER THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS WILL RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION FROM BEING CONSIDERED FOR THE POSITION. THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS ARE AS FOLLOWS: VA FORM 10-2850C- APPLICATION FOR ASSOCIATED HEALTH OCCUPATIONS, PROOF OF EDUCATION- TRANSCRIPTS, PROOF OF LICENSURE (IF APPLICABLE), IF YOU ARE A FEDERAL EMPLOYEE YOUR MOST CURRENT SF-50 DATED WITHIN A YEAR OF APPLICATION SHOWING YOUR MOST RECENT GRADE, STEP AND SALARY. THE SF-50 CANNOT BE AN AWARD SF-50. IF YOU ARE CLAIMING VETERAN STATUS YOU MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF VETERAN STATUS.
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. 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 11/06/2020 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10935857.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to 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.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations where patients receive care or who come into contact with VA patients as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, paid and unpaid, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, students, researchers, volunteers, and trainees who work at these facilities. HCPs that are unable to receive or otherwise decline a flu shot will be expected to wear a face mask throughout the influenza season.
Bronx VA Medical Center
130 West Kingsbridge Rd.
Bronx, NY 10468
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
