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Dietitian

Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration
South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS)
This job announcement has closed

Summary

The Clinical Dietitian is the medical nutrition expert. At this grade level, the clinical dietitian is responsible for independently planning, developing and directing all nutritional care activities for assigned veterans, including those with complex medical and nutritional needs. The clinical dietitian supports the facility's mission and coordinates nutritional care with other health care providers, the veteran, the Veteran's caregiver and the community.

Overview

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Hiring complete
Open & closing dates
06/15/2022 to 07/07/2022
Salary
$44,740 to - $86,074 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 00
Location
Kerrville, TX
1 vacancy
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Occasional travel - May occasionally travel to other STVHCS Sites
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Excepted
Promotion potential
11
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Other
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Announcement number
CAZM-11536202-22-KA
Control number
660270300

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open only to current employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs, current Federal employees AND past, current and upcoming participants of the VA Health Professions Training (HPT) Program. All other applicants should apply to announcement CAZM-11536203-22-KA.

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Duties

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a. Nutritional Care:
1. Conducts a comprehensive nutrition assessment utilizing the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) for assigned patients.
2. Develops and implements an individualized plan for Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) in accordance with the patient's medical program goals and objectives.
3. Performs a Nutrition Focused Physical Exam (NFPE) during assessments to determine risk and/or degree of malnutrition.
4. Calculates nutrient requirements (calories, protein, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, electrolytes and fluids) and necessary diet restrictions or food/drug interactions.
5. Evaluates patterns and relationships among data obtained and possible root causes for nutrition problems.

b. Nutrition Education and Coordination of Care:
1. 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.
2. Utilizes motivational interviewing techniques to evaluate patient and/or caregiver's readiness to learn and potential for changing behaviors.
3. 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.
4. Identifies drug-nutrient interactions and drug-drug incompatibilities and counsels / communicates with the patient regarding the impact on nutrition status and/or nutrient utilization.
5. Utilizes virtual care technology such as VA Video Connect (VVC) and Secure Messaging (SM) to improve access to nutrition care.

c. Business Functions
1. Maintains productivity standards. Practices effective time management, and prioritizing of tasks to ensure efficient workflow in assigned area.
2. Ensures completion of consult management tasks by reviewing assigned nutrition consults. Ensures appropriate scheduling and timely completion of all assigned consults.
3. Maintains accurate record keeping of daily clinical activities and completes patient encounters utilizing the Event Capture System (ECS).
4. Manages resources (time, materials, and staff) in a cost-effective manner.
5. Assists in developing and revising patient education materials, clinical forms, and protocols.

d. Quality Improvement/Research
1. Supports Performance Improvement activities by participating in the development of nutritional care indicators, evaluation criteria, collecting performance improvement data, monitoring outcomes, and initiating corrective actions.
2. Contributes to a culture of safety by entering patient safety concerns in the Joint Patient Safety Reporting System (JPRS).
3. Participates in planning and developing nutrition-related policies, procedures, and goals.
4. Participates in service-level strategic planning.
5. Participates in peer review process.

e. Participation as a Member of the Health Care Team:
1. Serves as the nutrition expert for medical staff on the nutritional management of patients.
2. Communicates and influences treatment interventions determined by the medical team through interdisciplinary meetings, team rounds, medical conferences and nutrition-related in-services.
3. Presents seminars, workshops, and lectures to convey current nutrition information on new and changing concepts. This includes the development and participation of in-service educational programs directed to members of interdisciplinary teams, Nutrition and Food Services personnel, Nursing, and various students, interns and residents.
4. Coordinates care with colleagues in a variety of medical and home settings to ensure appropriate transitions of care are addressed to meet the patient's needs.
5. Conducts self in a manner that demonstrates adherence to standards of professional performance.

f. Professional Development
1. Maintains dietetic registration and continuing education requirements.
2. Interprets current clinical knowledge, standards of care, and research to improve patient care.
3. Develops and implements an individualized plan for professional growth and development including participation in professional organizations and activities, workshops, seminars, and staff development programs.
4. Participates in departmental and/or interdisciplinary meetings, task forces, and projects.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

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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.
  • You may be required to serve a probationary period.
  • Subject to background/security investigation.
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
  • Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
  • Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
  • Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

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. Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d).
  • Education and Supervised Practice. must have earned a bachelor's degree from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university or foreign equivalent and fulfilled each of the following criteria:
    • 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).
    • 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 spent in a dietetic internship or supervised practice program does not qualify as creditable experience.
    • Individuals who have earned college and/or university degrees outside the United States and its territories also must have their transcripts evaluated by a foreign transcript evaluation service to determine if their degree is equivalent to a degree granted by a regionally accredited college or university in the United States. Validation of a foreign degree does not eliminate the need for verification of completion of didactic program, dietetic internship, or coordinated program requirements. The completion of ACEND didactic program requirements and at least a bachelor's degree from a U.S. regionally accredited college/university or foreign equivalent are necessary for eligibility to enter an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program.
  • Registration/Certification. All applicants 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). Advanced Level Practice Dietitians must possess a minimum of one advanced practice credential relevant to the area of practice, (e.g. Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC), Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition (CSR), Board Certified Specialist in Gerontological Nutrition (CSG), Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE), or Board Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition (CSO)).
    • 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.
  • Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Grade Determinations: GS-7 Dietitian (Entry Level)
  • Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements.
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs
    • Basic knowledge of principles and practices of dietetics and Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT).
    • 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.
    • 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).
    • Ability to plan and organize work consisting of multiple tasks and priorities under direct supervision.
    • Basic knowledge of, and ability to use, current information technology operations, software, hardware, terminology, security requirements, and capabilities.
    • Knowledge of basic food production and service for various populations which incorporates principles of sanitation, safety, and menu planning within a healthcare environment.
    • Knowledge of educational concepts, methods, and the ability to execute existing education and training activities for Nutrition and Food Services (NFS) employees.
GS-9 Dietitian (Developmental Level)
  • Experience or Education. At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level or education equivalent to 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education, or master's degree from an accredited university or college in the field of dietetics or closely related field.
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
    • Ability to plan and organize work of considerable difficulty and responsibility, under general supervision.
    • Knowledge of various food preparation and delivery systems within a healthcare environment.
    • Knowledge of educational concepts, methods, training materials, and resources and the ability to develop and conduct education and training programs for NFS employees.
    • 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.
GS-11 Dietitian (Full Performance Level) is continued below under Education Section

Preferred Experience: Currently working with patients; 3-5 years of experience in patient care; Experience working in the interdisciplinary team setting

References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/80 SEPTEMBER 5, 2014 PART II APPENDIX G20 II-G20-6

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: Moderate carry, 15-44 pounds, use of fingers, repeated bending 2-4 hours, near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, Far Vision: 20/30, Hearing (aid may be permitted), emotional and Mental Stability, Sit for extended periods, Performs Independently, Cognitive Stability.

Education

  • GS-11 Dietitian (Full Performance Level)
    • Experience or Education. At least 1 year of experience as a registered dietitian equivalent to the next lower grade level, 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.
    • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
      • 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.
      • Ability to comply with various accrediting, regulatory, and agency authorities.
      • Ability to develop and maintain a system of internal reviews and direct quality control and performance improvement studies.
      • Knowledge of computer software programs relative to food service systems.
      • Knowledge of the principles and practices of nutrition care and the treatment of complex cases in clinical settings in order to develop, implement and coordinate best practices in the dietetics profession.
      • Knowledge of best practices in areas of clinical nutrition and the ability to apply nutrition interventions to patients with multiple co-morbidities.
      • Ability to act as a consultant for health care providers including registered dietetic technicians, dietetic interns, nurses, physicians, medical students, and allied health professionals.
      • 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.
      • Ability to develop and maintain a system of internal reviews and direct quality control and performance improvement studies.
      • Knowledge of computer software programs relative to food service systems.
      • 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.
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.

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.

NOTE: If your didactic program in dietetics was accredited by Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), formerly known as the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetic Education (CADE) at the time of graduation but is no longer listed on the the above website, you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet. If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.

Additional information

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.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process

If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.

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.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

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.

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