Clarification from the agency

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below. All applicants applying under this announcement will be subject to Veteran's Preference

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This position will be involved in the professional practice of dietetics in accordance with the guidance set forth in NFS directives, policies and procedures, and VA regulations governing the practice of dietetics.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

General Duties:

• Serves as professional and technical advisor to staff and other health care professionals.
• Represents the food operations section on projects, committees and/or workgroups within the department and the facility.
• Assumes full responsibility for planning, directing, and assessing the work and competence of subordinate staff.
• Develops procedures and guidelines for food operations. Coordinates food service operation policies and procedures with clinical nutrition management, nursing, and other services, as applicable.
• Monitors compliance with regulatory standards, policies, and procedures.
• Participates in performance improvement efforts within the Food Service Operations section, acting on quality improvement data and plans. Completes internal audits of food service and food production. Completes routine kitchen inspections.
• Leads the action planning process to attain goals and resolve deficiencies.
• Implements the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) program ensuring that requisitioning, receipt/storage, preparation and service of food conforms to quality/quantity standards.
• Evaluates food operations to ensure proper allocation of resources.
• Devises solutions and implements action plans to resolve issues and meet service goals and objectives leading to improved patient satisfaction and quality food operations.
• Participates in an active patient test tray program including evaluation of overall tray accuracy, food safety, quality and palatability, temperature, exceptional service, and implementing similar evaluations for bulk service settings, such as dining rooms or cafeteria settings
• Ensures menus meet nutritional and budgetary requirements.
• Assesses technological equipment innovations and reviews specifications, making recommendations for equipment purchases.
• Builds and implements contingency plans within the section, ensuring continuity of food operations during internal and external emergency situations and unusual circumstances.
• Manages emergency feeding cache and ensures menus and supplies meet facility and The Joint Commission requirements.
• Executes the training plan for the food operations section. Orients and trains employees related to food service and food production and appropriate policies and procedures. Assists with new employee onboarding in food service and food production.
• Collaborates with the clinical nutrition staff, bridging the work of the food service section with the nutritional care plans for Veterans.
• May perform other duties as assigned which are appropriate for this grade and assignment.

• The incumbent works under the general supervision of The Chief of Nutrition and Food Service
• The incumbent is expected to complete work assignments with relative independence and minimal guidance, personally setting the deadlines for completion of work. Assumes responsibility in work assignments in accordance with regulations and independently resolves most conflicts by using considerable judgment and interpretation.
• Work is reviewed to ensure that overall objectives of the position are met

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.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

• 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.

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).

1. Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
2. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

• Knowledge of business administration practices such as budget planning, contracting and food and supply purchasing to operate a food service program successfully.
• Skill in written communication including policy development and standard operating procedures.
• Skill in strategic planning to develop goals, objectives and action plans.
• Skill in analyzing data to monitor progress towards improving and sustaining outcomes.
• Ability to supervise subordinate staff (i.e., plan, organize, delegate, direct, control and review activities and performance).
• Ability to negotiate.

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, resume, 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.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

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.