Clarification from the agency

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

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As a Food Operations Management Supervisory Dietitian, your major duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:


Food Service Systems

• Manages the Food Service and Production Operation with advance food preparation, cook serve, and delivery.
• Evaluates the current food production and service system and makes appropriate and effective recommendations to the Assistant Chief, Nutrition & Food Service to improve services provided to patients, reduce or stabilize cost of services, improve quality of food services and performance of human resources in the administrative section.
• Develops and annually reviews standard operating procedures that relate to the administrative section.
• Coordinates programs with nursing and other services.
• Assesses quality and quantity of work produced utilizing nutrient analysis of menus, qualified product taste panels, safety and sanitation programs, Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point Program (HACCP), infection control program, menu review and other quality improvement monitors. Manages the prime vendor contracts, subsistence, and supply purchasing for N&FS.
• Completes required prime vendor surveys and submits reports to Assistant Chief, Nutrition and Food Service.
• Manages the menu planning and implementation processes for N&FS.
• Assures that all menus meet the nutrition requirement as established in the nutrition care manual, budgetary standards, production limitations, and food delivery system needs.

Management/ Supervision

• Develops strategic planning goals and objectives for the administrative section.
• Prepares financial reports and comparative data for the formulation of subsequent fiscal years budget and forecasts.
• Monitors current year budget and expenditures to assure compliance with service objectives.
• Develops positions descriptions and determines the level of competency necessary to meet mandatory job requirements.
• Develops performance standards and competency statements.
• Counsels employees whose performance is marginal or unsatisfactory.
• Assists supervisory subordinates to determine performance problems vs. disciplinary problems and determine appropriate course of action.
• Conducts performance reviews and competency assessments.

Education

• Implements and coordinates a continuing staff development program through scheduled conferences, seminars, workshops, and intra and inter VA details. Ensures that staff meet mandatory training requirements.
• Educates nurses and other facility personnel as needed. Orients and trains employees related to operations of the administrative section and appropriate policies and procedures.
• Trains personnel in various computer applications and security issues regarding the Computrition dietetic software package and diet office operations.
• Approves annual in-service training schedule to assist N&FS supervisory personnel in implementing an effective program to meet the needs of all nonprofessional N&FS employees.
• Coordinates the education and training program in the service (TMS Coordinator) nonprofessional employees. The program considers the needs of all levels of employees to ensure all are compliant.

Work Schedule: M, Tu, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun, (shift varies) 5a-7p; including holidays
Flexible: Authorized
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: PD99520S
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

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).

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• 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.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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.
• Registration. All applicants must hold the RDN credential from the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) the credentialing agency of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Note: Applicants who hold the RDN credential have met the education requirement (e.g. bachelor's degree or higher) of CDR, as such this occupation is considered professional and scientific with a positive education requirement and the procedures in Part I, Chapter 4 of this Handbook will be followed when applying Veteran's preference.

Current VHA Dietitians that qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision may not be promoted to a higher grade if they do not meet the current RDN/RD requirements.


Grade Determinations:


Supervisory Dietitian (Food Operations), GS-12.


(1) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, GS-11 that demonstrates the experience as described at this level. Experience for this position includes but not limited to: Independently planning, developing and directing all nutrition care activities (e.g., food service and/or clinical nutrition); experience with research methods, study design, data collection, interpretation of findings, and translation of results into nutrition practice; develop and maintain a system of internal reviews and direct quality control and performance improvement studies; 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; establish program goals and objectives, to plan and administer a program, coordinate associated activities, evaluate program accomplishments, redefine priorities, solve problems, and modify objectives.


(2) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

(a) Knowledge of standards to assess staff compliance and implement performance improvements.
(b) Skill in establishing goals and objectives to coordinate activities, evaluate accomplishments and solve problems.
(c) Skill in applying nutritional knowledge to ensure menus meet nutrition standards.
(d) Ability to utilize Evidence-Based Nutrition Practice Guidelines in order to develop, implement and coordinate best practices.
(e) Ability to serve as a food operations expert, providing technical guidance, direction and staff development.
(f) Ability to supervise subordinate staff (i.e., plan, organize, delegate, direct, control and review activities and performance).
(g) Ability to analyze data in order to recommend allocation of resources.


(3) Assignment. Employees in this Supervisory Dietitian (Food Operations) assignment oversee a food service and production operation. They serve as professional and technical advisor to staff and other health care professionals and represents the food operations section on projects, committees and/or workgroups. Supervisory Dietitians supervise wage system positions including at least a supervisor or leader and other wage grade positions. They provide food service systems-specific leadership and exercise a full range of supervisory and personnel management authorities and responsibilities in planning, directing and assessing the work and competence of subordinate staff. Supervisory Dietitians provide administrative management and direction of the Food Operations Section. They develop procedures and guidelines for food operations, monitor compliance with regulatory standards, policies and procedures and lead the action planning process to attain goals and resolve deficiencies. Supervisory Dietitians are responsible for implementing the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point program, ensuring that requisitioning, receipt/storage, preparation and service of food conforms to quality/quantity standards. They evaluate food operations to ensure proper allocation of resources, devise solutions and implement action plans to resolve issues and meet service goals and objectives, leading to improved patient satisfaction and quality food operations. Supervisory Dietitians are integral in ensuring menus meet nutritional and budgetary requirements. They assess technological equipment innovations and review specifications, making recommendations for equipment purchases. Supervisory Dietitians build and implement contingency plans within the section, ensuring continuity of food operations during internal and external emergencies and unusual circumstances. They manage emergency feeding cache and ensure menus and supplies meet facility and TJC requirements. Supervisory Dietitians execute the training plan for the food operations section. They ensure evidence-based guidelines are integrated into food operations. Supervisory Dietitians collaborate closely with the clinical nutrition section to enhance the Veteran's dining experience and support the strategic goals of the clinical nutrition section.


Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre-placement physical examination is not required.

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.