Dietitian (Clinical)

Description:

This position is located at the New Braunfels VA Clinic New Braunfels, TX. The Dietitian (Clinical) position serves as the medical nutrition expert, autonomous in their work in applying evidenced based nutrition practice guidelines for all patients, 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.

Requirements:

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). Exception for GS-07 and GS-09 Only : Dietitians who do not possess the RDN/RD credential. Non-credentialed Dietitians who otherwise meet the basic qualification requirements and have fulfilled the requirements below, but do not possess the RDN credential, may be given a full-time temporary appointment not to exceed one year under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405(c)(2). May only be appointed at the GS-07 or GS-09 level and may not be promoted/converted until they obtain their RDN credential. Non-credentialed Dietitians must have fulfilled each of the following: Earned a bachelor's or higher degree from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university or foreign equivalent. Foreign Education: To be creditable, college and/or university degrees earned outside the U.S and its territories must be evaluated by ACEND and meet ACEND's International Dietitian Education standards which are designed to provide graduates with the knowledge and competencies to sit for the CDR credentialing exam. ~ AND~ Completed an ACEND accredited experiential or supervised practice program and provide a verification statement from the program director that conveys eligibility to take the CDR registration exam as a prospective RDN. A list of ACEND accredited programs are located on the ACEND website or at ACEND Accredited Programs Directory .
  • Foreign Education. To be creditable, college and/or university degrees earned outside the U.S and its territories must be evaluated by ACEND® and meet ACEND®'s International Dietitian Education standards which are designed to provide graduates with the knowledge and competencies to sit for the CDR credentialing exam.
  • Failure to Obtain Registration. In all cases, Dietitians must actively pursue meeting registration requirements starting from their appointment date. At the time of appointment, servicing Human Resources (HR) staff in collaboration with the supervisor, will provide non-registered Dietitians the written requirement to obtain registration, the date by which they must acquire it and the consequences for not doing so by the deadline. Failure to obtain registration within one year from the date of appointment will result in removal from the Dietitian, GS-0630 occupation and may result in termination of employment.

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 :
GS-07 Dietitian (Clinical) (Entry Level Developmental) - No additional requirements beyond the basic requirements.


GS-09 Dietitian (Clinical) (Developmental)

1. Experience/Education Requirement:
   • In addition to meeting the basic requirements, to qualify for the GS-09 you must have at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-7). GS-7 assignments include: working under the guidance of a Dietitian who is at the full performance level or above, performing increasingly complex tasks designed to prepare them for promotion. Clinical Dietitians conduct nutrition assessments for patients with lower acuity using the NCP while developing skills to apply evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines. Clinical Dietitians learn to interpret research, apply whole health principles and develop patient-centered goals. They develop skills in accurate record keeping of clinical activities and complete patient encounters using approved systems. Clinical Dietitians comply with The Joint Commission (TJC) requirements and other accrediting agency standards to ensure safe and quality patient care. They collaborate with the Food Operations Section to enhance the Veterans' dining experience and ensure patient satisfaction.
   • OR a master's degree from a regionally accredited university or college in the field of dietetics or closely related field.
2. AND KSAs: And your must demonstrate all the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
   1. Knowledge of various accrediting and regulatory requirements.
   2. Knowledge of virtual technology to provide nutrition care.
   3. Ability to deliver patient care using the NCP (e.g., assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring and evaluation).
   4. Ability to apply evidence-based nutrition practices to improve patient outcomes.
   5. Ability to develop patient-centered goals.
   6. Ability to collect data for performance improvement studies.
   7. Ability to collaborate with stakeholders.

GS-11 Dietitian (Clinical) (Full Performance Level)

1. Experience Requirement: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, to qualify for the GS-11 up must possess at least 1 year of experience as an RDN/RD equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09). GS-9 assignment includes: performing increasingly complex tasks under general supervision. Clinical Dietitians conduct nutrition assessments using the NCP. They develop skills in applying evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines, interpreting research and utilizing whole health principles to develop patient-centered goals and improve outcomes. Clinical Dietitians also utilize virtual care technology to improve access to care. They maintain accurate record keeping of daily clinical activities and patient encounters using approved systems. Clinical Dietitians comply with TJC and other accrediting agency standards to ensure safe and quality patient care. They collect data related to performance improvement activities within Nutrition and Food Services (NFS) and assist in implementing new initiatives. Clinical Dietitians collaborate with the Food Service Section to enhance the Veterans' dining experience, support patient satisfaction and serve as a liaison between clinical units and the food service section.
2. And KSAs : And must demonstrates all the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
   1. Skill in delivering patient care using the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) (e.g., assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring, and evaluation).
   2. Skill in interpreting research to apply evidence-based nutrition practices to improve patient outcomes.
   3. Skill in developing patient-centered goals.
   4. Skill in analyzing data for performance improvement studies.
   5. Skill in collaborating with stakeholders.
   6. Ability to comply with various accrediting, regulatory and agency authorities.

Preferred Experience:

• 1 to 3 Years Experience as Clinical Dietitian
• 1 to 3 Years Experience using the Nutrition Care Process model
• Experience working in the interdisciplinary team setting

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

Physical Requirements: The work is sedentary. Performs Independently, Cognitive Stability, Emotional and Mental Stability. The position is a clinical dietitian providing patient care in a clinic setting or through video connect. This position will assess, counsel, coach and educate Veterans. The position works in a Face to Face patient clinic environment or in a home or office setting through computer connection technology.