DIETITIAN CLINICAL

Duties Conducts comprehensive nutrition assessments using the Nutritional Care Process (NCP), including nutrition focused physical examinations, to establish a nutrition diagnosis and determine risk and/or degree of malnutrition.
Develops and implements Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) to address the nutrition diagnosis, evaluates and monitors the effectiveness and outcomes of MNT interventions.
Modifies the plan as needed to achieve positive patient outcomes.
Calculates nutrient requirements and necessary diet restrictions or food and drug interactions tailoring the diet prescription to each individual patient.
Documents MNT in the medical record using the Assessment, Diagnosis, Intervention, Monitoring, Evaluation (ADIME) format.
Functions independently and accurately when record keeping.
Identifies patients in need of nutritional support and recommends the appropriate mode of support and communicates appropriately with the health care team.
Actively participates in formal and informal interdisciplinary team meetings.
Assesses educational needs and provides nutrition education/counseling for individuals and groups that is tailored to the Veteran(s).
Utilizes virtual care technology to improve access to care.
Maintains productivity standards.
Maintains accurate record keeping of daily clinical activities and completes patient encounters using approved systems.
Ensures continuous improvement of safe and quality care of Veterans.
Leads activities in the implementation of new initiatives.
Uses data in the development of measures, data evaluation, and initiation of corrective actions.
Complies with The Joint Commission requirements and other accrediting agency standards to ensure safe and quality patient care.
Collaborates with the Food Operations Section and department leadership to enhance the Veterans' dining experience, support patient satisfaction, and serve as a liaison between clinical units and the Food Operations Section.
May perform other related duties as assigned which are appropriate for this grade and assignment.
Work Schedule: M-F; 07:30AM-4:00PM Telework: Ad-hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 99531-S, 99530-S, 99529-S Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Requirements 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.
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 *** This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until January 26, 2024.
The initial cutoff date for referral of eligible applications will be January 04, 2024.
Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as needed basis until positions are filled.
*** Basic Requirements: -United States Citizenship Be a citizen of the United States (U.
S.
).
Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.
S.
C.
7407(a).
-English Language Proficiency Dietitian candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.
S.
C.
7403(f).
-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.
OR -Exception Non-credentialed Dietitians who meet the basic qualification requirements and have fulfilled the requirements below, but do not possess the RDN credential, may be given a temporary full-time appointment not to exceed one year under the authority of 38 U.
S.
C.
7405(c)(2).
Non-credentialed Dietitians must have fulfilled each of the following: Earned a bachelor's or higher degree from a U.
S.
regionally accredited college, university or foreign equivalent (refer to ii below).
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 is 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.
-Non-credentialed Dietitians may only be appointed at the GS-07 or GS-09 grade level and may not be promoted/converted until they obtain their RDN credential.
-Non-credentialed Dietitians must provide care under the supervision of a RDN at or above the full performance level.
Temporary appointments of non-credentialed Dietitian will not be extended beyond one year or converted to a new temporary appointment.
Grade Determinations: Dietitian (Clinical), GS-07 -Experience or Education None beyond the basic requirements.
Assignment Employees in this assignment serve in a Dietitian (Clinical) entry-level developmental position.
They work 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.
Dietitian (Clinical), GS-09 -Experience At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-07).
OR -Education Master's degree from a regionally accredited university or college.
AND -Knowledge, Skills and Abilities-KSAs In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of various accrediting and regulatory requirements.
Knowledge of virtual technology to provide nutrition care.
Ability to deliver patient care using the NCP (e.
g.
, assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring and evaluation).
Ability to apply evidence-based nutrition practices to improve patient outcomes.
Ability to develop patient-centered goals.
Ability to collect data for performance improvement studies.
Ability to collaborate with stakeholders.
Assignment Employees in this assignment serve in a Dietitian (Clinical) developmental position.
They perform 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.
Dietitian (Clinical), GS-11 -Experience At least one year of experience as an RDN equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-09).
AND -Knowledge, Skills and Abilities-KSAs In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Skill in delivering patient care using the NCP (e.
g.
, assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring and evaluation).
Skill in interpreting research to apply evidence-based nutrition practices to improve patient outcomes.
Skill in developing patient-centered goals.
Skill in analyzing data for performance improvement studies.
Skill in collaborating with stakeholders.
Ability to comply with various accrediting, regulatory and agency authorities.
Assignment Employees in this assignment serve in a Dietitian (Clinical) full performance level position.
Clinical Dietitians conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments for Veterans using the NCP (e.
g.
, assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring and evaluation), assuring high-quality nutrition care.
They apply evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines, interpret research and utilize whole health principles to develop patient- centered goals and improve outcomes.
Clinical Dietitians also utilize virtual care technology to improve access to care.
They are accountable for independent and accurate record keeping, autonomous coverage of daily clinical activities and efficiently completing patient encounters using approved systems.
Clinical Dietitians are knowledgeable of and ensure work accomplishments comply with TJC and other accrediting agency standards and ensure continuous improvement of safe and quality care.
They collect and analyze data related to performance improvement activities within NFS, lead activities in the implementation of new initiatives and collaborate with stakeholders.
Clinical Dietitians frequently collaborate with the food service section and leadership staff to enhance the Veteran's dining experience, support patient satisfaction and serve as a liaison between clinical units and the Food Service Section.
Preferred Experience: None References: VA Handbook 5005/154, Part II, Appendix G20 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: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.
Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
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: https://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: https://www.
ed.
gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.
html.
Additional information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee.
Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience.
This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave.
Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
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 an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
Benefits 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.
Review our 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, 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.
Benefits 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.
Review our 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.
Required Documents As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits.
Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee.
You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Resume 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 (Schedule A) Disability Letter (VA) License VA FORM 10-2850C Other (2) Other (3) Resume Separation Notice (RIF) SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript 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 Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.
S.
Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications.
Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.
S.
Department of Education.
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.
How to Apply 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 01/26/2024 to receive consideration.
To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.
usastaffing.
gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12253603.
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.
Agency contact information Michael Rosales Phone 5207921450 X16269 Email Michael.
Rosales@Va.
gov Address Sheridan VA Medical Center 1898 Fort Road Sheridan, WY 82801 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.
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).
It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons.
Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted.
HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service.
HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP 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 medical facilities.
HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities.
HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students.
HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
Fair and Transparent The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent.
Please read the following guidance.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Reasonable accommodation policy Financial suitability Selective Service New employee probationary period Signature and false statements Privacy Act Social security number request Required Documents To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Resume 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 (Schedule A) Disability Letter (VA) License VA FORM 10-2850C Other (2) Other (3) Resume Separation Notice (RIF) SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript 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 Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.
S.
Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications.
Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.
S.
Department of Education.
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.
Help This job is open to The public U.
S.
Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.
S.
Clarification from the agency This position is open to all U.
S.
citizens.
*** If you ARE a current permanent federal employee, please apply to the Internal Announcement CBSU-12253602-24-MJR***