This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Duties

Duties: 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. Maintains accurate record keeping of daily clinical activities and completes patient encounters using approved systems. Leads activities in the implementation of new initiatives. Uses data in the development of measures, data evaluation, and initiation of corrective actions. 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. Identifies patients in need of nutritional support, and recommends the appropriate mode of support, and communicates appropriately with the health care team. Supervisory Controls: The incumbent functions independently for all professional and technical aspects of clinical nutrition. Responsible for planning and organizing their own work, coordinating with staff and management personnel as appropriate. Work is reviewed for technical adequacy and conformance with VHA procedures and practices. Customer Service Requirements: Meet the needs of customers while supporting the VA mission. Consistently communicates and treats customers (Veterans, families, Veteran representatives, all VA staff) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner. Provide the customer with consistent information according to established policies and procedures. Handles conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately. Age, Development, and Cultural Needs of Patients Requirements: The primary age of Veterans receiving services is typically between 18 and 80 years of age. This position requires the incumbent to possess or develop an understanding of the particular needs of patients. Sensitivity to the special needs of all patients in respect to age, developmental requirements, and culturally related factors must be consistently achieved. Computer Security Requirements: Protects sensitive and electronic files that must be safeguarded under the provisions of the Privacy Action of 1974 and other applicable laws, federal regulations, VA statutes and policy, and VHS policy. Responsibility includes protecting data from unauthorized release or from loss, alteration, or unauthorized deletion; and for following applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files and release of access codes. Work Schedule: MON-FRI 08:00 to 4:30 PM Compressed/Flexible:Not Available Telework: May be available at supervisor discretion Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: PD99529S Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact , the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

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). 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. 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 09 Dietitian (Clinical) Experience/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. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the basic requirements, the candidates must demonstrate all of the KSAs below: 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. 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. Grade Determinations: GS 11 Dietitian (Clinical) Experience: At least 1 year of experience as a registered dietitian equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS 9), which demonstrates the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 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. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following GS-11 (KSAs) Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:(a) Skill in delivering patient care using the NCP (e.g., assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring, and evaluation).(b) Skill in interpreting research to apply evidence-based nutrition practices to improve patient outcomes.(c) Skill in developing patient-centered goals.(d) Skill in analyzing data for performance improvement studies.(e) Skill in collaborating with stakeholders.(f) Ability to comply with various accrediting, regulatory, and agency authorities. Preferred Experience: One to two years of clinical nutrition experience in an acute care setting. Must have a valid driver's license. References: VA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G20, GS-0630 (the qualification standards for the GS-11 Dietitian (Clinical) Physical Requirements: Refer to VA Handbook 5019 for pre-placement examination requirements.

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: 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

ACEND accredited programs are located on the ACEND website or at ACEND Accredited Programs Directory.

Contacts

• Address Martinsburg VA Medical Center 510 Butler Avenue Martinsburg, WV 25405 US
• Name: Rachelle Myles-Velasco
• Phone: 713-791-1414 X22833
• Email: [email protected]