Incumbent applies evidenced-based nutrition practice guidelines for patients, including those with complex medical & nutritional needs. Coordinates nutritional care of Veterans with other health care providers, the Veteran, Veteran's caregiver & community. Interprets research & utilizes whole health principles to develop patient-centered goals & improves outcomes. Collaborates with the Food Operations Section to enhance the Veterans' dining experience & ensures patient satisfaction.

Duties

A Recruitment Incentive may be authorized for a highly qualified individual. This vacancy will remain open until filled. The first cut-off date is 02/26/2024. Additional applications will be referred as needed. Duties include, but are not limited to: Conducting 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 Developing and implementing Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) to address the nutrition diagnosis, evaluating and monitoring the effectiveness and outcomes of MNT interventions. Modifying the plan as needed to achieve positive patient outcomes Calculating nutrient requirements and necessary diet restrictions or food and drug interactions tailoring the diet prescription to each individual patient Documenting MNT in the medical record using the Assessment, Diagnosis, Intervention, Monitoring, Evaluation (ADIME) format Functioning independently and accurately when record keeping Identifying patients in need of nutritional support and recommending the appropriate mode of support and communicating appropriately with the health care team Actively participating in formal and informal interdisciplinary team meetings Assessing educational needs and providing nutrition education/counseling for individuals and groups that is tailored to the Veteran(s) Utilizing virtual care technology to improve access to care Complying with The Joint Commission requirements and other accrediting agency standards to ensure safe and quality patient care Collaborating with the Food Operations Section and department leadership to enhance the Veterans' dining experience, supporting patient satisfaction and serving 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: Fulltime, Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., some weekend/evening work as needed Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Recruitment Incentive: A Recruitment Incentive may be authorized for a highly qualified individual. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Bargaining Unit position

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. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency: Dietitians must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d). 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: Dietitian (Clinical), GS-07 Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements Dietitian (Clinical), GS-09 Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. OR Education. Master's degree from a regionally accredited university or college. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. 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. Dietitian (Clinical), GS-11 Experience. At least one year of experience as an RDN equivalent to the next lower grade. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. 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. Preferred Experience: Experience providing care to geriatric population and/or acute or outpatient settings One year experience in the outpatient setting One year experience in the inpatient setting References: VA Handbook 5005/154 Part II Appendix G20 Dietitian Qualification Standard GS-0630 Veterans Health Administration October 14, 2022. Physical Requirements: light lifting (under 15 pounds), light carrying (under 15 pounds), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, near vision correctable to 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in other other, ability to distinguish basic colors, hearing (aid may be permitted), hearing without aid and be able to hear/speak loud enough for hearing impaired Veterans to hear and understand.

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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

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

NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.

NOTE: If your school/program was accredited by ACEND at the time of graduation but is no longer listed on the ACEND website, you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet.

Contacts

• Address Thomas E Creek VA Medical Center 6010 Amarillo Boulevard, West Amarillo, TX 79106 US
• Name: VISN 17 SSU USAS Group
• Email: [email protected]