The VA Hudson Valley Health Care System offers a full range of acute and chronic care services for veterans at two main facilities located at Montrose and Castle Point, New York, in addition to seven VA clinics in six adjacent counties, serving over 400,000 veterans.

Duties

Informatics Dietitian is the subject matter expert responsible for Nutrition and Food Services (NFS) computer systems and serve as staff dietitians. This position manages VHA supported software programs and/or Commercial off the Shelf Systems (COTS) that focus on Nutrition and Food Services to include food production & food service operations; training and education of computer systems; collection and analysis of data, such as customer experience surveys, nutrient analysis, staffing and workload statistics. The Informatics Dietitian is responsible for solicitation, evaluation and recommendation of COTS software, integration, training and alignment of technology functions throughout the section. Food Service and Production: Participates in the selection, implementation and evaluation of automated nutrition systems. Provides system support to include testing, maintenance, enhancements and problem solving.- Oversees automated information systems to support effective management of food operations and patient meal services. Monitors COTS purchased programs to ensure tracking of items, room service, full functionality and budget control.- Manage the technology for meal production, service, labeling, temperature control and satisfaction. Coordinate the selection, installation, training, use and reporting structure for the full range of technology used in the administrative section of the service.- Maintains/updates data base on nutritive analysis of food items served. Performs nutritional analysis of regular and modified menus.- Maintains and updates recipes and menu databases with adequate nutritional analysis data, food unit package size, pricing and other data updates.- Recommends automated and manual solutions to enhance system and departmental functionality.- Manages department databases/registries and productivity reports for the nutrition communication center.- Maintains and revises COTS and VISTA Databases, as well as any other NFS ordering programs for ingredients, recipes and menus as needed or required by changes necessitated by SPV product changes. Assures privacy issues are addressed with all systems.- Inputs data for regular and modified diet menus and special events taking into consideration factors such as nutritional requirements, patient satisfaction, budget allocation, available manpower, and equipment limitations.- Ensures that all recipes are standardized and costed.- Inputs new products with purchasing information, nutrition analysis data and therapeutic diet usage. Reviews new products for acceptability. Education: Oversees all aspects of NFS training program related to menus and informatics. Train's personnel in various computer applications and security issues regarding the VISTA dietetic software package.- Remains current on trend and technological/technical developments in the field of nutrition informatics and dietetics through continuing education programs and training opportunities.- Provides training for new employees as related to policies and procedures related to informatics and menus. Updates training materials to reflect changes or upgrades to the system and provide education to staff.- Directs and train dietetic interns, with direct precepting as informatics dietitian.- Coordinates and conducts education and end-user training programs to assure systems are used as designed. Quality: Participates in project teams associated with the development and implementation of food service systems.- Works with professionals/vendors in tailoring software to meet the needs of the service and to trouble shoot system issues.- Identifies opportunities for COTS program for cost savings, operational effectiveness and patient satisfaction.- Maintains and implements information security for all data files. Collaborates with OIT for mandated updates and downtimes within facility as well as VISN.- Participates in organizational activities related to developing and managing other healthcare related technologies to ensure that nutritional care and nutrition standardized language concepts are an integral part of the system.- Provides system support to include system testing, maintenance, enhancements and problem solving.- Responds to system failure notifications on an on- call basis.- Participates in Performance Improvement and QPI, to assure integrity of system.- Collaborates with COR for contracting to assure all systems are protected for privacy issues with contracted informatics programs. Works along with COR for annual nutrition informatics contract, changes and system updates. Work Schedule: Monday -Friday; 4hrs/day (20hrs/wk) Telework: Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: PD99704FS Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• You may be required to serve a probationary period
• Subject to a background/security investigation
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English
• 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 Department of Veterans Affairs Personnel
• A valid state driver's license is required

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. 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. English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j, this part. Education Requirement: Bachelor's degree from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university or foreign equivalent and fulfilled each of the following criteria: (a) Completed a didactic program in dietetics accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), formerly known as the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetic Education (CADE). (b) Completed an ACEND accredited or approved supervised practice program. Supervised practice programs are post-baccalaureate degree programs that provide supervised practice experiences which meet the eligibility requirements and accreditation standards of ACEND, formally known as CADE. Completion of a coordinated program in dietetics fulfills the requirements of a supervised practice program. Time spent in a dietetic internship or supervised practice program does not qualify as creditable experience. Registration/Certification: Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) the credentialing branch of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics formerly known as the American Dietetic Association (ADA). Exception: Non-CDR registered applicants who otherwise meet the minimum qualification requirements may be appointed, pending CDR registration, as a temporary full-time graduate dietitian under 38 U.S.C. 7405(a)(1)(B). In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7405(c)(2), this appointment may not exceed 2 years. Grade Determinations: GS-7 Dietitian (Entry Level): Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Basic knowledge of principles and practices of dietetics and Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT). 2. Ability to provide nutrition care utilizing the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) to patients, family members and/or caregivers considering psycho-social issues and age-appropriate, evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines. 3. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with patients, family and/or caregiver, and other professional healthcare providers (e.g., tailoring to audience and use of medical terminology). 4. Ability to plan and organize work consisting of multiple tasks and priorities under direct supervision. 5. Basic knowledge of, and ability to use, current information technology operations, software, hardware, terminology, security requirements, and capabilities. 6. Knowledge of basic food production and service for various populations which incorporates principles of sanitation, safety, and menu planning within a healthcare environment. 7. Knowledge of educational concepts, methods, and the ability to execute existing education and training activities for Nutrition and Food Services (NFS) employees. GS-9 Dietitian (Developmental Level): Experience or 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. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 1. Ability to plan and organize work of considerable difficulty and responsibility, under general supervision. 2. Knowledge of various food preparation and delivery systems within a healthcare environment. 3. Knowledge of educational concepts, methods, training materials, and resources and the ability to develop and conduct education and training programs for NFS employees. 4. 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. 5. 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. GS-11 Dietitian (Full Performance Level) At least 1 year of experience as a registered dietitian equivalent to the next lower grade level, or education equivalent to 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education, or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree from an accredited university or college in the field of dietetics or closely related field. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: a. Knowledge of best practices in the dietetics profession and in scientific literature, including knowledge of research methods, study design, data collection, interpretation of findings, and translation of results into nutrition practice. b. Ability to comply with various accrediting, regulatory, and agency authorities. c. Ability to develop and maintain a system of internal reviews and direct quality control and performance improvement studies. d. Knowledge of computer software programs relative to food service systems. In addition to the KSAs identified in the subparagraph above, candidates for clinical nutrition positions must demonstrate the following KSAs: a. Knowledge of the principles and practices of nutrition care and the treatment of complex cases in clinical settings in order to develop, implement and coordinate best practices in the dietetics profession (e.g. assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring and evaluation). b. Knowledge of best practices in areas of clinical nutrition and the ability to apply nutrition interventions to patients with multiple co-morbidities. c. Ability to act as a consultant for health care providers including registered dietetic technicians, dietetic interns, nurses, physicians, medical students, and allied health professionals. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/80 DIETITIAN QUALIFICATION STANDARD GS-630 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: Position involves moderate physical exertion, standing, bending, and lifting of light objects, such as medical or procurement records. Ability to read printed material and handwriting. Many positions involve some amount of exposure to contagious diseases, noise and hazards of kitchen equipment. The Dietitian will require to provide nutrition assessment and care in the Veterans' homes, which will require driving a government vehicle.

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: 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.

Contacts

• Address Franklin Delano Roosevelt Hospital 2094 Albany Post Road Montrose, NY 10548 US
• Name: Heather Addison
• Email: [email protected]