The Women's Health Dietitian would offer comprehensive and personalized nutritional care for women from perinatal to post-menopausal life stages, incorporating a plethora of benefits such as personalized nutrition care plans, which would allow for continuity of care. VA is seeking a Registered Dietitian who is a Certified Lactation Consultant and/or International Board Certification as a Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) to support in these efforts.

Duties

The Clinical Dietitian will be involved in the professional practice of dietetics in accordance with the guidance set forth in Nutrition and Food Service (NFS) policies and procedures and VA regulations governing the practice of dietetics. The Dietitian is the medical nutrition expert responsible for independently planning, developing and directing all nutritional care activities for assigned clients, including those with complex medical and nutritional needs.The Clinical Dietitian may be scheduled and assigned to any nutrition practice area, and must possess the required knowledge and skills in order to perform the following functions: a. Nutritional Care: Provides nutrition support at different life stages for women Veteran's. Supports patients with breasfeeding efforts in individual/and or group education settings. Conducts a comprehensive nutrition assessment for patients at nutritional risk using the nutrition care process. Develops and implements an individualized plan for medical nutrition therapy in accordance with the patient's medical program goals and objectives. Calculates nutritional requirements (calories, protein, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, electrolytes, fluid) and necessary diet restrictions or food/drug interactions. Utilizes assessment and evaluation techniques that consider age-specific needs as well as cultural, religious, and ethnic concerns. Orders labs, diets and consults in compliance with Scope of Practice. Evaluates and monitors the effectiveness and outcome of medical nutrition therapy interventions. Documents nutrition care plan in the patient's medical record, including nutrition assessment data, medical nutrition therapy initiated and recommendations, results of nutrition counseling and discharge planning. Assesses educational needs and provides nutrition counseling for individuals, and groups incorporating a learning approach that considers the cultural, religious, educational, and medical situation of the patient. Evaluates achievement of learning objectives by the patient and/or family; adapts nutrition education materials and counseling techniques to client's level of understanding; which frequently involves simplifying complex dietary restrictions. Serves as a preceptor for dietetic students and interns. Plans learning experiences; teaches, and evaluates performance. Participates in community projects and education as needed/assigned. Documents in the medical record. Serves on Health Education committees as assigned. Maintains productivity standards, and practices effective time management, and prioritizing of tasks. Maintains accurate and secure record keeping of daily clinical activities, complying with all scheduling policies and procedures. Assists in developing and revising patient education materials, clinical forms, and protocols. Assists in achieving compliance with regulatory agency standards, including state, federal, and Joint Commission standards. Participates in the orientation and training of new dietitians as necessary. Protects confidentiality of patient information. (8) Completes special projects as assigned. Supports Performance Improvement activities. Participates in planning and developing nutrition-related policies, procedures, and goals. Stays abreast of current research in Nutrition related areas. Analyzes and interprets nutrition related research related to patient care. May participate in the design and implementation of clinical research activities within the healthcare system as the clinical nutrition member. Serves as the nutrition expert on the interdisciplinary treatment team which includes physicians, nurses, and other allied health professionals. Advises the interdisciplinary health care team of nutritional recommendations, goals, and efficacy of nutrition therapy. Presents seminars, workshops, and lectures to convey current nutrition information on new and changing concepts. Conducts self in a manner that demonstrates adherence to standards of professional performance. Performs other duties as assigned to meet the needs of the Service and clients to include providing support/coverage for vacancies and leave. Determines need for home care to assure continuity of care and makes appropriate referrals to Hospital Based Primary Care (HBPC), Social Work Service, Satellite clinics or other community agencies. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Telework: Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: PD99529S, PD99530S, and PD20662F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized 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-07 Dietitian (Clinical) (Entry Level Developmental) - No additional requirements beyond the basic requirements. GS-09 Dietitian (Clinical) (Developmental) - 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) OR a master's degree from a regionally accredited university or college in the field of dietetics or closely related field. Your experience or education must demonstrate 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. GS-11 Dietitian (Clinical) (Full Performance Level) 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) which demonstrates the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Skill in delivering patient care using the Nutrition Care Process (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. Selective Placement Factor (SPF): Certified Lactation Consultant and/or International Board Certification as a Lactation Consultant. This SPF has been deemed a special qualification that is needed in addition to the basic qualifications for this occupation as it is essential to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. Applicants who do not meet this SPF are ineligible for further consideration. References: VA Handbook 5005/154 Part II Appendix G20

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 CW Bill Young Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 10000 Bay Pines Boulevard Bay Pines, FL 33744 US
• Name: Janice Lord
• Phone: (727) 398-6661 X64230
• Email: [email protected]