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Veterans Health Administration is Hiring a Dietitian (Clinical) Near Alexandria, LA

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.
• English Language Proficiency. Dietitians must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d).
• 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. Note: Applicants who hold the RDN credential have met the education requirement (e.g. bachelor's degree or higher) of CDR, as such this occupation is considered professional and scientific with a positive education requirement.

Grade Determinations:
GS-11 Dietitian (Clinical):
Experience: At least one year of experience as an RDN equivalent to the next lower grade.

In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
(1) Skill in delivering patient care using the NCP (e.g., assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring and evaluation).
(2) Skill in interpreting research to apply evidence-based nutrition practices to improve patient outcomes. (3) Skill in developing patient-centered goals.
(4) Skill in analyzing data for performance improvement studies.
(5) Skill in collaborating with stakeholders.
(6) Ability to comply with various accrediting, regulatory and agency authorities.(KSAs must be clearly reflected in resume under description of duties in order to be found qualified for this position/grade level).

Preferred Experience: N/A

References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/80 PART II APPENDIX G20

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11.

Physical Requirements: Light lifting, under 15 pounds Walking 1 hour, Standing 1 hour

Responsibilities:

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Conducts a comprehensive nutrition assessment utilizing the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) for assigned patients.
• Develops and implements an individualized plan for MNT in accordance with the patient's medical program goals and objectives.
• Performs a Nutrition Focused Physical Exam (NFPE) during assessments to determine risk and/or degree of malnutrition.
• Calculates nutrient requirements (calories, protein, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, electrolytes and fluids) and necessary diet restrictions or food and drug interactions. Evaluates patterns and relationships among data obtained and possible root causes for nutrition problems.
• Tailors diet prescription to each individual patient according to physical and metabolic needs. With an understanding of the patient's health condition, designs the nutritional treatment plan with consideration for psychosocial, behavioral, physical activity, ethnic and cultural factors to obtain desirable outcomes and promote long term adherence to a medical nutrition care plan.
• Prioritizes the importance of nutrition problems for optimal health, recovery from illness, management of chronic disease or disease prevention.
• Utilizes evidenced-based Nutrition Practice Guidelines and Whole Health Principles to develop shared goals with the patient and formulates a plan of care that is focused on the etiology of the nutrition problem.
• Actively supports veteran centric food service operations, with a food forward approach through knowledge of computer software programs related to food service systems; and through interfacing with the food service section to ensure patient satisfaction with meals, assisting in implementation of new initiatives, and acting as a liaison between clinical units/wards and the food service section.
• Works cooperatively with food service staff to assure conformance to diet prescriptions.
• Identifies patients in need of nutritional support and recommends the appropriate mode of support, including suitable route, formula, and rate of administration. Provides initial and on-going nutritional assessment of patients receiving enteral and/or parenteral nutrition.
• Recommends labs, diets, and consults. Evaluates and monitors the effectiveness and outcome of MNT interventions. Evaluates the patient's response to care based on identified, measurable outcomes and reviews the plan, as appropriate.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday; 8:00am - 4:30pm
Telework: Not Authorized
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 502-99631-F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Maybe eligible for highly qualified candidate
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Job Summary