The VA Loma Linda Health Care System is recruiting for a Dietitian to service in the MOVE! program located at the Loma Linda VA. Responsible for implementing and leading health promotion activities to support the health and well-being of the Veteran population. Serve as a subject matter expert on Nutrition in an interdisciplinary team of MOVE! providers, which includes medical doctors, psychologists, nurses, physical therapists, recreation therapists, and health coaches.
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-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-9 Dietitian (Clinical): Applicants must have 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level related to the position being filled; or a Master's Degree from a regionally accredited university or college. In addition, applicants must meet the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (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. Assignment: Employees in this assignment serve in a Dietitian (Clinical) developmental position. They perform increasingly complex tasks under general supervision. Clinical Dietitians conduct nutrition assessments using the NCP. They develop skills in applying evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines, interpreting research and utilizing whole health principles to develop patient-centered goals and improve outcomes. Clinical Dietitians also utilize virtual care technology to improve access to care. They maintain accurate record keeping of daily clinical activities and patient encounters using approved systems. Clinical Dietitians comply with TJC and other accrediting agency standards to ensure safe and quality patient care. They collect data related to performance improvement activities within Nutrition and Food Services (NFS) and assist in implementing new initiatives. Clinical Dietitians collaborate with the Food Service Section to enhance the Veterans' dining experience, support patient satisfaction and serve as a liaison between clinical units and the food service section. GS-11 Dietitian (Clinical): Applicants must have 1 year of experience as an RDN equivalent to the next lower grade level related to the position being filled. In addition, applicants must meet the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (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. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
Major duties include, but are not limited to the following: Serves as member of the multidisciplinary team with VA PACT teams and provides consultation regarding weight management policy, procedures, and clinical care. Independently manage a panel of enrolled Veterans and deliver face to face, telephone, telehealth, and group weight management counseling which includes but is not limited to motivational interviewing and other behavioral medicine modalities (such as counseling regarding concerns/issues regarding weight status), health coaching, nutritional guidance, and exercise guidance. Functions as a liaison for the MOVE! program among the different MOVE modalities: TeleMOVE!, MOVE TIME clinic. Assess nutritional, behavioral and physical activity needs of individuals through analysis of patient histories, interviews, and MOVE! Questionnaires. Collaborates with the Veteran to set long- and short-term goals, explore weight loss modalities available to the Veteran, create individualized, patient-centered weight management plans. Monitors patients' weight status, treatment modalities and progress, and intervenes frequently to respond to complex medical, social, and psychological challenges. Synthesizes data to determine weight loss consequences, evaluate patients' projected response to treatment, and coach Veteran to reduce effect of external factors on weight loss progress. Guides Veterans to understanding of their weight management aspects of their care and educates veteran on the multiple weight loss modalities offered by the VA and community. Modifies education techniques and finds appropriate level of care based on patients' individual social, psychological and cultural profile. Assists in maintaining continuous and systematic process of curriculum development. Engages a multidisciplinary team (including but not limited to RN, LVN, MD, RD, pharmacist, psychologists, recreation therapists, and health coaches) in the assessment, review, revision, evaluation and implementation of existing MOVE! program and development of new programs. Collects and reviews data from MOVE! program, measures the effectiveness of the program, and assess the needs of multiple health care teams. Synthesizes data to develop and implement training and performance improvement processes for nursing, nutrition services, medical providers, and other stakeholders based on the needs of the program. Remains up to date in areas impacting the direction and administration of weight management and health promotion and disease prevention programs. Provides interdisciplinary staff training on obesity management and services provided by MOVE! program. Part of interdisciplinary team meetings or other formal and informal settings to publicize educational program accomplishments. Works to solicit resources or other forms of support and cooperation necessary to ensure program success. Is a resource for the Veterans and their families regarding weight management modalities offered through the VA system and community and national regulations or guidelines that impact physical activity, nutrition, and behavioral recommendations. Supports related nutrition programming in Whole Health, such as Healthy Teaching Kitchen and Well-Being classes. Utilizes effective written and oral communications skills to promote and maintain effective working relationships with all facility employees and significant parties at the nation, state and local level. Utilizes technology and telehealth in delivering education programs. Maintains productivity standards and practices, effective time management and prioritizing of tasks. Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm. Telework: Not Available. Alternate Work Schedule: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: PD000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required.