The New Mexico VA Healthcare System is recruiting for a Dietitian (Clinical) within the Nutrition & Food Service. The incumbent will coordinate nutritional care of Veterans with other health care providers, the Veteran, the Veteran's caregiver, and the community.
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: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). 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. Grade Determinations: GS-7 Dietitian (Clinical): None beyond the basic requirements. GS-9 Dietitian (Clinical): Applicants must have at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-7) related to the position being filled; or posses Master's Degree from a regionally accredited university or college. In addition, applicants 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. GS-11 Dietitian (Clinical): Applicants must have at least 1 year of experience as an RDN equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09) related to the position being filled. In addition, applicants 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: Inpatient dietetic therapy Reference: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G20 - Dietitian Qualification Standards. 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: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre placement physical examination is not required.
Conducts a comprehensive nutrition assessment utilizing the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) for assigned patients. Performs a Nutrition Focused Physical Exam (NFPE) during assessments to determine risk and/or degree of malnutrition. Works cooperatively with foodservice staff to assure conformance to diet prescriptions. Assesses educational needs and provides nutrition education or counseling for individuals and groups, Utilizes virtual care technology such as VA Video Connect (VVC) and Secure Messaging (SM) to improve access to nutrition care. Participates in planning and education of home nutrition support. Maintains accurate record keeping of daily clinical activities and completes patient encounters utilizing the Event Capture System (ECS). Participates in peer review process. May participate in community outreach activities. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday; 7:00am-5:30pm Compressed/Flexible: Compressed Schedule Available Telework: Ad-hoc at the discretion of management Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized