The primary purpose of the Remote Patient Monitoring-Home Telehealth (RPM-HT) Dietitian (Clinical) position is to enable planning, development, and directing of nutritional care activities for Veterans enrolled in the TeleMOVE! program. Employees in this assignment serve in a Dietitian (Clinical) full performance level position within the Clinical Section of the Office of Connected Care Service, serving as the medical nutrition expert.
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: Dietitian (Clinical), GS-07. (1) Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements. Assignment. Employees in this assignment serve in a Dietitian (Clinical) entry-level developmental position. They work under the guidance of a Dietitian who is at the full performance level or above, performing increasingly complex tasks designed to prepare them for promotion. Clinical Dietitians conduct nutrition assessments for patients with lower acuity using the NCP while developing skills to apply evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines. Clinical Dietitians learn to interpret research, apply whole health principles and develop patient-centered goals. They develop skills in accurate record keeping of clinical activities and complete patient encounters using approved systems. Clinical Dietitians comply with The Joint Commission (TJC) requirements and other accrediting agency standards to ensure safe and quality patient care. They collaborate with the Food Operations Section to enhance the Veterans' dining experience and ensure patient satisfaction. Dietitian (Clinical), GS-09. (1) Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. OR (2) Education. Master's degree from a regionally accredited university or college. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate 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. 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. Dietitian (Clinical), GS-11. (1) Experience. At least one year of experience as an RDN equivalent to the next lower grade. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate 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. Assignment. Employees in this assignment serve in a Dietitian (Clinical) full performance level position. Clinical Dietitians conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments for Veterans using the NCP (e.g., assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring and evaluation), assuring high-quality nutrition care. They apply evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines, interpret research and utilize whole health principles to develop patient- 8 centered goals and improve outcomes. Clinical Dietitians also utilize virtual care technology to improve access to care. They are accountable for independent and accurate record keeping, autonomous coverage of daily clinical activities and efficiently completing patient encounters using approved systems. Clinical Dietitians are knowledgeable of and ensure work accomplishments comply with TJC and other accrediting agency standards and ensure continuous improvement of safe and quality care. They collect and analyze data related to performance improvement activities within NFS, lead activities in the implementation of new initiatives and collaborate with stakeholders. Clinical Dietitians frequently collaborate with the food service section and leadership staff to enhance the Veteran's dining experience, support patient satisfaction and serve as a liaison between clinical units and the Food Service Section. Preferred Experience: Five or more years of clinical RD/RDN experience Current registration with the Commission on Dietetics Registration (CDR) Prior Remote Patient Monitoring-Home Telehealth experience Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Sitting for long periods utilizing a computer screen and telephone is required. This position required that you can lift at least 35 lbs. Transferring patients and objects may be required. The incumbent may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations.
The Registered Dietitian (RD) for the Remote Patient Monitoring-Home (RPM-HT) TeleMOVE! Weight Management Program is the medical nutrition expert responsible for independently planning, developing and directing all nutritional care activities for assigned Veterans enrolled in the TeleMOVE! Weight Management Program. He/she supports the facility's TeleMOVE! mission and coordinates nutritional care with other health care providers, the Veteran, and the Veteran's family. Major responsibilities of the incumbent include but are not limited to screening and enrolling Veterans in the TeleMOVE! Program, planning strategies to manage and deliver nutritional aspects of the TeleMOVE! Weight Management Program, developing nutritional care and education for the TeleMOVE! Weight Management Program, implementing and monitoring quality assurance evaluations, engaging in professional development activities, providing motivational education, improving the productivity and satisfaction of Veterans in the TeleMOVE! Program, assisting in the development of related policies as needed, and developing clinical tools for use in the field. The Registered Dietitian for the RPM-HT TeleMOVE! Weight Management Program reports directly to the Director of RPM-HT. The incumbent performs in a specialized area that focuses on patient-centric care, ensuring that the right care is being given in the right setting, at the right time. RPM-HT is focused on providing specific in-home telehealth technology to a selected group of patients with a clinical diagnosis of obesity. The role of the RPM-HT RD requires the ability to use various software applications and telehealth monitoring devices to interpret specific clinical data as it relates to obesity management. In addition, the RPM-HT RD must relate well with patients, family members, and members of the multidisciplinary health care team. The incumbent should have a comprehensive knowledge of hospital systems, familiarity with personnel in multiple departments, and the ability to advocate for the best interest of the patient with all clinical staff. He/she is responsible for the provision of high quality, customer-focused, and cost-effective patient care in the community. The RPM-HT RD is responsible for educating the patient/family on the technology to be used, as well as assessing, planning, and coordinating care based on the needs of the patient. The incumbent will provide patient education, monitoring of patient status using telehealth technologies, transfer of patient data into CPRS and other software packages as designated, and timely communication to the provider when critical information is received. The RPM-HT RD is engaged in the ongoing systematic evaluation and improvement of the quality and effectiveness of patient care and outcomes within the VA Maryland Health Care System (VAMHCS). The incumbent provides input in the improvement of clinical performance and may assist in guiding members of the care team in the application of evidence-based practice. The incumbent may also be involved in some research activities. The RPM-HT RD works in collaboration with members of the healthcare team across the healthcare continuum to ensure the appropriateness of referrals into the program and to ensure follow-up communication to members of the multidisciplinary team. The RPM-HT RD may exchange knowledge and clinical expertise with the health care team and within the community. The RPM-HT RD is knowledgeable regarding compliance with dietetic practice at the local, community, and VISN levels, and within national professional statutes and regulations. The incumbent is knowledgeable of external standards such as Joint Commission, and internal standards such as Clinical Practice Guidelines and VA Performance Measures. The RPM-HT RD uses specific technology to assist in the care of TeleMOVE! participants, to interpret data subjectively and objectively, and to communicate clinically appropriate responses with the goal of achieving desirable patient outcomes. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 7:30am - 4:00pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: PD25576-F, PD25587-F, and PD25586-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized