Summary
This position is with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), specifically in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) located in Topeka, KS (VISN 15). The Dietitian will be responsible for independently planning, developing, and directing all nutritional care activities for assigned veterans, including those with complex medical and nutritional needs. Relocation and recruitment incentives are available for highly qualified applicants.
Duties
Nutritional Care: - Conduct nutrition assessments for patients with lower acuity using the Nutritional Care Process (NCP). This includes performing nutrition-focused physical examinations to establish a nutrition diagnosis and determine the risk and/or degree of malnutrition. - Develop and implement Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) to address the nutrition diagnosis. Evaluate and monitor the effectiveness of MNT interventions, modifying the plan as needed to achieve positive patient outcomes. - Document MNT in the medical record using the Assessment, Diagnosis, Intervention, Monitoring, Evaluation (ADIME) format. - Calculate nutrient requirements and identify necessary diet restrictions, including food and drug interactions. - Identify patients in need of nutritional support and recommend the appropriate mode of support, ensuring clear communication with the healthcare team. - Actively participate in both formal and informal interdisciplinary team meetings. Complete care plans and Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments within established timeframes. - Assess educational needs and provide tailored nutrition education and counseling for individuals and groups, focusing on Veterans' specific requirements. - Maintain productivity standards and keep accurate records of daily clinical activities, completing patient encounters using approved systems. - Manage clinic schedules to maximize access to nutrition services, ensuring both virtual and in-person options are available to meet patient needs. - Participate in service-level strategic planning and the implementation of new initiatives, policies, procedures, and goals. - Support service-level performance improvement activities by developing measures, collecting data, evaluating data, and initiating corrective actions. - Comply with Joint Commission requirements and other accrediting agency standards to ensure safe and quality patient care. - Utilize virtual care technology to improve access to care. - Ensure the continuous improvement of safe and quality care for Veterans. - Lead activities in the implementation of new initiatives, using data for measure development, data evaluation, and the initiation of corrective actions. - Collaborate with the Food Operations Section and department leadership to enhance the dining experience for Veterans, support patient satisfaction, and serve as a liaison between clinical units and the Food Operations Section. - Perform other related duties as assigned that are appropriate for this grade and assignment. Work Schedule: Monday thru Friday 8:00 am to 4:30pm Telework: AD-HOC Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: PD99529S, PD99530S, and PD99531S Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized for Highly Qualified Applicants
Requirements
You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Education
ACEND accredited programs are located on the ACEND website or at ACEND Accredited Programs Directory.
How you will be evaluated
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.