Summary
In the Supervisory Dietitian (Food Operations) role, employees oversee food service and production. They provide supervision to staff while ensuring the execution of Veteran-focused "Food Forward" meal programs. This may involve conventional, convenience, and advanced cooking methods, along with room service. Supervisory Dietitians manage wage-grade staff, including supervisors, and ensure that evidence-based guidelines are integrated into food operations.
Duties
- Acts as a professional and technical advisor to staff and other healthcare professionals. - Represents the food operations section in projects, committees, and workgroups within the department and facility. - Takes full responsibility for planning, directing, and evaluating the work and competence of subordinate staff. - Develops procedures and guidelines for food operations, coordinating food service policies and procedures with clinical nutrition management, nursing, and other relevant services. - Monitors compliance with regulatory standards, policies, and procedures. - Participates in performance improvement initiatives within the Food Service Operations section, using quality improvement data and plans. Conducts internal audits of food services and food production, along with routine kitchen inspections. - Leads the action planning process to achieve goals and address deficiencies. - Implements the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) program to ensure that requisitioning, receipt/storage, preparation, and service of food meet quality and quantity standards. - Evaluates food operations to ensure proper allocation of resources. - Develops solutions and implements action plans to resolve issues, meet service goals, and enhance patient satisfaction and the quality of food operations. - Participates in an active patient test tray program, evaluating overall tray accuracy, food safety, quality and palatability, temperature, and exceptional service. Also implements similar evaluations for bulk service settings, such as dining rooms or cafeterias. - Ensures that menus align with nutritional guidelines and budgetary constraints. - Evaluates innovative technological equipment and reviews specifications, making recommendations for equipment purchases. - Develops and implements contingency plans to ensure the continuity of food operations during internal and external emergencies or unusual circumstances. - Manages the emergency feeding cache, ensuring that menus and supplies comply with facility standards and The Joint Commission requirements. - Executes the training plan for the food operations section, providing orientation and training for employees regarding food service, food production, and relevant policies and procedures. Assists with onboarding new employees in food service and food production. - Collaborates with clinical nutrition staff to connect the work of the food service section with the nutritional care plans for veterans. - May perform other duties as assigned that are appropriate for this position and level of responsibility. Work Schedule: 8:00 am to 4:30pm Telework: Ad-hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: PD99520S
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.