Dietitian(Clinical)-Home Based Primary Care

01Basic 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.

02Grade Determinations

GS-7 Dietitian (Clinical): None beyond the basic requirements. 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. 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.

03Preferred Experience

2 plus years RD experience, 1 plus year homecare experience Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

04Physical 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.

Major Duties: Conducts a comprehensive nutrition assessment utilizing the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) for assigned patients in the acute care setting. Calculates nutrient requirements (calories, protein, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, electrolytes and fluids) and necessary diet restrictions or food/drug interactions. Tailors diet prescription to each individual patient according to physical and metabolic needs.

With an understanding of the patient's health condition, designs the nutritional treatment plan with consideration for psychosocial, behavioral, physical activity, ethnic and cultural factors to obtain desirable outcomes and promote long term adherence to a medical nutrition care plan. Identifies drug-nutrient interactions and drug-drug incompatibilities and counsels / communicates with the patient regarding the impact on nutrition status and/or nutrient utilization.

Prioritizes the importance of nutrition problems for optimal health, recovery from illness, management of chronic disease or disease prevention. Evaluates patterns and relationships among data obtained and possible root causes for nutrition problems. Participates in planning for discharge, including education and coordination of nutrition care. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Service is open 7 days a week and holidays. 7:00am to 3:30pm Telework: Ad-Hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: PD000000 and PD99529S Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized