Dietitian (Informatics)

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). English Language Proficiency.

Dietitian candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f) 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.

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

02Grade Determinations

GS-11 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: (a) Skill in managing computer software programs relative to food service systems. (b) Skill in applying nutritional knowledge to develop menus ensuring nutritional standards are met. (c) Skill in developing training and reference materials. (d) Skill in evaluating data to improve outcomes. (e) Skill in providing training related to food service systems technology. (f) Skill in collaborating with stakeholders Assignment: Employees in this assignment serve in a Dietitian (Informatics) full performance level position.

Informatics Dietitians are thoroughly knowledgeable of and responsible for planning, coordinating and implementing food service technology as well as ensuring continuous evaluation and improvement within the service. They independently manage VHA-supported software programs and/or COTS to support the effective management of food operations and patient meal services including entering and maintaining ingredients, recipes, nutritional data and menus.

Informatics Dietitians fully oversee the technology used for meal production, meal service and temperature control. They lead a menu committee. Informatics Dietitians ensure recipes are standardized, costed and within budgetary constraints. They create, revise and sign off on menus, complete nutrient analyses of regular and modified menus and ensure menus follow required diet guidelines. Informatics Dietitians oversee and are responsible for developing and maintaining training and reference materials for the NCC.

They manage productivity reports and complete audits for the NCC. Informatics Dietitians coordinate and support downtime procedures for the NCC, ensuring procedures remain up to date. As a subject matter expert in nutrition informatics and food service technology, Informatics Dietitians use their expertise to complete all aspects of training related to computer systems, menus and informatics for NFS employees.

They frequently collaborate with the clinical nutrition section and leadership staff to enhance the Veteran's dining experience and support patient satisfaction. Informatics Dietitians act as a department ADPAC serving as the liaison between administration, food services, clinical staff and OI&T regarding clinical information system processes. They manage and update the service SharePoint site. Reference: VA Handbook 5005 Part II Appendix G20 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11.

03Physical Requirements

The work primarily is sedentary. Some work may require periods of walking, standing, and bending in offices, hospitals, and other work areas. Frequently carry light items such as books, education material, equipment required for assessment (i.e. scale or dynamometer) and other similar materials. The work does not require any special physical effort.

Major duties may include, but are not limited to: Ensures recipes are standardized. Leads a menu committee. Enters and maintains ingredients, recipes, nutritional information and menus. Costs out recipes and assures that they are within budgetary constraints. Develops and maintains training and reference materials for the Nutrition Communication Center (NCC). Creates and revises menus, considering VA established guidelines, policy, patient preference, and religious and cultural considerations.

Coordinates and supports downtime procedures for the NCC, ensuring procedures remain up to date. Coordinates all aspects of training related to computer systems, menus and informatics for NFS employees. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 4:00pm, Work Schedule is subject to change based on agency need. Telework: Ad-hoc Telework available in accordance with Agency policy. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: PD000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.