Performance Dietitian

Resumes must include information which demonstrates experience and knowledge, skills, and ability (KSAs) as they relate to this position. Applicants are encouraged to be clear and specific when describing their experience level and KSAs.

A qualified candidate must possess all of the following: At least 3 years of specialized experience in applying a wide range of concepts, principles, and practices of clinical nutritional and dietetics in the specialty areas of performance enhancement, sufficient to advise on, plan, develop, implement, and evaluate specialized diet and nutrition plans for athletes and/or military members. Professional registration as a Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).

A qualified candidate must possess one of the following: A Bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree in the fields of dietetics, food, nutrition, food service management, institution management, or related science. The educational program must have been accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), or an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained.

The curriculum must have been in accordance with the qualifying requirements established by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) (formerly American Dietetic Association (ADA) prior to January 1, 2012) in effect at the time of graduation. Completion of a coordinated undergraduate program, internship, or other clinical component approved by AND (formerly ADA) for dietitians or nutritionists. Professional registration as a Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).

A qualified candidate also possesses the following: Professional knowledge of, and skill in applying, a wide range of concepts, principles, and practices of clinical nutritional and dietetics in the specialty areas of performance enhancement, sufficient to advise on, plan, develop, implement, and evaluate specialized diet and nutrition plans for active duty and reserves. Knowledge of nutrition education, performance enhancement, and weight management intervention programs.

Knowledge of eating disorder/disordered eating signs and symptoms. Knowledge of rules and regulations of athletic governing bodies: e.g., National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), and International Olympic Committee (IOC) regarding banned drugs and restricted substances. Knowledge of and skill in taking measurements of resting metabolic rate, energy expenditure, VO2max, and lactate threshold.

Knowledge of food service quality and safety procedures. Knowledge and application of medical nutrition therapy, including interviewing and education techniques. Knowledge of complementary medicine, ergogenic aids, and nutritional supplements, including herbal supplements. Knowledge of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). Knowledge of CNIC's organizational structure, functions, and mission.

Knowledge of the ashore and afloat commands' environments, routines, and organizational structures. Skill in the use of nutrient analysis software. Skill in the use of Microsoft Office Programs (e.g., Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook). Skill in obtaining and assessing dietary histories and nutrition requirements based on individual needs. Skill in communication, presentation, and counseling using evidence-based nutrition topics to diverse groups from different backgrounds and varying skill set levels.

Skill in accurately measuring height and body weight. Skill to accurately assess body composition (body mass, body fat, and muscle mass). Skill to accurately assess and evaluate energy balance. Skill in assessing effectiveness of nutritional care plans for and compliance by individuals. Ability to and skill in designing, implementing, and evaluating nutrition education, performance enhancement, and weight management intervention programs.

Ability to and skill in planning and conducting educational sessions for patrons. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to resolve conflicts and customer relations. Ability to work independently and with an interdisciplinary team.

In order to qualify for this position, resumes must provide sufficient experience and/or education, knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of the position. Applicant resumes are the key means for evaluating skills, knowledge, and abilities as they relate to this position therefore, applicants are encouraged to be clear and specific when describing experience.

Duties include but are not limited to: Provides nutritional planning, guidance, and counseling on dietary practices to enhance recovery and optimize performance with a primary focus on educating Navy Active Duty and Reserve personnel regarding proper dietary practices, guided by evidence-based peer-reviewed literature. Provides individual and group counseling for guidance on nutrition and healthy lifestyle habits. Performs clinical duties within scope of practice.

Advises the chain of command on issues pertinent to military personnel's nutrition. Designs and implements nutritional programs for military personnel assigned to the installation, TAD/TDY and deployed. Develops nutritional protocols and guidelines to enhance military personnel's rehabilitation and performance. Collaborates with supervisor for the implementation of new protocols and guidelines.

• Assists other regional military personnel assets with nutritional consultation and support as requested by supervisor and approved by the chain of command.
• Ensures adequate educational materials and sports nutrition specific supplies are available.
• Assists with supply inventories.
• Provides input on supply needs.
• Ensures related equipment and facilities are in safe working conditions and properly utilized.
• Performs data collection and analysis.

Develops and implements program metrics utilizing existing resources and tools when possible. Performs administrative duties, which may include maintaining records, and participating in clinical staff quality assurance functions. Participates in peer (record) reviews. Provides training and education workshops, seminars, and conferences pertaining to performance enhancement nutrition and related subjects.

Keeps abreast of current Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Navy (DON) statistics regarding weight control separations. Stays abreast of current food, nutrition, and health issues and research related to sports nutrition and performance enhancement strategies. Coordinates with installation galley food service officers/managers on food quality, reviewing galley menus offerings. Recommends nutrition for CONUS and OCONUS travel, for example, food availability, lodging, and sports travel.

Develops and delivers nutrition education for food service personnel/Culinary Specialists. Assesses attitudes and knowledge about foods and supplements to provide education and information regarding the legality, safety, quality, and efficacy of product use. Develops and delivers nutrition education presentations, demonstrations, or events on various topics related to nutrition for performance.

Recommends appropriate pre-, during, and post-exercise fluids and snacks for individual training, team practice, and competition. Serves as a nutrition resource for coaches, leadership, and staff. Assesses and analyzes food security, dietary practices, body composition, and energy balance (intake and expenditure) of Sailors to increase compliance with Navy body composition standards and ultimately reduce separations from the Navy due to weight management issues.

Counsels Sailors on optimal nutrition for exercise training (match nutrition to training phases and goals), competition, recovery from exercise, weight management, hydration, immunity, disordered eating, travel, and dietary supplementation. Provides personalized meal and snack plans to promote achieving short- and long-term goals for mission readiness. Develops and counsels in hydration protocols.

Addresses nutritional challenges to performance, such as food allergies, bone mineral disturbances, gastrointestinal disturbances, iron depletion, and body weight fluctuations. Makes recommendations to improve human health and performance, physical training effectiveness, and reduce injuries. Coordinates nutritional care as a member of multidisciplinary human performance teams. Provides liaison with in- and out-patient programs for conditions such as disordered eating.

Evaluates nutritional supplements, including herbal supplements, for legality, safety, quality, and efficacy, monitors use of appropriate supplementation. Collaborates with the individual's family, primary care provider, command leadership, and health professionals, as appropriate. Educates in food selection (grocery store tours, food storage) and food preparation (food safety, cooking classes).

Documents services provided, utilization, encounters, referrals, and all other information in the military's electronic health record (e.g., AHLTA, MHS GENSIS, etc.) and/or the HP enterprise-wide database, as required.