Dietitian- Advanced Level Practice

Description:

Employees in this assignment serve as an Advanced Level Practice Dietitian. They conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments for Veterans using the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) assuring high-quality nutrition care under an advanced and expanded scope of practice. Advanced Level Practice Dietitians are subject matter experts in advanced clinical nutrition.

Requirements:

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements :

Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.). Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a).

Registration: All applicants must hold the RDN credential from the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) the credentialing agency of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

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

Grade Determinations : Dietitian- Advanced Level Practice, GS-12.

Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11).

• GS 11 Assignment - Employees in this assignment serve in a Dietitian (Clinical) full performance level position. Clinical Dietitians conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments for Veterans using the NCP (e.g., assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring and evaluation), assuring high-quality nutrition care. They apply evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines, interpret research and utilize whole health principles to develop patient- 8 centered goals and improve outcomes. Clinical Dietitians also utilize virtual care technology to improve access to care. They are accountable for independent and accurate record keeping, autonomous coverage of daily clinical activities and efficiently completing patient encounters using approved systems. Clinical Dietitians are knowledgeable of and ensure work accomplishments comply with TJC and other accrediting agency standards and ensure continuous improvement of safe and quality care. They collect and analyze data related to performance improvement activities within NFS, lead activities in the implementation of new initiatives and collaborate with stakeholders. Clinical Dietitians frequently collaborate with the food service section and leadership staff to enhance the Veteran's dining experience, support patient satisfaction and serve as a liaison between clinical units and the Food Service Section.

Certification- Must hold an advanced practice certification from a nationally recognized certifying body such as the Commission on Dietetic Registration, the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists or the National Board of Nutrition Certification. The certification must be directly related to the assignment being filled. For example, where the assignment requires diabetes management, a Board Certified-Advanced Diabetes Management or Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists certification is qualifying. Commonly held certifications include Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition; Board Certified Specialist in Gerontological Nutrition; Registered Dietitian Nutritionist-Advanced Practitioner; Certified Nutrition Support Clinician.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA's)- In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
- Skill in leading a team in the implementation of nutrition related activities.
- Skill in utilizing evidenced based practice guidelines to establish or modify goals and improve patient outcomes.
- Ability to communicate in writing to develop policies and standard operating procedures
- Ability to serve as a nutrition expert, providing technical guidance, direction, and staff development.
- Ability to lead research or performance improvement studies.
- Ability to present complex nutrition information to a large group of health care providers to persuade and influence provision of care.


Preferred Experience: Must be CDCES certified.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/ .

Physical 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.