Dietitian (Advanced Level Practice)
What you'd do
The Advanced Level Practice Dietitian, CDCES, conducts comprehensive nutrition assessments for Veterans living with diabetes using the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) assuring high-quality nutrition care under an advanced and expanded scope of practice. This position is with the VA Puget Sound Health Care System at the American Lake VA Medical Center
Major duties
Provides comprehensive medical nutritional care applying the NCP with Veterans living with diabetes in a variety of patient care settings. Bases individualized nutrition interventions on the best available research and/or evidence-based guidelines and best practices. Performs a Nutrition Focused Physical Exam (NFPE) during assessments to determine risk and/or degree of malnutrition. Calculates nutrient requirements (calories, protein, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, electrolytes, and fluids) and necessary diet restrictions or food/drug interactions. Evaluates patterns and relationships among data obtained and possible roots causes for nutrition problems. Identifies patient in need of nutritional support and recommends the appropriate mode of support, including route, formula, and rate of administration. Provides initial and on-going nutritional assessment of patients receiving enteral nutrition. Orders labs, diets, and consults per Scope of Practice/Clinical privileges. Evaluates and monitors the effectiveness and outcomes on MNT interventions. Provides nutrition education to individuals, small and large groups, peers, licensed practitioner(s), medical students, interns, and residents as applicable. Provides consultative services regarding advanced therapies, policies, procedures, and research in the provision of quality nutritional care. Develops, monitors, and directs practice-specific benchmarks based on standards of care or national initiatives. Leads dietitians and specialty multidisciplinary teams in developing nutrition related services, policies, procedures, and/or protocols. Leads the implementation of new nutrition initiatives or a change in practice to achieve strategic goals. Establishes goals, measures outcomes and reports progress toward meeting goals to medical center committees, health care teams, and/or professional groups. Utilizes knowledge, expertise, principles, and/or current research to plan, implement and evaluate organizational initiatives. Leads staff, creates, and validates competencies and develops training activities. Presents at seminars, workgroups, and lectures to convey current nutrition information on new and changing concepts. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 7:30 am - 4 pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: PD99523S Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
What you need to qualify
Basic 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. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). 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. Grade Determinations: Dietitian (Advanced Level Practice), GS-12 Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. 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. This position requires a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists certification Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience and certification above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Skill in leading a team in the implementation of nutrition-related activities. Skill in utilizing evidence- 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: Experience working with adults living with all types of diabetes Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: There are no physical requirements for this occupation per OCHCO Communications email to VA Handbook 5019, updated on 4/17/2026.
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