Dietitian (Advanced Level Practice)

Advanced Level Practice Dietitian conducts comprehensive nutrition assessments for Veterans using the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) assuring high-quality nutrition care under an advanced and expanded scope of practice. They have the knowledge, expertise, principles and/or current research to lead dietitians and nutrition specialty care teams.

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. English Language Proficiency. Dietitian candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). 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). In addition to meeting the basic requirements, you must also possess: 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 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 (BC-ADM) or Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (CDCES) certification are qualifying. Commonly held certifications include Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition (CSR); Board Certified Specialist in Gerontological Nutrition (CSG); Registered Dietitian Nutritionist-Advanced Practitioner (RDN-AP); Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC). At least 1 year of experience as an RDN/RD equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11) which demonstrates the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: -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. 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 REQUIREMENTS - All individuals assigned to this occupation must meet all the basic qualification requirements as well as the Grade Level Requirements below. Grade Determinations for Dietitian (Advanced Level Practice), GS-12 Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11). Certification-Documentation Submitted. 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. Preferred Experience: Three to five years clinical experience as Nutrition Support Dietitian. CNSC certification. Independently writes TPN orders. Manages enteral nutrition modalities. 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.