Dietitian (Clinical)

Job Description

Department of Veterans Affairs

Veterans Health Administration

Veterans Health Administration

Summary

This position is for a Dietitian (Clinical) at the full performance level within the Nutrition and Food Services (NFS) Clinical Section. As the medical nutrition expert, you will work independently to apply evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines to patients, including those with complex medical and nutritional needs.

Who May Apply

• Open to the public
• U.S. Citizens, Nationals, or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Areas of Consideration:

1. Current permanent employees of the Hampton VA Medical Center and its clinics
2. Current permanent employees of the Veterans Health Administration
3. The general public

Key Duties

• Conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments using the Nutritional Care Process (NCP), including nutrition-focused physical exams, to establish diagnoses and assess malnutrition risk.
• Develop, implement, monitor, and adjust Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) plans to optimize patient outcomes.
• Calculate nutrient needs, manage diet restrictions, and assess food-drug interactions tailored to each patient.
• Document all MNT activities in medical records using the ADIME (Assessment, Diagnosis, Intervention, Monitoring, Evaluation) format.
• Work independently in maintaining accurate clinical documentation and records.
• Identify patients requiring nutritional support and coordinate appropriate interventions with the healthcare team.
• Participate actively in interdisciplinary team meetings.
• Provide tailored nutrition education and counseling to individuals and groups, including virtual care options.
• Lead initiatives to improve quality and safety of Veteran care, comply with accrediting standards, and collaborate with Food Operations to enhance Veteran dining experience.

Work Schedule & Conditions

• Monday to Friday (various shifts between 8:00 AM and 5:30 PM)
• No telework or virtual work option
• Relocation, recruitment incentives, and PCS costs not authorized
• No financial disclosure required

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship required
• Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959
• Proficiency in spoken and written English
• Background/security investigation required
• Completion of an online onboarding process if selected
• Participation in seasonal influenza vaccination program mandatory for VA healthcare personnel

Qualifications

• Basic: Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Registered Dietitian (RD) credential from the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
• For GS-07 and GS-09 Only: Non-credentialed dietitians may be temporarily appointed but must obtain RDN credential within one year.
• Completion of a bachelor’s or higher degree from an accredited institution (or foreign equivalent evaluated by ACEND®).
• Completion of an ACEND® accredited supervised practice program.
• Knowledge and skills appropriate to grade level including use of virtual technology, nutrition care process, evidence-based practice, data analysis, and collaboration with stakeholders.
• Adherence to VA’s “Grandfathering Provision” if applicable.

Evaluation

Applications will be evaluated on qualifications, experience (paid and unpaid including volunteer service), and supporting documents. Reference checks may be conducted. Veterans’ preference applies where eligible.

Required Documents

• Resume
• Copy of RDN/RD license or credential
• Transcripts (if qualifying based on education)
• Cover letter (optional)
• Performance appraisals (if applicable)
• Veteran documents (e.g., DD-214, SF-15) if claiming preference

How to Apply

Apply online by 11:59 PM ET on 09/30/2025 through USAJOBS. Complete the questionnaire and upload all required documents. Create a USAJOBS account if you do not have one.

Preview Questionnaire