This position is located in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Topeka, KS (VISN 15). The Dietitian is responsible for independently planning, developing and directing all nutritional care activities for assigned veterans, including those with complex medical and nutritional needs.
Nutritional Care: - Conduct nutrition assessments for patients with lower acuity using the Nutritional Care Process (NCP). This includes performing nutrition-focused physical examinations to establish a nutrition diagnosis and determine the risk and/or degree of malnutrition. - Develop and implement Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) to address the nutrition diagnosis.
Evaluate and monitor the effectiveness of MNT interventions, modifying the plan as needed to achieve positive patient outcomes. - Document MNT in the medical record using the Assessment, Diagnosis, Intervention, Monitoring, Evaluation (ADIME) format. - Calculate nutrient requirements and identify necessary diet restrictions, including food and drug interactions.
- Identify patients in need of nutritional support and recommend the appropriate mode of support, ensuring clear communication with the healthcare team. - Actively participate in both formal and informal interdisciplinary team meetings. Complete care plans and Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments within established timeframes.
- Assess educational needs and provide tailored nutrition education and counseling for individuals and groups, focusing on Veterans' specific requirements. - Maintain productivity standards and keep accurate records of daily clinical activities, completing patient encounters using approved systems. - Manage clinic schedules to maximize access to nutrition services, ensuring both virtual and in-person options are available to meet patient needs.
- Participate in service-level strategic planning and the implementation of new initiatives, policies, procedures, and goals. - Support service-level performance improvement activities by developing measures, collecting data, evaluating data, and initiating corrective actions. - Comply with Joint Commission requirements and other accrediting agency standards to ensure safe and quality patient care. - Utilize virtual care technology to improve access to care.
- Ensure the continuous improvement of safe and quality care for Veterans. - Lead activities in the implementation of new initiatives, using data for measure development, data evaluation, and the initiation of corrective actions. - Collaborate with the Food Operations Section and department leadership to enhance the dining experience for Veterans, support patient satisfaction, and serve as a liaison between clinical units and the Food Operations Section.
- Perform other related duties as assigned that are appropriate for this grade and assignment. Work Schedule: Monday thru Friday 8:00 am to 4:30pm Telework: AD-HOC Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: PD99529S, PD99530S, and PD99531S Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized for Highly Qualified Applicants
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latavia.austin-smith@va.gov · 803-201-7181
This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
The posted pay range is $51283 – $98671/yr.
This position is eligible for telework.
Applications close on 2026-09-17.
This position is open under the 'Public' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government
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