Dietitian (Advanced Level Practice)

Description:

Employees in this assignment serve as an Advanced Level Practice Dietitian. They conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments for Veterans assuring high-quality care under an advanced and expanded scope of practice. Advanced Level Practice Dietitians are the subject matter experts in advanced clinical nutrition and uses knowledge, expertise, principles and/or current research to lead dietitians and nutrition specialty care teams to plan, implement, and evaluate organizational initiatives.

Requirements:

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).
• Advance Practice Certification: must hold an advanced practice certification from a nationally recognized certifying body such as the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

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 (GS-11).

Certification:

• 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).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• 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.

Preferred Experience: Preferred applicant with Board Certification as a Specialist in Renal Nutrition certification. Consideration for individuals that hold another recognized CDR advanced practice certification with 3 years experience in a clinical renal setting.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:

• The incumbent works under the general supervision of the Supervisory Dietitian, GS-12 or above, who establishes objectives and department priorities.
• The incumbent functions independently for all professional and technical aspects of clinical nutrition. They are responsible for planning and organizing their own work, coordinating with staff and management personnel as appropriate. Assumes responsibility in work assignments in accordance with regulations and independently resolves most conflicts by using considerable judgment and interpretation.
• Work is reviewed for technical adequacy and conformance with VHA procedures and practices.

CUSTOMER SERVICE REQUIREMENT: Meets the needs of all customers while supporting the Medical Center and Service missions. Consistently communicates and treats customers (patients, visitors, volunteers, and all Medical Center staff) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner. Provides the customers with consistent information according to established policies and procedures. Handles conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately.

AGE, DEVELOPMENT, AND CULTURAL NEEDS OF PATIENTS: Provides care and/or services appropriate to the age of the patients being served, and which is appropriate to the cognitive; emotional, and chronological maturation of the patient. Assesses data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to their age- specific needs and to provide care needed as described in the services' policies and procedures. Takes into consideration age-related differences of the various veteran populations with this institution. The incumbent must demonstrate the knowledge of the changes associated with aging and possess the ability to provide care/support based upon age related factors. Ensures staff receives training in these categories. Sensitivity to the special needs of all patients in respect to age, developmental requirements, and culturally related factors must be consistently achieved.

Age Categories include:

• Young Adulthood (18 - 39): Accepts adults' chosen lifestyle and assist with necessary adjustments relating to health. Employee recognizes the person's commitment and the function of competence in life and supports changes as necessary for health.
• Middle Adulthood (40 - 64): Employee assists clients to plan for anticipated changes in life, to recognize the risk factors related to health, and to focus on strengths rather than weaknesses.
• Late Maturity (65 - Death): Employee assists clients to keep physically and socially active, and to maintain peer group interactions. Employee provides necessary safety measures and assist client with self-care as required, and with maintaining as much independence as possible.

COMPUTER SECURITY REQUIREMENT: Protects printed and electronic files containing sensitive data in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable laws, federal regulations, VA statutes and policy, and VHA guidelines. Protects the data from unauthorized release or from loss, alteration, or unauthorized deletion. Follows applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files, release of access codes, etc., as set out in the computer access agreement that the employee signs.

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.