Basic Requirements:
- United States Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.). Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a).
- 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): All applicants must hold the RDN credential from the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) the credentialing agency of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Note: Applicants who hold the RDN credential have met the education requirement (e.g. bachelor's degree or higher) of CDR, as such this occupation is considered professional and scientific with a positive education requirement and the procedures in Part I, Chapter 4 of this Handbook will be followed when applying Veteran's preference.
Grandfathering Provision: 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: All individuals assigned to this occupation must meet all the basic qualification requirements and all the requirements defined in the specific assignment for the Dietitian (Clinical), GS-11.
(1)
Experience. At least one year of experience as an RDN equivalent to the next lower grade, GS-09 performing duties including but not limited to: Conducting nutrition assessments using the NCP, applying evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines, interpreting research and utilizing whole health principles to develop patient-centered goals and improve outcomes etc.
(2)
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
- Skill in delivering patient care using the NCP (e.g., assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring and evaluation).
- Skill in interpreting research to apply evidence-based nutrition practices to improve patient outcomes.
- Skill in developing patient-centered goals.
- Skill in analyzing data for performance improvement studies.
- Skill in collaborating with stakeholders.
- Ability to comply with various accrediting, regulatory and agency authorities.
Preferred Experience: Candidates who hold certifications from the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) and the New York State Certified Dietitian-Nutritionist (CDN), along with a minimum of three years of clinical experience.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit
https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
Physical Requirements: Refer to VA Handbook 5019 for pre-placement examination requirements. Dietitian (Clinical) providing HBPC must possess a current, valid, and unrestricted drivers license in order to operate a government owned vehicle.