Dietitian Clinical Home Based Primary Care Job in Billings, MT

Vacancy No. CBSU-12732810-25-JMW Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $49,960.00 to $96,116.00 Grade 7 to 11
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 5/6/2025 Close Date 5/16/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Billings, MT


Summary

The Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow VA Clinic located in Billings, MT is currently recruiting for a GS-7 target GS-11 Dietitian-Clinical to work in Home Based Primary Care. Note: must live close to HBPC Catchment area to perform required duties.

Duties

Full performance Dietitian Clinical Home Based Primary Careduties include, but aren't limited to following:

Nutritional Care
Conducts comprehensive nutrition assessment utilizing Nutrition Care Process, NCP
Develops/implements individualized plan for Medical Nutrition Therapy, MNT to address nutrition diagnosis according to medical program goals & objectives
Documents MNT in medical record using Assessment, Diagnosis, Intervention, Monitoring, Evaluation, ADIME format
Performs Nutrition Focused Physical Exam, NFPE during assessments to determine risk &/or degree of malnutrition
Calculates nutrient requirements, calories, protein, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, electrolytes & fluids & necessary diet restrictions or food/drug interactions for patient
Tailors diet prescription for patient according to physical & metabolic needs; understanding patient's health condition, designs nutritional treatment plan, considering psychosocial, behavioral, physical activity, ethnic & cultural factors to obtain desired outcomes & promote long term adherence to medical nutrition care plan
Orders labs, diets & consults per Scope of Practice/Clinical privileges
Documents nutrition care plan in patient's medical record, including nutrition assessment data, MNT initiated &recommendations, nutrition counseling results, patient consents & discharge planning
Measures outcomes by selecting indicators relevant to nutrition diagnosis
Evaluates effectiveness & measures progress toward outcomes of nutrition interventions by comparing current findings w/ previous goals &/or reference standards
Documentation supports interdisciplinary approach & continuity of care
Nutrition Education & Coordination of Care
Assesses educational needs & provides nutrition education/counseling for individuals & groups, including information regarding budgeting, menu planning, food purchasing & preparation, food storage & sanitation
Identifies drug-nutrient interactions & drug-drug incompatibilities & counsels/communicates w/ patient regarding impact on nutrition status &/or nutrient utilization
Utilizes virtual care technology such as VA Video Connect, VVC & Secure Messaging, SM to improve access to nutrition care
Provides follow-up nutrition education/counseling according to treatment goals & determines when problems requires consultation or referral to another provider or service
Serves as clinical preceptor for dietetic internship program & in teaching role for other health care professionals, patients & community
Assists w/ educating & providing oversight for dietetic students & interns
Assists w/ planning learning experiences, teaching & evaluating performance
Develops & prepares Healthy Teaching Kitchen presentations
Completes MDS/Care plans timely
Participates in community projects & education
Serves on Health Education committees & workgroups
Business Functions
Maintains productivity standards
Practices effective time management & prioritizes tasks to ensure efficient workflow
Maintains accurate record keeping of daily clinical activities & completes patient encounters using Event Capture System
Achieves compliance w/ The Joint Commission & other accrediting agency standards to continuously improve safety & quality of care
Quality Improvement/Research
Leads Performance Improvement activities by participating in development of nutritional care indicators, evaluation criteria, collecting performance improvement data, monitoring outcomes & initiating corrective actions
Contributes to culture of safety by entering patient safety concerns in Joint Patient Safety Reporting System
Participation as Member of Health Care Team
Communicates & influences treatment interventions determined by medical team via interdisciplinary meetings, team rounds, medical conferences & nutrition-related in-services
Coordinates care w/ colleagues in variety of medical & home settings to ensure appropriate transitions of care are addressed to meet patient's needs
Assists in patient discharge planning to ensure provision of appropriate services & equipment for enteral feeding
Serves as member of VAMC inspection team for state homes, homeless shelters & community nursing homes
Professional Development
Maintains Registered Dietitian Nutritionist registration & completes continuing education requirements
Complies w/ all documentation procedures, including timeliness standards according to policies
Demonstrates positive, effective communication skills & professional behavior to promote cooperation & teamwork
Practices good customer customer service & demonstrates VA I-CARE values
Perform other duties as assigned

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm
Duty location: Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow VA Clinic 1775 Spring Creek Lane Billings, MT 59102
Compressed/Flexible:Available
Telework: Ad hoc, per VA policy
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: PD566070
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
  • Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
  • You may be required to serve a probationary period.
  • Subject to background/security investigation.
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
  • Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
  • Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements:
  • Citizenship Must be a US citizen. Non-citizens may be appointed when it's not possible to recruit qualified US citizens
  • English Language Proficiency RDNs must be proficient in spoken & written English
  • Registration 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.
  • Exception for Dietitians who do not possess the RDN credential.
    • Non-credentialed Dietitians who meet the basic qualification requirements and have fulfilled the requirements below, but do not possess the RDN credential, may be given a temporary full-time appointment not to exceed one year under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)
    • Non-credentialed Dietitians must have fulfilled each of the following:
    • Earned a bachelor's or higher degree from a U.S. regionally accredited college, university or foreign equivalent (refer to ii below)
    • Completed an ACEND® accredited experiential or supervised practice program and provide a verification statement from the program director that conveys eligibility to take the CDR registration exam as a prospective RDN. A list of ACEND® accredited programs is located on the ACEND® website or at ACEND Accredited Programs Directory
Foreign Education. To be creditable, college and/or university degrees earned outside the U.S and its territories must be evaluated by ACEND® and meet ACEND®'s International Dietitian Education standards which are designed to provide graduates with the knowledge and competencies to sit for the CDR credentialing exam.

Non-credentialed Dietitians may only be appointed at the GS-07 or GS-09 grade level and may not be promoted/converted until they obtain their RDN credential.

Non-credentialed Dietitians must provide care under the supervision of a RDN at or above the full performance level.

Temporary appointments of non-credentialed Dietitian will not be extended beyond one year or converted to a new temporary appointment

Failure to Obtain Registration. In all cases, Dietitians must actively pursue meeting registration requirements starting from their appointment date. At the time of appointment, servicing Human Resources (HR) staff in collaboration with the supervisor, will provide non-registered Dietitians the written requirement to obtain registration, the date by which they must acquire it and the consequences for not doing so by the deadline. Failure to obtain registration within one year from the date of appointment will result in removal from the Dietitian, GS-0630 occupation and may result in termination of employment.

Loss of Credential. In collaboration with HR Office staff, management officials must immediately relieve employees who fail to maintain the required registration/certification of duties and responsibilities associated with the occupation and/or assignment, which may also result in separation from employment.

Grandfathering Provision. Employees in VHA in this occupation, under a permanent, appropriate and legal placement on the effective date of the qualification standard, are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade and/or assignment held, including positive education and registration/certification, where applicable. Employees appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, either on a temporary or permanent basis until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. The following provisions apply to employees who do not meet all the qualification requirements:

1) Employees may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level or changed to a lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or be newly placed in a supervisory or managerial position.
2) Employees must meet the assignment-specific certification/education requirements to be placed in Dietitian (Advanced Level Practice) or Dietitian (Dietetic Internship Director) assignments.
3) Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation who subsequently obtain additional education and/or registration/certification that meet all the qualification standard's basic or assignment-specific requirements must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation/assignment.
4) Employees retained in this occupation under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of re- entry in the occupation

Grade Determinations: The following criteria must be met in addition to the Basic Requirements for employment listed above when determining the candidate's grade.

GS-07

Experience or Education.
None beyond the basic requirements.

GS-09

Experience
. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.

OR

Education.
Master's degree from a regionally accredited university or college.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills & Abilities, KSAs Candidates must demonstrate all following KSAs in addition to experience above

1) Knowledge of various accrediting and regulatory requirements.
2) Knowledge of virtual technology to provide nutrition care.
3) Ability to deliver patient care using the NCP (e.g., assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring and evaluation).
4) Ability to apply evidence-based nutrition practices to improve patient outcomes.
5) Ability to develop patient-centered goals.
6) Ability to collect data for performance improvement studies.
7) Ability to collaborate with stakeholders.

GS-11

Experience. At least one year of experience as an RDN equivalent to the next lower grade.

Demonstrated KSAs Candidates must demonstrate all following KSAs in addition to experience above.

1) Skill in delivering patient care using the NCP (e.g., assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring and evaluation).
2) Skill in interpreting research to apply evidence-based nutrition practices to improve patient outcomes.
3) Skill in developing patient-centered goals.
4) Skill in analyzing data for performance improvement studies.
5) Skill in collaborating with stakeholders.
6) Ability to comply with various accrediting, regulatory and agency authorities.

Preferred Experience: More than one year home care experience and 1 + years experience in primary care. Also credentialed as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is a GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of a GS-7 to a GS-11.

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to exercise patience, control emotions & manage stressful situations
Must be able to prepare, transcribe & analyze data & figures
Often lift/carry <15 lbs; papers, books, laptop or small items
Frequent: reading, wrist, hands & fingers use, computer, mouse & keyboard use, sit, walk, stand, climb/descend stairs & bend
Simultaneous rapid mental/muscular coordination
Must be able to pass & maintain BLS certification
Must possess & maintain valid state driver's license
For complete physical standards see VA Handbook 5019

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Transcripts can be unofficial transcripts, but must include your name, the school's entire name, the name of the course, date course taken, grade received for the course, amount of credits earned for the course, date degree conferred, and name of degree received.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Please be clear and specific in describing your experience, or any information in your resume or any attachments you provide. We will not make assumptions regarding any information provided regarding your experience on your resume or any information contained in your application materials. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

  • Resume
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript


The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.

  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • If applicable, please upload a copy of ACEND accredited experiential or supervised practice program and provide a verification statement from the program director that conveys eligibility to take the CDR registration exam as a prospective RDN
  • If applicable, please upload a copy of Registered Dietitian Nutritionist RDN or Registered Dietitian RD credential from the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR)
  • Resume
  • SF-15
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript


Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time on 05/16/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12732810.

  1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
  2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

Agency contact information

VISN 19 HR Contact Center
Address
Montana VA Health Care System
3687 Veterans Drive
Fort Harrison, MT 59636
US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.