Supervisory Dietitian (Asst Chief) Job in Atlanta, GA

Vacancy No. CBTB-12743045-25-JMM Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $111,442.00 to $144,876.00 Grade 13 to 13
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 6/3/2025 Close Date 6/12/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Atlanta, GA


Summary

The Assistant Chief, Nutrition and Food Service (N&FS) serves as assistant to the Chief, advising the chief on all matters pertinent to the service. Provides direct supervision for both the Clinical N&FS Systems Managers, successfully integrating both sections. Incumbent works in cooperation with the Chief in the identification of major management initiatives as well as the provision, production and service of high quality food and effective nutrition therapy to the veteran population served.

Duties

Functions of the Assistant Chief
A. Management/ Administrative:
1. Assists in the establishment of organizational structure guidelines, performance standards, reporting requirements and assists in defining the lines of authority and supervisory controls necessary and essential in carrying out the mission of the service.
2. Assists in the provision of leadership to assure that all activities of the staff are closely coordinated in order to achieve an effective integration of the key elements of patient care, education, training and research.
3. Coordinates and evaluates Service compliance to VHA regulations, Central Office directives, ADA Laws, VISN guidelines, Medical Center policy, Union Master agreement, Service procedures and all accrediting and regulatory agencies including but not limited to US food code, JCAHO, OSHA and OIG to assure optimal nutrition care of veterans, in the continuum of care and in a multidisciplinary model.
4. Assists in or provides oversight in the coordination of menu planning, subsistence purchases, production, and delivery of safe, high quality, nutritionally adequate meals.
5. Provides leadership and/or serves on the Nutrition Committee and Nutrition Support Team.
6. Assumes full responsibility for the management of N&FS in the absence of the Chief/Manager.

B. Resource Management:
1. Assists in the development and administration of a human resource management program for all NFS employees that maximizes staff performance and job satisfaction and supports labor-management cooperation.
2. Coordinates and allocates staffing patterns and position management that will support a high ­quality food service system and the demand for complex clinical nutrition care promoting optimal efficiency and effectiveness.
3. Assists in the planning of an annual budget for subsistence, supplies, and personnel costs. Providing for the effective utilization of available financial resources.
4. Assures compliance to prime vendor contract.
5. Manages the service purchase request process.

C. Quality Improvement:
1. Assists in the development and implementation of a performance improvement program to continually monitor major functions of N&FS for quality and appropriateness of nutritional care.
2. Assures that the Performance improvement program is incompliance with applicable standards established by OSHA, HACCP, VHA, JC and other reviewing agencies.

D. Supervisory Controls:
1. Assists the Chief, in providing leadership to N&FS, which consists of professional and non­professional staff. Coordinates implementation of initiatives and presents conclusions and recommendations to staff at departmental meetings.
2. Promotes positive labor-management relations by hearing employee grievances and complaints that are not resolved at a lower supervisory level. Responds to EEO complaints and unfair labor practice charges.
3. Recommends approval for incentive and special contribution awards and rewards employees for good performance.
4. Completes evaluations of subordinate and reviews evaluations made by subordinate supervisors on employees they supervise.

E. Education/Staff Development:
1. Assists with the provision and allocation of staff educational funding, evaluating regularly to make certain funds are effectively utilized for the benefit of the Medical Center.
2. Coordinates and delegates as appropriate nutrition related training for other disciplines, students, and/or trainees so they can perform their patient care duties more efficiently.
3. Coordinates the education and training program in the service for all levels of employees. The program considers the needs of all levels of employees to ensure all are competence. Establishes a mechanism to monitor the effectiveness of N&FS training programs.

F. Research:
1. Facilitates participation in clinical nutrition studies and research projects that have a nutrition component.
2. Coordinates the extent and type of formal clinical nutrition-related research and investigative studies, which are administrative, metabolic or clinical in nature.
3. Assures that new information / nutritional advancements are incorporated into daily practices and procedures which ensures continued improvement in services provided.

G. Support:
1. Provides input and recommendations to the Chief regarding medical center and healthcare system long and short-range planning and assists in the development and implementation of policy which reflects the goals of the agency and VISN.
2. Maintains effective communication with medical center staff to identify and assist in the resolution of a wide variety of programs. Encourage and supports proactive planning.
3. Assists the chief in the Interpretation and advises other services, programs and top management concerning general agency guidelines the impact N&FS.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm
Telework: Ad-hoc

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
  • All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
  • 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.
  • Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:
a. 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).
b. Registration.
(1) 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.

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Grade Determinations:
Supervisory Dietitian (Chief, Nutrition and Food Services), GS-13.
(1) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.

(2) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
(a) Knowledge of security measures within food operations to ensure patient and staff safety.
(b) Knowledge of business administration to include budgeting, contracting and purchasing.
(c) Knowledge of organizational structure to assess impact on program operations.
(d) Skill in strategic planning to develop goals, objectives and action plans.
(e) Skill in written communication to include policy development and standard operating procedures.
(f) Skill in analyzing data to monitor progress towards improving and sustaining outcomes.
(g) Ability to lead a group of professionals to facilitate collaboration, organizational development and establish and achieve strategic goals.
(h) Ability to oversee the planning of new initiatives or projects addressing patient care delivery systems and system reorganizations
(i) Ability to supervise subordinate staff (i.e., plan, organize, delegate, direct, control and review activities and performance).
(j) Ability to negotiate.

(3) Assignment. For all supervisory assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity, difficulty, variety and be performed by the incumbent as a major duty at least 25% of the time. The incumbent must spend 25% or more of their time providing administrative and technical supervision over staff from both clinical nutrition and food operations sections, one of which may be a GS13 Dietitian and NFS administrative staff. Supervisory Dietitians in this assignment serve as Chief of NFS. Chief NFS provides leadership and guidance, with wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment, to ensure the variety of activities of the department are closely coordinated, integrating clinical nutrition and food operations. They exercise a full range of supervisory and personnel management authorities and responsibilities in planning, directing and assessing the work of subordinate staff. Chief NFS establishes performance standards and evaluate overall performance of employees; define competency requirements, identify developmental and training needs and take necessary actions to ensure subordinate personnel maintains and enhance technical and leadership expertise. They serve as the technical advisor and subject matter experts in nutrition and food operations. Chief NFS develops budget and staffing requirements to manage organizational changes and ensure national directives and goals/objectives are met. They communicate and advocate with executive leadership for resources. Chief NFS develops the NFS strategic plan, establishing service priorities that address the goals and strategic direction of the medical center, VISN and national programs. They are responsible for developing and updating policies and procedures and establishing and overseeing a system for regulatory compliance. Chief NFS establishes the department's organizational structure, defining the lines of authority essential to carry out the mission of the service. They oversee planning new endeavors addressing patient care delivery systems and system reorganizations for new or redesigned operational space, equipment requirements, etc. Chief NFS ensures adherence to the National Dietary Supplement and Subsistence Prime Vendor contracts. They designate the Contracting Officer Representative to negotiate purchase agreements for NFS contracts. Chief NFS actively supports, promotes and oversees the implementation of NFS initiatives at the facility level and engages other service chiefs as needed to ensure success. They participate in VISN and National level NFS initiatives and are responsible for all action items for NFS. Chief NFS evaluates overall NFS effectiveness through the review of operations, quality assurance, performance improvement and benchmarks, making decisions based on intricate and unrelated items of information from inconclusive or variable data. They implement a performance improvement program to improve delivery of quality continually, safe and cost-effective food and nutrition care to all patients/residents, ensuring the dissemination of nutrition-related research and quality improvement within the department and facility. Chief NFS directs resource distribution for food, supply and labor costs focusing on benchmarks, and delegating resource management to others as appropriate. They lead efforts to provide food-forward, Veteran-centric dining options. Chief NFS implements security measures in all NFS areas to protect against theft, reduce the risk of food terrorism and maintain Veteran and staff safety.

Preferred Experience: Previous Supervisory experience in Nutrition & Food Services

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

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-13.

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.

Education

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.

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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.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, 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:

  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • 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)
  • License
  • Additional Documentation
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • 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.

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 (ET) on 06/12/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12743045.

  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

Jenna McCarthy
Address
Atlanta VA Medical Center
1670 Clairmont Road
Decatur, GA 30033
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.


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