Supervisory Dietitian (Food Operations) Job in Tucson, AZ

Vacancy No. CBSX-12679368-25-DCT Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $90,302.00 to $117,398.00 Grade 12 to 12
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 1/29/2025 Close Date 2/7/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Tucson, AZ


Summary

The Southern Arizona VA Healthcare Network is recruiting for a Food Service Systems Manager (FSSM) supervisory dietitian responsible for directing food service and administrative activities for Nutrition and Food Services (NFS). The FSSM provides professional and management support to includes planning, implementing, and directing the food service and administrative programs. S/he coordinates section activities with other services and units in the facility, clinics, and local community.

Duties

The Food Service Systems Manager provides guidance on controversial issues or assignments for which precedent studies are not available. The incumbent plans, coordinates, and carries out the successive steps in fact-finding and analysis of issues in accordance with accepted office policies, applicable precedents, organizational concepts, management theory, and occupational training.
The major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Directs and supports the provision of nutrition therapy and food service programs by directly supervising the production manager and Nutrition Communication Center (NCC).
Directly accountable for quality and quantity of the work through levels of supervision and subordinate employee work groups.
Directs and manages the daily activities of the (NCC) to ensure timely, safe, and accurate tray ticket processing, collection of menu selections, and handling of a customer service related issues.
Provides oversight for the food service operation with advance food preparation and delivery system.
Coordinates the menu planning and implementation processes for NFS through collaboration with the production team, administrative dietitian and Assistant Chief, Nutrition and Food Services.
Assesses technological equipment innovations, automation, improvements in food storage, production/food service systems and space utilization.
Participates in the development of strategic planning goals and objectives for food services section. Execute plan of action and integrates customer service, including patient satisfaction and stakeholder support, into the strategic plan.
Plans, directs and guides staff during emergent and/or unanticipated resource constrictions. During planning work adjustments, communicates with higher level supervisory staff for concurrence when proposed changes would modify or deviated work schedules or operations outside direct supervisory control.
Provides information and advice to the Assistant Chief of Nutrition and Food Services on such matters as ability to accomplish work assignments (FTEE distribution), changes in food production techniques, food specifications and standards, ability to procure food items, rearrangement and selections of equipment, budget estimates, inventory management, FTEE realignment, and quality control.
Develops and initiates a review of the standard operating procedures (SOP), food service policies, MOUs that relate to the food production and service sections.
Coordinates programs and services with the external and internal customers such as nursing, EMS, behavioral health, PACT, etc.
Manages the performance improvement and quality control program for the food production section with the assistance from quality control and administrative dietitians.
Oversees administrative dietitians training documents and employee education, developing training schedule and determine training and continuing education needs for employees.
Supports employee development by encouraging participation in promotional activities and acquiring experience in specialty areas.
Serves as a preceptor for the dietetic interns. Instructs, supervises, and evaluates interns while in the administrative rotation.
Participate and support the National Nutrition Month and Food Service Month activities.
Coordinates work activities with other functions and advises supervisor of progress and far-reaching implications, or potentially controversial situations encountered.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Telework: Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: PD000000
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.
  • Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
  • Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

Qualifications

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). All applicants must submit a copy of your RDN or RD certification.
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: GS-12 Supervisory Dietitian (Food Operations) Experience Requirement: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, to qualify for the GS-12 you must possess 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:
  • Knowledge of standards to assess staff compliance and implement performance improvements.
  • Skill in establishing goals and objectives in order to coordinate activities, evaluate accomplishments and solve problems.
  • Skill in applying nutritional knowledge to ensure menus meet nutrition standards.
  • Ability to utilize Evidence-Based Nutrition Practice Guidelines in order to develop, implement and coordinate best practices.
  • Ability to serve as a food operations expert, providing technical guidance, direction and staff development.
  • Ability to supervise subordinate staff (i.e., plan, organize, delegate, direct, control and review activities and performance).
  • Ability to analyze data in order to recommend allocation of resources.
Preferred Experience: Relevant nutrition healthcare experience.

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

Physical Requirements: The position requires frequent walking and standing for up to 50% of the tour. Carrying normal amount of written/reference materials is routinely done. Occasionally, duties may require the movement of audio-visual equipment, charts, and arrangement of classroom areas. Some of the work is sedentary, involving research and reports. Use of computer keyboard and mouse is a frequent part of the work and happens intermittently during the day. Moderate lifting (15-44 lbs); light carrying (under 15 lbs); reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both hands required; walking (up to 4 hours); standing (up to 2 hours); ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; near vision correctable at 13" to 16"; hearing (aid permitted).

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/.

ACEND accredited programs are located on the ACEND website or at ACEND Accredited Programs Directory.

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.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

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.

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:

  • Resume


The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to 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
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • SF-15
  • 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 02/07/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12679368.

  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.

To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Agency contact information

David Tweedy
Address
Tucson VA Medical Center
3601 South Sixth Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85723
US
Learn more about this agency

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.