Duties
Duties
The duties of the position may include but are not limited to the following:
General Description of Assigned Duties:
- Employees in this Supervisory Dietitian (Food Operations) assignment oversee a food service and production operation providing administrative and technical supervision over staff.
- Employees in this Supervisory Dietitian (Food Operations) assignment oversee a food service and production operation providing administrative and technical supervision over staff.
- They supervise wage grade positions which includes at least a supervisor or leader and other wage grade positions.
- Supervisory Dietitians provide administrative management and direction of the Food Operations Section.
- ensure evidence-based guidelines are integrated into food operations and collaborate closely with the clinical nutrition section to enhance the Veteran's dining experience and to support the strategic goals of the clinical nutrition section.
Functions or Scope of Assigned Duties:
- Serves as professional and technical advisor to staff and other health care professionals.
- Represents the food operations section on projects, committees and/or workgroups within the department and the facility.
- Assumes full responsibility for planning, directing, and assessing the work and competence of subordinate staff.
- Develops procedures and guidelines for food operations. Coordinates food service operation policies and procedures with clinical nutrition management, nursing, and other services, as applicable.
- Monitors compliance with regulatory standards, policies, and procedures.
- Participates in performance improvement efforts within the Food Service Operations section, acting on quality improvement data and plans. Completes internal audits of food service and food production. Completes routine kitchen inspections.
- Leads the action planning process to attain goals and resolve deficiencies.
- Implements the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) program ensuring that requisitioning, receipt/storage, preparation and service of food conforms to quality/quantity standards.
- Evaluates food operations to ensure proper allocation of resources.
- Devises solutions and implements action plans to resolve issues and meet service goals and objectives leading to improved patient satisfaction and quality food operations.
- Participates in an active patient test tray program including evaluation of overall tray accuracy, food safety, quality and palatability, temperature, exceptional service, and implementing similar evaluations for bulk service settings, such as dining rooms or cafeteria settings.
- Ensures menus meet nutritional and budgetary requirements.
- Assesses technological equipment innovations and reviews specifications, making recommendations for equipment purchases
- Builds and implements contingency plans within the section, ensuring continuity of food operations during internal and external emergency situations and unusual circumstances.
- Manages emergency feeding cache and ensures menus and supplies meet facility and The Joint Commission requirements.
- Executes the training plan for the food operations section. Orients and trains employees related to food service and food production and appropriate policies and procedures. Assists with new employee onboarding in food service and food production.
- Collaborates with the clinical nutrition staff, bridging the work of the food service section with the nutritional care plans for Veterans.
- May perform other duties as assigned which are appropriate for this grade and assignment.
Supervisory Controls
- The incumbent works under the general supervision of a Supervisory Dietitian, GS-13 or above, who establishes objectives and department priorities.
- The incumbent is expected to complete work assignments with relative independence and minimal guidance, personally setting the deadlines for completion of work. Assumes responsibility in work assignments in accordance with regulations and independently resolves most conflicts by using considerable judgment and interpretation.
- Work is reviewed to ensure that overall objectives of the position are met.
Work Schedule: Monday --Friday 7:30 am-4:00 pm
Compressed/Flexible:No
Position Description #: PD000000
EDRP Authorized: 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.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
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).
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 in your resume:
- 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: 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
- One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
- The Supervisory Dietitian, Food Operations Manager/Section Chief for Nutrition and Food Services (N&FS) serves as an assistant to the Assistant Chief, N&FS, advising the Assistant Chief on all matters pertinent to the service. Has full responsibility for the planning, implementing and directing of food production and service at the Loch Raven VA Medical Center (VAMC). Provides direct supervision for the Food Service Worker Supervisors and Cooks and overall supervision of all lower grade food service workers and production staff while also working with the clinical staff and successfully integrating both sections. The Food Operations Manager works in cooperation with the Assistant 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. Shares the technical, professional and administrative responsibility with the Assistant Chief and Chief, N&FS, for planning, developing, organizing, staffing, implementing, and evaluating a functionally comprehensive nutrition program. Supports the medical centers mission and coordinates departmental activities with other services in the health care system and the local community.
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.
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:
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 (Schedule A)
- Disability Letter (VA)
- License
- Other (1)
- PCS Orders
- Performance Appraisal
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- 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.
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 05/26/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12734839.
- 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.
- 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.
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.