Supervisory Dietitian

Summary

Primary Purpose of this position: This new assignment will include executive oversight of the Chief, NFS encompassing multiple kitchens, as well as oversight of the TeleMove! Program, and will serve as executive representative to the Veterans Canteen Service. The size and complexity of VANTHCS NFS surpasses all other facilities. VANTHCS is on target to be the largest VA system in America.

This job is open to

• Internal to an agency
  
  Current federal employees of this agency.

Clarification from the agency

This Job Announcement is open to current, permanent VA North Texas Facility employees only.

Videos

Duties

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Serves as consultant to the Executive Director, Deputy Medical Center Director, Chief of Staff, Associate Directors, and Assistant Directors in matters relating to the NFS operation and advises same on problems involving the relationships of the NFS to broader programs and its impact on such programs.
• Works with great autonomy in a complex environment and to set priorities and delegate tasks, meet multiple deadlines; analyze complex organizational problems and develop and implement effective solutions for those problems.
• Serves as a liaison to VISN and National Program Office leadership for general coordination of initiatives and directives. Ensures adoption of necessary process changes at a regional level within the VISN.
• Provides leadership and guidance to ensure that all diverse activities of - the staff are closely coordinated to achieve an effective integration of the key elements of patient care, education, training and research.
• Establishes policies and procedures that are compliant with VA manuals, VA Central Office guidelines, NFS program guides, VISN guides, professional guidelines, and T JC standards. Considers multiple priorities, funding sources and varying resources.
• Complete all program evaluations and documents required by the medical center, VISN and VHA Central Office, ensuring compliance with appropriate accrediting bodies such as The Joint Commission (T JC), Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (GARF), Long Term Care Institute and Comprehensive Integrated Inpatient Rehabilitation Program (CIIRP).

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 00000

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.
• 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.
• 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:

Citizenship

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 hold the RDN credential from the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) the credentialing agency of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Registered Dietitian. RDN and Registered Dietitian (RD) credentials are the same and both are qualifying. The difference between RDN and RD is in name only due to a change by the professional academy in 2014. In this standard, the term RDN will be used.

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.

English Language Proficiency

Dietitian candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).

Grade Determinations:

Supervisory Dietitian, GS-15

Experience.

Completion of 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled and must fully meet the KSAs at that level.

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 organizational structure to assess impact on program operations.
• (c) Skill in ensuring regulatory requirements are met.
• (d) Skill in leading a diverse group of professionals to facilitate collaboration and organizational development.
• (e) Skill in leading managers to establish strategic goals.
• (f) Ability to oversee the planning of new initiatives addressing patient care delivery systems and system reorganizations.
• (g) Ability to lead efforts in business administration to include budgeting, contracting and purchasing.

Assignment:

• Serves as consultant to the Executive Director, Deputy Medical Center Director, Chief of Staff, Associate Directors, and Assistant Directors in matters relating to the NFS operation and advises same on problems involving the relationships of the NFS to broader programs and its impact on such programs.
• Works with great autonomy in a complex environment and to set priorities and delegate tasks, meet multiple deadlines; analyze complex organizational problems and develop and implement effective solutions for those problems.
• Serves as a liaison to VISN and National Program Office leadership for general coordination of initiatives and directives. Ensures adoption of necessary process changes at a regional level within the VISN.
• Provides leadership and guidance to ensure that all diverse activities of - the staff are closely coordinated to achieve an effective integration of the key elements of patient care, education, training and research.
• Establishes policies and procedures that are compliant with VA manuals, VA Central Office guidelines, NFS program guides, VISN guides, professional guidelines, and T JC standards. Considers multiple priorities, funding sources and varying resources.
• Complete all program evaluations and documents required by the medical center, VISN and VHA Central Office, ensuring compliance with appropriate accrediting bodies such as The Joint Commission (T JC), Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (GARF), Long Term Care Institute and Comprehensive Integrated Inpatient Rehabilitation Program (CIIRP).
• Directs the technical, professional and administrative functions of the service through the Chief, Nutrition and Food Services. This requires the coordination and integration of research, technological advances, and administrative changes within the service.
• Establishes and applies sound management principles, provides strong leadership to promote cooperative efforts of employees and ensures lines of communication between executive leadership and service under their purview.
• Coordinates activities in NFS, TeleMOVE and VCS with other services in the VANTHCS. As needed, takes measures for improved coordination among the subordinate units. As required, establishes control measures to collect data needed by executive leadership.
• Reviews the organizational structure of NFS, TeleMOVE and VCS and makes changes that will result in a more efficient operation. Establishes delegation of authority and makes changes, as appropriate.
• Plans short and long range goals for NFS, TeleMOVE and VCS in connection with prospective changes in functions and programs. Conducts periodic and comprehensive evaluations of program goals and objectives and makes adjustments or redefines broad objectives.
• Resolves issues related to budget projections and participate with senior leaders from the governing body, management and staff in upholding the facility mission, vision, value and strategic plan to include directly interacting with elected officials on VA related issues/concerns (i.e., members of Congress, Veterans Service Organizations, State and Local entities).
• Seeks and evaluates opportunities to substantially reduce operating costs without jeopardizing nutritional care provided to patients.
• Develops and directs a performance improvement program to continually monitor major functions of NFS and TeleMOVE! for quality and appropriateness of nutritional care.
• Modifies the nutrition care program to accommodate changes associated with administration, science, education, and research. Assures nutrition activities are coordinated with other initiatives at the local, VISN, and national level to provide for a quality nutrition care program.
• Uses organizational planning techniques and sound management principles to maintain an efficient operation of the minimum number of professional, nonprofessional, and clerical positions required; ensures maximum utilization of staff through optimum delegation of authority, assignment of duties, effective scheduling, and distribution of workloads.
• Supports the agency's EEO/Affirmative Action Programs and supports the VANTHCS Executive Director by assuring that NFS, VCS and TeleMOVE! carry out the full intent of the programs.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience working with inspectors of accrediting agencies i.e. Joint Commission, LTIC, CARF, OIG
• Serves as consultant to the Executive Leadership Team on matters relating to the NFS operation and advises on issues and its impact on various programs.
• Resolves issues related to budget projections as it relates to the facility mission, vision, value and strategic plan.
• Experience in establishing and expanding nutrition services through HGPC and Advanced Practice RDs.
• Experience in managing and providing nutritional services through Tele MOVE, CVT, and VVC.
• Experience in managing employees at multiple sites

Reference: VA Handbook 5005/154 Part II Appendix G20. For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the GS-15.

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.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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/.

NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.

Additional information

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.

• 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.
• Required Documents
  
  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
  
  To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
  
  
  • Resume
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  
  
  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
  • License
  • PCS Orders
  • Performance Appraisal
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript
  
  
  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 (ET) on 09/20/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12541778.
  
  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
  
  VISN 17 SSU USAS Group
  
  Email
  
  VISN17SSUUSAS@va.gov
  
  Address
  
  Dallas VA Medical Center
  
  4500 South Lancaster Road
  
  Dallas, TX 75216
  
  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.
• Fair and Transparent
  
  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
  
  
  • Criminal history inquiries
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Financial suitability
  • New employee probationary period
  • Privacy Act
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Selective Service
  • Signature and false statements
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

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

• Resume
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action

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
• License
• PCS Orders
• Performance Appraisal
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

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 (ET) on 09/20/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12541778.

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

VISN 17 SSU USAS Group

Email

VISN17SSUUSAS@va.gov

Address

Dallas VA Medical Center

4500 South Lancaster Road

Dallas, TX 75216

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.

Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

• Criminal history inquiries
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
• Financial suitability
• New employee probationary period
• Privacy Act
• Reasonable accommodation policy
• Selective Service
• Signature and false statements
• Social security number request