Clinical Dietetic Technician

Summary

Clinical Dietetic Technician (CDT) at this level performs all duties and assignments with general instruction and guidance with the Nutrition and Food Service. Responsibilities involve screening patients and collecting nutritionally relevant data such as diagnoses, medications, clinical symptoms, laboratory values, dietary history, and anthropometrics. This position is located at the Kerrville VA Medical Center in Kerrville, Texas.

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.

• United States Citizenship:
  Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• Experience and/or
  
  Education:
  
  Education
• Completion of an associate's or higher degree program in Dietetic Technology, Dietetics, or another related field that is accredited by ACEND
• OR Experience
• Completion of one (1) year of clinical experience in dietetics and possession of an active Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) certification
• The experience must have been received after possession of the CDM certification
• Experience/Education Combination:
  Equivalent combinations of experience and education are qualifying
• English Language Proficiency
• CDT candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f)
• Foreign
  
  Education:
  
  To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. program by a private organization specializing in interpretation of foreign credentials
• 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 in this occupation who meet criteria)
• Grade Determinations:
  Clinical Dietetic Technician - GS-7 Experience
• One year of specialized experience equivalent to the lower grade
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
• Knowledge in Medical Nutrition Therapy pertaining to completing nutrition assessments
• Knowledge of food service operations
• Skills in conducting nutrition intervention, patient interviewing, and nutrition counseling as part of the nutrition care process
• Ability to organize, evaluate, and execute teaching plans to provide nutrition education for groups and individuals
• Ability to effectively communicate nutrition education and care plans with patients, family members, coworkers, internal and external customers
• Preferred Experience:
  
  Associate degree in Diet Technology or Bachelor’s degree in Dietetics; 1 year experience in Diet Technology

• Applicants must be physically and mentally able to efficiently perform the essential functions of the position without hazard to themselves or others
• Depending on the essential duties of a specific position, usable vision, color vision, hearing, or speech may be required
• Some lifting of trays, bending, sitting, and standing for substantial periods

• Makes recommendations for adjustments to the plan of care to improve patient recovery and documents outcomes on nutrition intervention
• Modifies diet orders for texture/consistency, tolerance, and supplemental feedings as appropriate under the oversight of the RDN
• Educates patients or employees, in groups or individually, regarding medical nutrition therapies
• Serves as a preceptor for dietetic technician affiliated programs and associated tasks as applicable
• Assists with administrative or clerical functions related to food service operations
• Assists in related duties that support performance improvement activities for the service
• Conducts nutrient intake analysis and meal rounds
• Works collaboratively with interdisciplinary team members
• Completes test trays and tray studies
• Completes patient satisfaction surveys
• Performs other duties as assigned within the grade and scope of the occupation
• Travel occasionally for training as required

• Work Schedule:
  
  Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus):
  Not Authorized
• Pay:
  Competitive salary with potential pay progression
• Paid Time Off: 37–50 days of annual leave and sick leave and federal holidays per year; eligibility for credit toward annual leave accrual
• Parental Leave:
  Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment
• Child Care Subsidy:
  Eligibility after 60 days of employment for eligible employees with income limits
• Retirement:
  Traditional federal pension and federal 401K
• Insurance:
  Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care
• Telework:
  Not a virtual position; ad-hoc virtual options may be available
• PCS:
  Not Authorized