Advance Your Clinical Career: Dietitian Roles at VA Puget Sound

Are you a dedicated nutrition professional looking to transition into a career where your work directly honors those who have served our country? The VA Puget Sound Health Care System is currently accepting applications for a Clinical Dietitian position. This role is a unique opportunity to practice at the top of your license in one of the most complex, interdisciplinary healthcare environments in the United States.

Job Responsibilities

As a Clinical Dietitian, your work will be multifaceted, spanning both acute and long-term care settings. Your primary duties will include:

Nutrition Assessment: Conducting comprehensive evaluations utilizing the Nutrition Care Process (NCP).
Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT): Designing individualized plans to manage chronic disease and promote recovery.
Patient Education: Utilizing motivational interviewing and virtual care technology to help patients navigate dietary restrictions and improve their health outcomes.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Working alongside surgeons, physicians, and foodservice staff to ensure that nutrition goals are integrated into the patient’s overall care plan.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, candidates must meet specific federal standards:

Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen.
Education: A bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution.
Credentialing: Current registration as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with the CDR.
Experience: Ability to demonstrate proficiency in nutrition therapy and clinical documentation.

Level	Experience/Education Required
GS-07	Basic requirements met; entry-level
GS-09	Master's degree OR one year of equivalent experience
GS-11	One year of experience as an RDN equivalent to the next lower grade

Salary Overview

The salary for this position ranges from $56,715 to $109,122 per year, depending on the candidate's qualifications, education, and experience level.

Benefits

Federal employees at the VA enjoy an industry-leading benefits package:

Healthcare: Comprehensive medical and vision plans.
Retirement: Access to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), which functions similarly to a 401(k).
Leave: Generous accrual of annual vacation time and sick leave.
Stability: The opportunity to work in a stable, mission-driven, and highly respected federal system.

Application Tips

Use the Template: The VA provides a specific Clinical Resume Document. Use it to ensure your submission is compliant.
Detail Your Experience: Do not leave room for assumptions. Quantify your experience in nutrition therapy and clinical documentation.
Prepare for Verification: Ensure your transcript and credentials are easily accessible, as background checks and credential verification are mandatory.

Serving as a Clinical Dietitian at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the well-being of our nation’s Veterans. If you possess the clinical expertise and the passion for patient-centered care, we encourage you to apply before the September 30, 2026 deadline.

Why This Dietitian (Clinical) Job Matters

Transform lives through medical nutrition therapy as a Clinical Dietitian at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System, one of the nation's most complex and rewarding healthcare environments.

Dietitian (Clinical) Job Overview

The VA Puget Sound Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Clinical Dietitian to join our Nutrition and Food Services team. In this role, you will serve as a vital medical nutrition expert, providing patient-centered care, developing individualized nutrition therapy plans, and contributing to the recovery and long-term health of our nation's Veterans. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team in a high-impact, acute, and long-term care setting, utilizing evidence-based practices to improve clinical outcomes.

Requirements for Dietitian (Clinical)

U.S. Citizenship (exceptions apply in rare recruitment cases).
Registration as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Registered Dietitian (RD) with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
Bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution.
Completion of an ACEND-accredited experiential/supervised practice program.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Background and security investigation clearance.
Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.

Preferred Qualifications for Dietitian (Clinical)

At least one year of professional acute care dietetic experience.
Strong proficiency in the Nutrition Care Process (NCP).
Experience with Nutrition Focused Physical Exams (NFPE).
Proven ability to utilize virtual telehealth technology for patient consultations.
Demonstrated skill in analyzing data to improve institutional performance.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
✓Competitive salary based on GS-scale guidelines.
✓Paid annual and sick leave accrual.
✓Federal retirement benefits including FERS and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
✓Opportunities for professional development and clinical advancement.
✓Potential for service credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior experience.

💡 How to Apply Dietitian (Clinical) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Dietitian (Clinical) Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Download and prepare the standard Clinical Resume Document provided by the VA.
Complete the mandatory online occupational questionnaire.
Upload your resume, transcripts, professional license, and any relevant veteran preference documents (DD-214, SF-15).
Submit your application package before the closing date of September 30, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume specifically addresses the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) listed in the job description.
Use the specific VA Clinical Resume template provided to ensure your application is processed correctly.
Double-check that all required documents, including certifications and transcripts, are attached before submission.
Explain any gaps in employment clearly if applicable.
Apply well before the deadline to account for any technical issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if I haven't received my RDN credential yet?

Yes, under specific circumstances at the GS-07 or GS-09 level, temporary appointments may be available for non-credentialed dietitians who meet all other educational and internship requirements, though promotion is restricted until the RDN is obtained.

Is this position remote or telework eligible?

No, this is an onsite clinical position at the VA Puget Sound facility; telework is not available.

What is the full performance level of this position?

The full performance level is GS-11, with the actual hiring grade determined by experience and education levels (GS-07 through GS-11).

What is the work schedule?

*A: The schedule is 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday, with rotating weekends.*

Can I apply if I have an international degree?

*A: Yes, provided your degree has been evaluated by ACEND and meets their international standards for eligibility to sit for the CDR exam.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to fulfilling the promise made by President Lincoln: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military." The VA Puget Sound Health Care System (VAPSHCS) operates as a major teaching institution, managing a wide range of specialty services, including emergency care, spinal cord injury rehabilitation, and bone marrow transplants. When you join VAPSHCS, you are joining a mission-driven team dedicated to Whole Health principles.