Advance Your Career as a Clinical Dietitian with the VA Puget Sound Health Care System
The VA Puget Sound Health Care System is seeking a passionate, dedicated Clinical Dietitian to join its multidisciplinary team. In this role, you will act as the primary nutrition expert for Veterans, translating complex medical data into actionable, patient-centered nutrition plans. Whether you are an early-career professional or an experienced clinician, this position offers a unique opportunity to grow within one of the nation's most complex and advanced healthcare systems.
Job Responsibilities
As a Clinical Dietitian, your day-to-day duties will be dynamic and impactful. You will:
- Perform comprehensive nutritional assessments using the Nutrition Care Process (NCP).
- Conduct Nutrition Focused Physical Exams (NFPE) to identify and address malnutrition.
- Collaborate with healthcare providers, caregivers, and Veterans to design Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT).
- Utilize VA Video Connect and other virtual tools to extend nutrition care beyond the bedside.
- Participate in performance improvement studies to refine clinical outcomes.
Requirements
To be considered for this GS-07 to GS-11 position, you must meet several core criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Credentialing: Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN/RD) status via the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) is required.
- Education: A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited program and completion of an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program.
- Compliance: Ability to pass a federal background investigation and maintain seasonal influenza vaccinations.
Grade Comparison Table
| Grade Level | Education/Experience Requirements |
|---|---|
| GS-07 | Basic requirements (Entry level) |
| GS-09 | 1 year experience OR Master's degree |
| GS-11 | 1 year of professional RDN experience |
Salary Overview
The salary for this position is competitive, ranging from $56,715 to $109,122 annually, commensurate with your experience and the specific grade level (GS-07 to GS-11) of the selection.
Benefits
Working for the VA offers a robust benefits package, including:
- Health and dental insurance plans.
- Federal retirement savings (TSP) and pension options.
- Generous paid time off (annual, sick, and federal holidays).
- Significant opportunities for internal career development.
Application Tips
- Use the Template: Download the specific Clinical Resume template provided by the VA. Using the correct format is essential.
- Be Specific: Don't just list tasks; explain how your work improved patient outcomes.
- Double-Check Requirements: Ensure your transcripts and verification statements are attached if using education to qualify.
If you are ready to use your expertise to improve the health and well-being of America's Veterans, we invite you to apply. The VA Puget Sound Health Care System is more than a workplace; it is a community of professionals dedicated to excellence in patient care.
Why This Dietitian (Clinical) Job Matters
Transform lives through nutrition: Join the VA Puget Sound Health Care System and champion the health of those who served our country.
Dietitian (Clinical) Job Overview
The VA Puget Sound Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Clinical Dietitian to join our interdisciplinary team. As a vital member of the Nutrition and Food Services department, you will act as a medical nutrition expert, coordinating comprehensive care for Veterans in acute and long-term settings. You will leverage whole health principles, evidence-based practices, and virtual technology to develop personalized nutrition plans that directly improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
Requirements for Dietitian (Clinical)
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Registration as a Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
- Bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution.
- Completion of an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
- Ability to pass a background/security investigation and trial period.
- Must possess a valid, REAL ID-compliant form of identification.
Preferred Qualifications for Dietitian (Clinical)
- At least one year of professional experience in an Acute Care setting.
- Demonstrated mastery of the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) in clinical environments.
- Proficiency in virtual care delivery systems such as VA Video Connect.
- Experience in cross-functional collaboration and performance improvement initiatives.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and retirement plans.
- ✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development in a Level 1a teaching hospital.
- ✓Access to a vast network of VA clinical resources and career advancement tracks.
💡 How to Apply Dietitian (Clinical) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Dietitian (Clinical) Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS account.
- Download and complete the required clinical resume template.
- Upload your full CV/resume, transcripts, and required credentials.
- Submit the comprehensive occupational questionnaire.
- Review your application status via your USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific: Describe your clinical experience in detail, as reviewers cannot make assumptions about your skills.
- Include all required documentation, such as the specific Clinical Resume template and transcripts, to avoid disqualification.
- Ensure your responses to the questionnaire align with the specialized experience requirements for the grade level (GS-07 to GS-11).
- Apply well before the closing date to avoid technical delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I haven't passed the RDN exam yet?
Yes, applicants pending completion of requirements may be referred, but you must meet all qualifications within 30 days of the closing date.
What is the typical work schedule?
The schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, with rotating weekends.
Is this a remote or telework-eligible position?
No, this is an onsite clinical position that requires physical presence in the healthcare facility.
Is there flexibility in the schedule?
*A: The schedule is set for Monday-Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, with rotating weekends.*
Can I apply if I am not currently a U.S. Citizen?
*A: Non-citizens may only be appointed under specific, rare circumstances where qualified citizens are not available.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to serving those who served. The VA Puget Sound Health Care System is a Level 1a teaching facility, recognized nationwide for its complex medical, surgical, and psychiatric services. By joining our team, you become part of a culture that emphasizes "Whole Health"—treating the person, not just the diagnosis.