Advance Your Clinical Career: Dietitian (Advanced Level Practice) at the VA

Are you a dedicated clinical dietitian with a passion for excellence in patient care? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is looking for an expert to join the team at the VA Black Hills Health Care System in Fort Meade, South Dakota. This position is a unique opportunity to shape organizational nutrition policies, mentor clinical staff, and provide high-quality medical nutrition therapy to our nation's Veterans.

Job Responsibilities

As an Advanced Level Practice Dietitian, you will operate at the top of your license. Key responsibilities include:

Leadership: Guiding multidisciplinary teams in the development of nutrition-related protocols.
Clinical Expertise: Managing the most complex high-risk nutrition cases using the Nutrition Care Process (NCP).
Educational Outreach: Training residents, interns, and healthcare peers on current evidence-based nutrition standards.
Strategic Improvement: Leading performance improvement studies to meet organizational health goals.

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, candidates must meet the following criteria:

U.S. Citizenship.
Registration with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
Advanced practice certification in Diabetes Management (ADMS or CDCES).
Proficiency in English.

Quick Qualification Comparison

Requirement	Status
Credential	RDN/RD Required
Certification	Advanced Diabetes Care/Management Required
Experience	Equivalent to GS-11 or higher
Location	Fort Meade, SD (On-site)

Salary and Benefits

The position offers a competitive salary range of $89,508 to $116,362 annually. Beyond the paycheck, the VA provides a robust benefits package, including federal health, retirement, and significant work-life balance through paid time off and consistent scheduling (Monday-Friday).

Application Tips

Use the Required Template: The VA provides a specific clinical resume format. Using this is essential to ensure your application is reviewed correctly.
Highlight Subject Matter Expertise: Clearly articulate your experience in diabetes management and team leadership.
Stay Organized: Ensure all supporting credentials—specifically your CDR and specialty certifications—are clearly documented in your upload.

Serving our Veterans through advanced nutritional care is a challenging and deeply rewarding endeavor. If you are an experienced dietitian ready to make a systemic impact in a stunning location, we encourage you to apply by September 3, 2026.

Why This Dietitian (Advanced Level Practice) Job Matters

Elevate your clinical practice as a subject matter expert in advanced nutrition and diabetes management with the VA Black Hills Health Care System.

Dietitian (Advanced Level Practice) Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a highly skilled Dietitian for an Advanced Level Practice role at the Fort Meade campus in South Dakota. This position is ideal for a dedicated nutrition expert who thrives in a collaborative, mission-driven environment. As a key member of the healthcare team, you will lead evidence-based initiatives, manage complex patient cases, and shape the future of nutritional care for those who have served our nation.

Requirements for Dietitian (Advanced Level Practice)

U.S. Citizenship.
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Registered Dietitian (RD) credential from the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
Advanced practice certification in Advanced Diabetes Management or Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES).
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Completion of a 1-year or 2-year trial period.
Mandatory participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Successful completion of a background/security investigation.

Preferred Qualifications for Dietitian (Advanced Level Practice)

Experience in leading multidisciplinary nutrition specialty teams.
Proven track record in developing and evaluating clinical policies and standard operating procedures.
Extensive background in managing high-risk inpatient diabetes care plans.
Strong communication skills for influencing and teaching healthcare staff and medical residents.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
✓Generous paid time off, including sick and vacation leave.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Access to ongoing professional development and training.
✓Working in South Dakota, which features no state income tax.
✓A mission-driven environment focused on whole health care for Veterans.

💡 How to Apply Dietitian (Advanced Level Practice) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Dietitian (Advanced Level Practice) Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Download and utilize the standard clinical resume template provided by the VA.
Complete the required occupational questionnaire.
Upload all necessary documentation, including your RDN credentials and certifications.
Submit your application package before the closing date of September 3, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your application package is complete; omissions can disqualify you.
Be specific about your experience—the VA cannot make assumptions regarding your background.
Use the specific VA clinical resume template to streamline the screening process.
Highlight your leadership roles in performance improvement and research.
Monitor your email for status notifications after the announcement closes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is relocation assistance provided for this position?

No, relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.

Can I work remotely?

This is an on-site position at the Fort Meade, South Dakota campus and is not considered a remote or virtual role.

What is the role of the Advanced Level Practice Dietitian?

You will function as a subject matter expert, overseeing complex medical nutrition therapy, leading clinical teams, and directing organizational nutrition initiatives.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The VA Black Hills Health Care System (VA BHHCS) is a pillar of health and support for Veterans in Western South Dakota, Northern Nebraska, and Eastern Wyoming. Known for its dedication to "whole health," the VA BHHCS serves those who have served our country. Working here means more than just a job; it is a commitment to a noble mission. Located in the beautiful Black Hills, staff enjoy an unmatched quality of life with access to outdoor recreation, no state income tax, and a welcoming community.