Launch Your Healthcare Career: Health Technician (Dietetic) at VA Boston

Are you looking for a career that combines technical expertise with a mission-driven purpose? The VA Boston Healthcare System is currently recruiting for a Health Technician (Dietetic) at their West Roxbury campus. This role is perfect for detail-oriented individuals who want to support the nutritional health of our nation’s Veterans.

Job Responsibilities

As a Health Technician (Dietetic), you serve as a vital link between clinical dietitians and patient care. Your core duties include:

Meal Management: Handling patient meal orders and entering data into specialized dietary software.
Clinical Coordination: Collaborating with dietitians regarding food-drug interactions and verifying complex physician orders for tube feedings or nutritional supplements.
Customer Service: Providing support to patients and staff via telephone and in-person inquiries.
Inventory & Logistics: Retrieving computerized reports to assist in assembly and delivery of patient trays.

Comparison: Experience vs. Education

Pathway	Criteria	Documentation Required
Specialized Experience	1 year at GS-4 equivalent level	Resume with detailed hours/duties
Education	Bachelor's degree (24+ semester hours in nutrition/related field)	Official or Unofficial Transcripts
Combination	Mix of post-high school education and experience	Both Transcripts and Experience logs

Requirements

To qualify, you must:

Be a U.S. Citizen.
Complete the mandatory USA Hire assessment.
Meet the specific experience or educational milestones outlined above.
Agree to a pre-employment drug screening and background check.
Comply with the seasonal influenza vaccination policy.

Salary and Benefits

The salary for this position ranges from $46,137 to $59,978 annually. Beyond the paycheck, the VA offers a robust benefits package, including:

Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
Generous paid vacation and sick leave.
Retirement plans with government matching.
Professional development and advancement opportunities.

Application Tips

Focus on the 2-Page Rule: Federal hiring standards now limit resumes to two pages. Ensure every word counts.
Be Specific: Do not leave gaps in your work history. Include hours worked per week for every position listed.
Use the Assessment Tool: The USA Hire assessment is a pass/fail component. Prepare by reviewing the resource center links provided.

This Health Technician (Dietetic) position is a fantastic opportunity to start a meaningful career in federal healthcare. By supporting the nutrition and food service needs at the West Roxbury VA, you play a direct role in the healing process of our Veterans. Apply today and take the first step toward a fulfilling career.

Why This Health Technician (Dietetic) Job Matters

Launch a rewarding career in healthcare support and make a tangible difference in the lives of our nation's Veterans at the VA Boston Healthcare System.

Health Technician (Dietetic) Job Overview

The VA Boston Healthcare System is seeking a dedicated Health Technician (Dietetic) for the West Roxbury campus. This role is essential for maintaining the high standards of nutritional support for our Veterans. You will manage meal service operations, coordinate with clinical dietitians, and provide exceptional customer service in a collaborative clinical environment.

Requirements for Health Technician (Dietetic)

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must pass a pre-employment urinalysis screening for illegal drug use.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Must complete a 1-year probationary period.
Completion of the online USA Hire Assessment is required.
Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.

Preferred Qualifications for Health Technician (Dietetic)

At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-4 grade level.
Proficiency in quantity food service operations and nutrition-related clerical support.
Experience using nutrition software, databases, and automated patient information systems.
A bachelor’s degree with at least 24 semester hours in nutrition, dietary therapy, or food service management.
Strong interpersonal skills for triaging patient and clinical staff communications.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Generous paid time off and annual leave accrual.
✓Predictable and flexible scheduling options.
✓Access to a comprehensive Federal health and insurance benefits package.
✓Opportunities for long-term career growth within the largest integrated healthcare system in the nation.
✓Supportive work environment dedicated to the 'I CARE' core values.

💡 How to Apply Health Technician (Dietetic) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Health Technician (Dietetic) Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume no longer than two pages.
Gather required documents, including transcripts and SF-50s if applicable.
Submit your application and questionnaire through the online portal.
Complete the mandatory USA Hire assessment once prompted.
Monitor your status via the 'Track this application' feature on USAJOBS.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to two pages or less; longer resumes will not be accepted.
Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you meet all formatting requirements.
Be specific about your work experience, including exact hours worked per week and detailed duties.
Upload supporting documents like transcripts as PDFs to preserve formatting.
Save at least 3 hours for the online assessment, though it may take less time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Health Technician (Dietetic) do?

You will process patient meal orders, collaborate with dietitians on nutritional plans, assist in food inventory management, and serve as a primary point of contact for nutritional inquiries in a clinical setting.

Is this position eligible for telework?

No, this is an onsite position at the West Roxbury campus and is not eligible for telework or virtual arrangements.

What is the work schedule?

The position is full-time, working Tuesday through Saturday from 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM, with Sundays and Mondays off.

Is there promotion potential?

This position is currently at the GS-5 level with no stated promotion potential.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. Dedicated to the 'I CARE' values—Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence—the VA provides world-class care to those who have served. Working here means more than just a job; it means joining a community that honors our Veterans every day.