Launch Your Career as a Clinical Dietitian with the VA
Are you looking to blend your clinical expertise with a meaningful mission? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) at the Harry S. Truman Veterans' Memorial Hospital is currently hiring a Clinical Dietitian to join our team in Saint James, Missouri. This role offers the unique opportunity to provide high-quality nutritional care to our nation's Veterans, focusing on holistic health and evidence-based clinical practices.
Job Responsibilities
As a Clinical Dietitian, your work is critical to patient outcomes. You will function as an autonomous medical nutrition expert, handling tasks such as:
- Conducting comprehensive nutrition assessments using the Nutritional Care Process (NCP).
- Developing Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) plans tailored to individual needs.
- Monitoring and evaluating patient progress and adjusting care plans.
- Utilizing virtual care technology to expand patient access.
- Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, including food service and clinical staff.
- Documenting patient encounters in the medical record using the ADIME format.
Requirements
To ensure our Veterans receive the best care, applicants must meet specific standards:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen. |
| Credentialing | Must be a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). |
| Education | Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited university. |
| Registration | Must hold valid CDR credentialing. |
| Compliance | Must adhere to VA vaccination and background check policies. |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $50,460 to $97,087 annually, depending on experience and qualifications. In addition to salary, employees enjoy robust federal benefits, including:
- Comprehensive Health Insurance options.
- Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual.
- Federal retirement programs.
- Opportunities for career advancement within the VA system.
Application Tips
The application process for federal positions is highly structured. To give yourself the best chance of success, ensure your resume highlights specific clinical outcomes. We recommend using the provided VA clinical resume template to ensure all mandatory information is captured correctly. Finally, double-check that all supporting documents—including your degree verification and current credentials—are uploaded clearly.
If you are a driven professional ready to use your clinical skills to support the health and well-being of Veterans, we invite you to apply. This role offers stability, professional growth, and the chance to contribute to a mission that truly matters.
Why This Dietitian (Clinical) Job Matters
Transform lives through nutrition: Join the Harry S. Truman Veterans' Memorial Hospital as a Clinical Dietitian and become a vital part of our mission to serve those who served our nation.
Dietitian (Clinical) Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Clinical Dietitian to join the Harry S. Truman Veterans' Memorial Hospital team in Saint James, Missouri. In this role, you will act as a primary medical nutrition expert, developing and implementing individualized nutrition therapy for Veterans. You will provide both home-based primary care and outpatient clinical services, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to improve patient outcomes through evidence-based practice and whole health principles.
Requirements for Dietitian (Clinical)
- U.S. Citizenship (unless specific recruitment exceptions apply).
- Current registration with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) as an RDN/RD.
- Completion of a bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution.
- Completion of an ACEND-accredited experiential or supervised practice program.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Male applicants born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Ability to pass a background and security investigation.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Preferred Qualifications for Dietitian (Clinical)
- Clinical experience in applying the Nutrition Care Process (NCP).
- Experience with virtual care technology and telehealth delivery.
- Demonstrated ability to interpret research and translate findings into patient-centered care.
- Strong collaboration skills for working with interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
- Proficiency in data collection for performance improvement initiatives.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Competitive federal salary and pay progression.
- âś“Comprehensive federal health insurance and retirement plans.
- âś“Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- âś“Access to ongoing professional development and training.
- âś“The opportunity to work within the nationally recognized VA healthcare system.
đź’ˇ How to Apply Dietitian (Clinical) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Dietitian (Clinical) Job
- Prepare a comprehensive resume and any relevant supporting documents such as transcripts or licenses.
- Download and complete the required clinical resume document provided by the VA.
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Navigate to the official job announcement and select 'Apply Online'.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire and upload all required documentation.
- Review your submission for accuracy before the final deadline.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Be specific in your resume; do not assume the recruiter knows your scope of work.
- Ensure your resume clearly addresses the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
- Upload the required clinical resume document in the specified format to avoid disqualification.
- Apply well before the closing date to account for any technical issues.
- Utilize the VA's career resources if you are a Veteran or transitioning service member.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for remote work?
No, this is an onsite position located in Saint James, Missouri, with a future transition to a clinic in Rolla, Missouri.
What happens if I do not have my RDN credential yet?
Non-credentialed dietitians may be eligible for a limited, one-year temporary appointment at the GS-07 or GS-09 level provided they meet all other academic and experiential requirements.
Are there specific requirements regarding vaccinations?
Yes, all VHA health care personnel are required to participate in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Is there potential for promotion?
Yes, this position has a promotion potential up to GS-11.
Will the work location change?
Yes, the position will eventually transition to the Rolla Community Based Outpatient Clinic upon its opening.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Harry S. Truman Veterans' Memorial Hospital is a cornerstone of healthcare for the Veteran community in Missouri. Part of the larger Department of Veterans Affairs, the hospital upholds President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." Working here means more than just a job; it is a commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centered care using the latest in clinical and virtual health technologies.