Clinical Dietitian Opportunity with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Sioux Falls, SD

Are you a passionate and skilled Dietitian looking for a meaningful career where you can directly impact the health and well-being of our nation's heroes? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a dedicated Clinical Dietitian to join the esteemed Veterans Health Administration at the Sioux Falls VA Medical Center in South Dakota. This position offers a unique opportunity to practice at the top of your profession, contributing to a Whole Health System of care and providing essential nutrition services to veterans. With a competitive salary range and comprehensive federal benefits, this role is ideal for a healthcare professional committed to serving those who have served.

About the Department of Veterans Affairs

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States, dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have served in our nation's military. The VA's mission is to provide exceptional healthcare services, research, and education to America's veterans. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA), a key component of the VA, operates numerous medical centers, outpatient clinics, and other facilities nationwide. The Sioux Falls VA Health Care System, part of VISN 23 (VA Midwest Healthcare System), is committed to delivering compassionate, whole-person care, utilizing state-of-the-art technology and fostering an environment of continuous learning and improvement. Joining the VA means becoming part of a team that honors and supports veterans, offering them the quality care they deserve.

Job Responsibilities

As a Clinical Dietitian within the Sioux Falls VA Medical Center, you will play a critical role in enhancing patient outcomes through expert nutrition care. Your responsibilities will encompass a wide range of duties, including:

• Comprehensive Nutrition Assessments: Conduct thorough assessments utilizing the Nutritional Care Process (NCP), which includes performing nutrition-focused physical examinations to identify nutrition diagnoses and assess the risk or degree of malnutrition.
• Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT): Develop, implement, and evaluate personalized MNT plans to address identified nutrition diagnoses. Monitor the effectiveness of interventions and modify plans as needed to achieve optimal patient outcomes.
• Nutrient Calculation and Management: Accurately calculate nutrient requirements and manage necessary diet restrictions, considering potential food-drug interactions and tailoring diet prescriptions to individual patient needs.
• Documentation: Maintain meticulous records of all nutrition care using the Assessment, Diagnosis, Intervention, Monitoring, Evaluation (ADIME) format, ensuring accuracy and functionality in record-keeping.
• Nutritional Support: Identify patients requiring nutritional support, recommend appropriate modes of support, and effectively communicate with the healthcare team.
• Patient Education: Assess patients' educational needs and provide tailored nutrition education and counseling to individuals and groups.
• Telehealth Integration: Utilize virtual care technology to expand access to nutrition services and improve patient engagement.
• Performance Improvement: Participate in data collection for performance improvement studies, analyze findings, and contribute to corrective actions.
• Team Collaboration: Actively engage in interdisciplinary team meetings and collaborate with various stakeholders, including the Food Operations Section and departmental leadership, to improve the overall patient dining experience and satisfaction.
• Compliance: Ensure adherence to The Joint Commission requirements and other accrediting agency standards to maintain the highest standards of safe and quality patient care.
• Productivity and Record Keeping: Meet established productivity standards and maintain accurate records of daily clinical activities using approved systems.

Requirements

To be considered for this vital role, applicants must meet the following qualifications:

• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• English Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English.
• Selective Service: Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service System.
• Background Investigation: Must successfully complete a background and/or security investigation.
• Credentialing: Must be a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Registered Dietitian (RD) credentialed by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
• Education: Hold a bachelor's or higher degree from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university, or a foreign equivalent.
• Accredited Program: Have completed an ACEND-accredited experiential or supervised practice program and possess a verification statement confirming eligibility to sit for the CDR credentialing exam.
• Foreign Education: If education was obtained outside the U.S., it must be evaluated by ACEND to meet their International Dietitian Education standards.
• Physical Requirements: Meet the physical requirements outlined in VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
• Trial Period: Successfully complete a 1-year or 2-year trial period.
• Influenza Vaccination: Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.

Note on Non-Credentialed Dietitians: For GS-07 and GS-09 levels only, individuals who do not possess the RDN/RD credential but meet all other basic requirements and are eligible for the credential may be offered a temporary appointment not to exceed one year. These individuals must obtain their RDN credential for promotion or conversion to a permanent status.

Salary Overview

This Clinical Dietitian position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from $50,460 to $97,087, commensurate with experience and grade level (GS-07, GS-09, GS-11).

Benefits

The Department of Veterans Affairs provides an excellent federal benefits package, designed to support the well-being of its employees:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid Time Off: Generous accrual of annual (vacation) leave, sick leave, and paid federal holidays.
• Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) with agency contributions and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
• Life Insurance: Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI).
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuing education and career advancement.
• Work-Life Balance: Federal employment offers stability and predictable work hours. South Dakota also offers the advantage of no state income tax.
• Service Credit: Potential to receive credit for prior civilian or military service for annual leave accrual purposes.

Application Process

To apply for this exciting opportunity, please follow these steps:

1. Visit USAJOBS.gov: Access the announcement and click 'Apply Online'.
2. Create or Log In: Ensure you have a USAJOBS account. If you don't have one, create it now.
3. Complete the Questionnaire: Fill out the occupational questionnaire accurately and completely.
4. Upload Documents: Submit all required documentation as outlined in the 'Required Documents' section. This includes:
   • A specific Clinical Resume Document (download from the provided link and upload to the 'Resume' field).
   • Your full resume/CV (can be uploaded to the 'Other' document field without page limitation).
   • Supporting documents such as transcripts, SF-50s (for former/current federal employees), DD-214 (for veterans), and any required licenses or certifications.
5. Submit: Ensure your complete application package is submitted by August 5, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time (ET).

Application Tips

• Tailor Your Resume: Meticulously align your resume content with the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) listed in the job announcement. Provide specific examples that demonstrate your proficiency.
• Veteran Preference: If you are a veteran, claim preference correctly and submit all necessary documentation (e.g., DD-214) to ensure you receive the benefits you are entitled to.
• Document Submission: Carefully review the 'Required Documents' section. Missing or incomplete documents can lead to disqualification. Use the provided link to download the specific resume format required.
• Early Submission: Avoid last-minute submission issues by applying well before the deadline. Technical difficulties can occur.
• Verification: Ensure all information provided in your application is accurate and can be verified. VA may conduct reference checks.

This Clinical Dietitian position with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, represents an exceptional career opportunity for dedicated nutrition professionals. By joining the VA, you will contribute to the vital mission of honoring and caring for America's veterans, providing them with the highest quality of healthcare. If you are seeking a fulfilling role with excellent benefits and professional growth potential, we encourage you to apply. Serve those who served you and make a profound difference in the lives of veterans.