Lead Health Technician (Dietetic): A Rewarding Career at the VA

Are you looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our nation's Veterans? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) at the Clement J. Zablocki Medical Center in Milwaukee is hiring a dedicated Lead Health Technician (Dietetic) to oversee critical nutrition support operations. This role is perfect for a healthcare professional who excels in leadership, system management, and patient communication.

Job Responsibilities

As a Lead Health Technician, you will be the backbone of the nutrition communication process. Your core duties will include:

Team Leadership: Balancing workloads for a team of GS-05 Health Technicians and providing on-the-job training.
Operational Oversight: Managing diet orders via COTS software and generating meal tickets to ensure uninterrupted service.
Clinical Liaison: Maintaining vital communication between dietitians, nursing staff, and patients.
Reporting: Maintaining accurate records, printing meal reports, and ensuring local facility procedures are followed.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must meet several key criteria:

Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is required.
Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent, or a qualifying combination of education and experience.
Vaccination: Mandatory participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Assessments: Completion of all required online competency-based assessments.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from $47,488 to $61,734, depending on qualifications and experience.

Comparison Table

Feature	Details
Position Grade	GS-06
Schedule	20 Hours (Part-Time)
Location	Milwaukee, WI
Telework	Available (Manager Approval)

Benefits

Employees of the VA enjoy robust federal benefits, including:

Comprehensive medical and dental insurance plans.
Retirement savings through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Generous leave accrual programs.
Stable working environment within a respected public service organization.

Application Tips

Focus on Results: When writing your resume, use metrics to describe your previous success in managing dietetic or clinical workflows.
Adhere to Length: The VA now strictly enforces a two-page limit on resumes.
Stay Current: Ensure all contact information and employment dates are accurate and clearly formatted.

If you have the skills to lead and a passion for supporting the nutritional health of our Veterans, we encourage you to apply. This role offers both professional growth and the satisfaction of contributing to a noble cause.

Why This Lead Health Technician (Dietetic) Job Matters

Join a dedicated team at the Clement J. Zablocki Medical Center and play a pivotal role in the nutritional wellness of our nation's Veterans.

Lead Health Technician (Dietetic) Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a highly organized Lead Health Technician (Dietetic) to join the Nutrition and Food Division at the Clement J. Zablocki Medical Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This role is essential to our mission of providing compassionate, whole-health care. As a leader in this area, you will oversee a team of Health Technicians, coordinate dietetic workflows, and ensure our Veterans receive accurate and timely nutritional support. This position is part-time (20 hours per week) and offers an excellent opportunity to make a direct, daily impact on patient care within a top-tier medical facility.

Requirements for Lead Health Technician (Dietetic)

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must pass a pre-employment drug screening.
Must complete all online application steps and assessments.
Must have one year of specialized experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent.
Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds.
Must participate in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Must complete a 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.

Preferred Qualifications for Lead Health Technician (Dietetic)

Direct experience with nutrition screening processes.
Proficiency in managing patient diet orders and COTS dietetic software.
Demonstrated ability to provide diet education to individuals and groups.
Proven leadership experience in delegating and balancing clinical or administrative workloads.
Strong communication skills for coordinating with nursing, dietitians, and food service staff.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
✓Life insurance and retirement programs (FERS).
✓Paid federal holidays and accrued annual/sick leave.
✓Potential for telework opportunities based on departmental needs.
✓Professional development and training in a clinical environment.

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

Application Steps for Lead Health Technician (Dietetic) Job

Create or update your account on the USAJOBS portal.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed the two-page limit.
Submit your application and required supporting documents (transcripts, SF-50 if applicable).
Complete the required online competency assessments within the provided timeframe.
Monitor your application status on the USAJOBS dashboard for updates and interview requests.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly details your experience, including hours worked per week.
Convert your resume to PDF format to preserve formatting.
Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure compliance with the two-page limit.
Triple-check that you have uploaded all necessary transcripts and veteran documentation.
Set aside at least three hours of uninterrupted time for the online assessments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remote position?

No, this is not a virtual position. While some telework may be authorized as discussed during the interview process, the role is based at the Clement J. Zablocki Medical Center in Milwaukee.

What is the work schedule?

This is a 20-hour-per-week position, typically scheduled from 5:30 am to 10:30 am, with a requirement to work every other weekend and during holidays.

Can I use education to qualify?

Yes, you may qualify based on education if you have completed one-half year of graduate education or an internship in a field directly related to dietetics or nutrition.

What hours should I expect to work?

The position requires 20 hours per week, typically starting early morning (5:30 am). Expect to work every other weekend and during holidays.

How do I prove my qualifications?

If using education, submit your transcripts. If using experience, clearly define your job title, hours worked per week, and primary duties.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to fulfilling the promise to care for those who have served in our military. The Clement J. Zablocki Medical Center is a high-complexity facility that prides itself on delivering whole-health care. Joining this team means joining a community dedicated to excellence, integrity, and service.