Advance Your Career as a Clinical Dietitian with the VA
Are you a dedicated nutrition professional looking to serve those who have served our country? The VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System is currently hiring a Clinical Dietitian to join our team in Corpus Christi, Texas. This position offers a unique blend of clinical autonomy, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our nation's Veterans.
Job Responsibilities
As a Clinical Dietitian, you will serve as the medical nutrition expert for our clinical sections. Your core responsibilities include:
- Nutrition Assessments: Conducting comprehensive assessments using the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) to establish diagnoses and risk levels.
- Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT): Developing, implementing, and monitoring personalized MNT plans.
- Patient Education: Providing tailored nutrition counseling to Veterans and their families.
- Technology Utilization: Leveraging virtual care tools to expand patient access to nutrition services.
- Process Improvement: Collaborating with stakeholders to analyze data and implement initiatives that enhance clinical outcomes and dining experiences.
Comparison of Grade Levels
| Feature | GS-07 (Entry) | GS-09 (Developmental) | GS-11 (Full Performance) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Responsibility | Entry/Developmental | Developing under supervision | Independent/Autonomous |
| Focus | Learning NCP & evidence base | Applying practice guidelines | Comprehensive assessment & leadership |
| Requirements | Basic Education/RDN | 1 yr experience or Master's | 1 yr as RDN at next lower grade |
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Education: A bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Credentials: You must possess the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Registered Dietitian (RD) credential from the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
- Experience: Ability to demonstrate specific Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) relevant to the grade level applied for.
Salary Overview
The annual salary for this position ranges from $50,706 to $97,560, depending on experience and qualifications. Furthermore, the VA is authorized to offer recruitment or relocation incentives for the right candidate, making this a highly competitive opportunity for experienced dietitians.
Benefits of Working at the VA
Working for the VA comes with a robust federal benefits package, including:
- Health Coverage: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- Retirement: Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) matching.
- Leave: Generous annual and sick leave accrual, plus 11 paid federal holidays.
- Stability: The opportunity to build a long-term career within the largest healthcare system in the United States.
Application Tips
- Be Detailed: Ensure your resume clearly lists the month and year of employment for every role held.
- Clarify Status: Indicate whether your experience was full-time or part-time, specifically noting the hours worked per week.
- Supporting Docs: Attach all relevant transcripts, certifications, and, if applicable, military service documentation (DD-214).
If you are a compassionate professional driven to improve the health and well-being of Veterans, we encourage you to apply. This role in Corpus Christi offers the perfect balance of professional challenge and personal fulfillment. Submit your application through the official portal before the closing date to join our team.
Why This Dietitian (Clinical) - Pact - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Job Matters
Advance your career as a Clinical Dietitian with the VA and earn a competitive recruitment/relocation incentive while making a profound impact on the lives of our nation's Veterans in Corpus Christi.
Dietitian (Clinical) - Pact - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Job Overview
The VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Clinical Dietitian to join our Nutrition and Food Services team. In this role, you will act as a primary medical nutrition expert, providing autonomous, evidence-based care to Veterans with diverse medical needs. You will collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop patient-centered nutrition goals, utilize virtual care technology, and ensure the highest standards of safety and quality care in a dynamic, mission-driven clinical environment.
Requirements for Dietitian (Clinical) - Pact - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive
- U.S. Citizenship (unless specific exceptions apply).
- Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Registered Dietitian (RD) credential from the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
- For GS-07/09: Bachelor's degree or higher from a U.S. regionally accredited institution.
- Successful completion of an ACEND-accredited experiential or supervised practice program.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Subject to background and security investigations.
- Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
Preferred Qualifications for Dietitian (Clinical) - Pact - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive
- At least 1 year of experience as a registered dietitian equivalent to the next lower grade level.
- At least 1 year of experience working with adult populations in an outpatient clinical setting.
- 1+ years of independent experience in planning, developing, and directing nutrition care activities.
- Proven success working within interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with potential recruitment/relocation incentives
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options
- ✓Federal retirement plan (FERS) and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
- ✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training
- ✓Career advancement potential up to GS-11 grade level
💡 How to Apply Dietitian (Clinical) - Pact - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Dietitian (Clinical) - Pact - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Job
- Create or update your profile on the official federal hiring portal.
- Prepare a detailed resume including job titles, dates of employment (MM/YYYY), and hours worked per week.
- Gather supporting documentation, including RDN license/transcripts and SF-50s if applicable.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the provided application link.
- Submit your full application package before the closing date of February 12, 2027.
- Monitor your status via your online account dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly lists the start and end dates for every position in MM/YYYY format.
- Clearly indicate if your experience was full-time or part-time, including hours per week.
- Don't leave any gaps in your professional history description—be thorough in describing your duties.
- Check your USAJobs account regularly for status updates regarding your referral status.
- Ensure all transcripts and verification statements are attached if using education to qualify.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there recruitment incentives for this position?
Yes, recruitment and relocation incentives are authorized for qualified candidates selected for this role.
Can I apply if I am not yet a U.S. citizen?
Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA policy.
Is this a virtual position?
No, this is an onsite position in Corpus Christi, Texas, though some ad-hoc telework may be available depending on facility needs.
What is the first cut-off date for applications?
*A: The first cut-off date is October 1, 2026. Applications will continue to be reviewed until the position is filled.*
Are there vaccination requirements?
*A: Yes, participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program is a mandatory condition of employment for VA healthcare personnel.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." The VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System (VATVCBHCS) is a dynamic organization serving over 53,000 Veterans. We operate multiple clinics and mobile units throughout the region, focusing on providing high-quality Primary Care, Geriatrics, and Specialty Medicine.