Embark on a Rewarding Career as a Clinical Dietitian with the VHA

Are you a dedicated Registered Dietitian looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our nation's heroes? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) in Baltimore, Maryland, is currently seeking a highly motivated Clinical Dietitian to join our clinical team. This role is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to provide life-changing nutrition care to those who have served our country.

Role Overview and Responsibilities

As a Clinical Dietitian, you will serve as the lead authority on medical nutrition. Your daily responsibilities will revolve around the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) to support Veterans with complex medical needs. Key duties include:

Assessing nutritional status and developing individualized treatment plans.
Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, including doctors, nurses, and social workers.
Providing nutrition education to both inpatient and outpatient populations.
Participating in performance improvement studies to enhance the quality of patient care.
Monitoring and documenting nutritional intake and progress within medical records.

Comparison of Grade Levels

Level	Experience/Education Requirements	Scope of Practice
GS-07	Basic Requirements (Entry Level)	Developmental; focuses on fundamental clinical nutrition.
GS-09	1 year experience or Master's Degree	Expanded; focuses on NCP and data collection.
GS-11	1 year RDN experience at GS-09 level	Advanced; interprets complex research and manages interdisciplinary goals.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet specific federal standards:

U.S. Citizenship: Required for all federal positions.
Credentialing: Must hold an unexpired Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential from the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
Education: Completion of an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program.
Language: Must be proficient in both written and spoken English.

Salary and Benefits

The VHA offers a robust compensation package designed to support both your professional and personal life. The salary range for this position is $57,736 to $111,087 per year, commensurate with your experience and qualifications.

Beyond the salary, employees gain access to:

Education Debt Reduction Program: Potential for up to $200,000 in student loan reimbursement.
Work-Life Balance: Comprehensive leave packages including paid vacation, sick time, and federal holidays.
Health & Security: Access to top-tier health insurance, dental/vision plans, and a secure federal retirement pension via the FERS system.

Application Tips

Be Specific: Ensure your resume clearly lists months and years of employment for every position. The hiring team cannot make assumptions about your experience.
Documentation is Key: Have your RDN credential, transcripts, and any veteran preference documentation (like your DD214) ready before starting your application.
Use the Questionnaire: The online questionnaire is a critical part of your application. Read each question carefully and ensure your resume supports your answers.

Serving as a Clinical Dietitian for the VHA in Baltimore is a prestigious career move that offers immense personal satisfaction. If you are passionate about evidence-based nutrition and improving patient outcomes for the Veteran community, we encourage you to apply. Start your application today and help us uphold the promise of Whole Health for our Veterans.

Why This Dietitian (Clinical) Job Matters

Transform lives through nutrition: Join the Veterans Health Administration as a Clinical Dietitian and become a vital part of the healing journey for our nation’s heroes.

Dietitian (Clinical) Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is seeking a dedicated Clinical Dietitian to join our professional healthcare team in Baltimore, Maryland. In this pivotal role, you will act as the primary medical nutrition expert, planning and directing comprehensive nutritional care for Veterans with diverse and complex health needs. You will collaborate with interdisciplinary treatment teams to deliver patient-centered, evidence-based care, ensuring that every Veteran receives the individualized support necessary to achieve their Whole Health goals. This position is a unique opportunity to provide compassionate, high-quality care within a prestigious federal healthcare environment.

Requirements for Dietitian (Clinical)

U.S. Citizenship status
Proficiency in spoken and written English
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Registered Dietitian (RD) credential from the Commission on Dietetic Registration
Completion of an ACEND-accredited experiential or supervised practice program
Ability to complete a medical evaluation and background/security investigation
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
Registration with Selective Service for males born after December 31, 1959

Preferred Qualifications for Dietitian (Clinical)

Previous experience in clinical dietetics within a hospital or outpatient setting
Proven skill in delivering patient care using the Nutrition Care Process (NCP)
Experience with electronic health records and virtual care technologies
Master's degree from a regionally accredited university or college
Strong ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary stakeholders and interpret research data

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal health insurance plans
✓Comprehensive retirement programs (FERS/Thrift Savings Plan)
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
✓Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility for qualified loans
✓Opportunities for professional development and career advancement
✓Stable and supportive federal work environment

💡 How to Apply Dietitian (Clinical) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Dietitian (Clinical) Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Prepare your resume and supporting documentation (RDN credential, transcripts, SF-50 if applicable).
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Submit your application and all required documents via the online portal.
Monitor your email for status updates and follow-up requests.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume details month and year for all work history.
Clearly specify full-time or part-time status and hours worked per week.
Attach all required documentation, including your RDN certificate, early to avoid last-minute technical delays.
Tailor your resume to highlight your experience with the Nutrition Care Process (NCP).
Double-check your responses to the online questionnaire for accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position eligible for student loan repayment?

Yes, this position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), which provides reimbursement for qualifying student loans. Awards and eligibility are determined by the VHA program office upon review.

What is the work schedule for this role?

The role follows a standard Monday through Friday schedule from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with the requirement of rotating weekends and holidays to ensure consistent patient coverage.

Are there remote work options?

While the position is eligible for ad-hoc telework, it is not a virtual position and requires on-site presence at the Baltimore facility.

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 the military. Within the VA, the Veterans Health Administration stands as the largest integrated health care system in the United States. We focus on 'Whole Health'—an approach that empowers Veterans to take charge of their well-being. Joining our team means entering an environment dedicated to professional growth, patient-centered innovation, and compassionate service.