Launch Your Clinical Nutrition Career at VA Puget Sound

Are you a Registered Dietitian looking to make a meaningful impact? The VA Puget Sound Health Care System is currently seeking a motivated and skilled Clinical Dietitian to join our team in Seattle, Washington. This position is a gateway to working within one of the nation's most advanced healthcare systems dedicated to supporting our veterans.

Position Overview

As a Clinical Dietitian, you will serve as a nutrition expert, working primarily within Home-Based Primary Care (HBPC) and the Primary Care Clinic (PACT). You will be responsible for creating personalized medical nutrition therapy (MNT) plans that address the unique clinical, social, and cultural needs of our veterans.

Key Responsibilities

Nutritional Assessment: Utilize the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) to conduct comprehensive assessments and develop individualized care plans.
Evidence-Based Care: Interpret research to implement nutrition guidelines that manage chronic conditions and promote whole-health principles.
Telehealth Integration: Provide nutrition counseling via virtual platforms like VA Video Connect to ensure accessibility.
Collaboration: Work alongside food service staff, physicians, and caregivers to ensure high-quality, patient-centered nutrition.

Requirements

To qualify for this role, candidates must meet specific criteria:

Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is generally required.
Credentialing: Current RDN or RD credential from the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
Education: A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited university and completion of an ACEND-accredited program.
Driving: A valid, clean state driver's license is required to operate government vehicles.

Salary and Benefits

This position is classified under the General Schedule (GS) pay scale, with a salary range between $56,715 and $109,122 per year.

Feature	Details
Salary Range	$56,715 - $109,122
Job Location	Seattle, Washington
Job Series	0630 (Dietitian and Nutritionist)
Hiring Path	Internal to agency / Students

Employees enjoy a comprehensive federal benefits package, which includes robust health insurance, retirement planning through the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), and generous paid leave.

Tips for a Successful Application

Detail is Key: Do not leave gaps in your employment history. For every position, list specific duties and hours worked per week.
Verify Qualifications: Ensure your resume clearly demonstrates your ability to perform the Nutrition Care Process (NCP).
Prepare Documentation: Have your transcripts and license ready. If you are a federal employee, submit your most recent non-award SF-50.

Working for the VA is more than just a job; it is a chance to give back to those who have sacrificed for our country. If you are ready to advance your career in a dynamic, high-acuity environment, apply for the Clinical Dietitian role at VA Puget Sound today.

Why This Dietitian (Clinical) Job Matters

Transform lives by providing expert, compassionate nutrition care to those who have served our nation.

Dietitian (Clinical) Job Overview

The VA Puget Sound Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Clinical Dietitian to join its multidisciplinary team in Seattle, Washington. In this role, you will serve as a key nutrition expert for Home-Based Primary Care (HBPC) and the Primary Care Clinic (PACT). You will utilize your clinical expertise to provide evidence-based nutrition therapy, telehealth support, and coordinate with healthcare providers to improve patient outcomes. This position offers a unique opportunity to work within one of the most complex VA healthcare systems in the nation, focusing on whole-health principles and veteran-centered care.

Requirements for Dietitian (Clinical)

U.S. Citizenship (unless specific exceptions apply).
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Registered Dietitian (RD) credential from the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution.
Completion of an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program.
Valid, unrestricted state driver's license and a safe driving record.
Must pass a pre-placement physical examination and medical clearance to drive a government vehicle.
Subject to background and security investigation.

Preferred Qualifications for Dietitian (Clinical)

Master's degree in a relevant field.
Demonstrated experience in clinical nutrition assessment and the Nutrition Care Process (NCP).
Proven ability to utilize telehealth technology for patient care.
Strong skills in data analysis for performance improvement and collaborative care.
Experience working in a multidisciplinary team environment.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive salary based on GS pay scale.
✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
✓Retirement savings plans including TSP (Thrift Savings Plan).
✓Generous paid vacation and sick leave.
✓Federal holiday leave.
✓Professional development and clinical training opportunities.
✓Supportive work-life balance initiatives.

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

Application Steps for Dietitian (Clinical) Job

Create or log in to your account on the official USAJOBS portal.
Ensure your resume includes detailed job duties, specific start/end dates, and full-time/part-time status.
Complete the mandatory online occupational questionnaire.
Upload required documents: Long-form resume, transcripts, license/credential proof, and SF-50 forms if applicable.
Submit your application package before the closing date of April 7, 2027.
Monitor your email for status notifications and potential interview requests.

💡 General Tips

Be specific and thorough in your resume; do not assume the recruiter knows your day-to-day duties.
Explicitly link your past experience to the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed in the job requirements.
Ensure your driver's license is current and that your driving record is clean.
Double-check that your resume explicitly states hours worked per week for every position listed.
Ensure your SF-50 forms include your tenure code and appointment type for federal experience verification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if I have not yet obtained my RDN credential?

Yes, under specific circumstances for GS-07 or GS-09 levels, non-credentialed dietitians may be hired on a one-year temporary appointment. Promotion is not possible until the RDN credential is obtained.

What is the work environment like at VA Puget Sound?

VA Puget Sound is a major interdisciplinary teaching hospital and one of the most complex systems in the VA. It offers a fast-paced environment with a focus on comprehensive, whole-person care for veterans.

Is telework available for this position?

This position is not a virtual role and is not eligible for full-time telework, though ad-hoc arrangements may exist.

What is the primary focus of the Dietitian role here?

*A: The focus is on providing comprehensive clinical nutrition support through home-based primary care and telehealth services.*

Can I apply without an RDN credential?

*A: Only in limited circumstances for entry-level GS-07/09 roles, provided specific educational and internship requirements are met.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to fulfilling the promise made by President Lincoln: to care for those who have served in our nation’s military. VA Puget Sound is a Level 1a interdisciplinary teaching facility. We provide a full spectrum of services—from critical care and surgery to home-based primary care—all guided by our core values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence.