Become a Lead Dietitian with the Indian Health Service in South Dakota
Are you a dedicated Registered Dietitian looking to make a measurable difference in public health? The Indian Health Service (IHS) is currently seeking a highly skilled Dietitian to join the team at the Cheyenne River Health Center in Eagle Butte, South Dakota. This role offers a unique opportunity to combine clinical expertise with administrative leadership in a community-focused environment.
Key Responsibilities
In this position, you will serve as the primary nutrition consultant for the Health Center. Your core responsibilities include:
- Program Management: Planning and evaluating the Dietary Program, including budget oversight and food service operations.
- Clinical Care: Providing nutritional management for chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, renal disease, and hypertension.
- Leadership: Supervising the Dietary Cook Supervisor and Clinical Dietitian staff.
- Community Outreach: Collaborating with local clinics and hospital staff to track patient outcomes and provide discharge counseling.
Requirements and Qualifications
To be considered for this role, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Education: A Bachelor's or graduate degree in dietetics, food, or nutrition from an ACEND-accredited program.
- Licensure: You must hold a current registration as a Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).
- Experience: At least one year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level performing nutrition and food service program management.
- Integrity: Successful completion of a federal background investigation and financial suitability review.
Comparison of Potential Candidates
| Feature | Candidate A | Candidate B |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Dietitian (RD) | Yes | Yes |
| 1+ Year Management Experience | Yes | No |
| Clinical Nutrition Background | Extensive | Moderate |
| Suitable for Role | Strong Match | Needs More Experience |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $89,508 to $116,362 annually. Beyond the salary, the federal government provides a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and a generous leave system that rewards long-term federal service. Additionally, there is the potential for relocation or recruitment incentives for qualified individuals.
Application Tips
- Maximize the First Two Pages: The recruitment panel exclusively reviews the first two pages of your resume. Ensure your most relevant management and clinical experience is front and center.
- Detail Your Hours: Clearly state the number of hours worked per week for every position to ensure your "specialized experience" is accurately calculated.
- Include Documentation: Whether you are claiming Indian Preference or Veterans Preference, ensure your supporting documents are uploaded correctly during the initial submission.
This role is more than just a job; it is a chance to integrate your professional skills into a vital healthcare mission. If you meet the criteria and are ready for the challenge, apply through the USAJOBS portal today.
Why This Dietitian Job Matters
Shape the future of nutrition and health outcomes for the Cheyenne River community in this pivotal Dietitian role with the Indian Health Service.
Dietitian Job Overview
The Indian Health Service (IHS) is seeking a dedicated and experienced Dietitian to lead the Dietary Department at the Cheyenne River Health Center in Eagle Butte, South Dakota. This leadership position is responsible for managing, planning, and evaluating comprehensive nutrition programs. You will supervise clinical and food service staff, oversee budget allocations, manage food service operations, and provide expert nutritional counseling to a diverse patient population. This is an impactful role for a professional passionate about public health and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Requirements for Dietitian
- U.S. Citizenship
- Bachelor's or graduate degree in dietetics, nutrition, or related field from an ACEND-accredited program
- Current registration as a Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with the Commission on Dietetic Registration
- Minimum of one year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level
- Successful completion of a federal background investigation
- Ability to pass a financial suitability review
- Must be able to successfully pass an E-Verify employment check
- Compliance with IHS immunization policies for healthcare workers
Preferred Qualifications for Dietitian
- Demonstrated experience in clinical nutritional management for chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension
- Proven background in food service management, including safety, sanitation, and menu planning
- Experience in personnel management and staff development within a healthcare setting
- Ability to coordinate with interdisciplinary medical teams and community nutrition programs
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal employee retirement and insurance programs
- ✓Graduated annual leave based on federal service years
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and interdisciplinary teamwork
💡 How to Apply Dietitian Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Dietitian Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account at Login.gov
- Prepare a resume that explicitly details your relevant experience, including hours worked per week
- Upload required documents, such as proof of RD/RDN registration and transcripts
- Complete the online eligibility questionnaire
- Submit your application package before the closing date
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal
💡 General Tips
- Only the first two pages of your resume will be reviewed by the Subject Matter Experts; keep your most relevant experience on the first two pages.
- Be specific about your duties and include the total number of hours worked per week for each role listed.
- Ensure your proof of RD/RDN registration is current and clearly visible.
- Double-check that all required forms (such as BIA-4432 for Indian Preference or DD214 for Veterans Preference) are included at the time of submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of this Dietitian position?
You will serve as a consultant on nutrition care, manage the dietary department, supervise staff, and provide clinical nutritional management for patients with chronic medical conditions.
Is relocation assistance available?
Yes, recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized for this position, subject to a service agreement.
Do I need to submit official transcripts?
While unofficial transcripts are accepted for the application process, official transcripts will be required from the selected candidate before an official offer is extended.
What is the work environment like?
You will work in a clinical setting at the Cheyenne River Health Center, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team focused on patient-centered outcomes.
Can I use AI to write my essay questions?
No. You must certify that your essay responses are original and authored by you without the assistance of AI tools.
Job from Indian Health Service
The Indian Health Service (IHS) is a dynamic organization tasked with providing comprehensive health services to American Indians and Alaska Natives. Our mission is to raise the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of our patients to the highest level. We pride ourselves on an interdisciplinary approach, collaborative problem-solving, and a commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality care to over 2 million individuals across the country.