Clinical Dietitian Opportunity at the Department of Veterans Affairs - Deltona, FL

Are you a passionate and skilled Clinical Dietitian looking for a fulfilling career where you can make a significant impact? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking dedicated professionals to join their esteemed team at the Orlando Veterans Healthcare System in Deltona, Florida. This position offers a competitive salary, potential for student loan repayment assistance, and the profound satisfaction of serving America's heroes. If you are driven by evidence-based practices and a commitment to whole health, explore this exciting opportunity to advance your career while honoring those who have served.

About the Department of Veterans Affairs

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the second-largest federal department in the United States, dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have served in the nation's military, and for their families, caregivers, and survivors. The VA provides a comprehensive range of healthcare services, benefits, and national cemeteries to ensure Veterans receive the best possible care and support. The Orlando VA Healthcare System, part of the VA Sunshine Health Care Network, serves Veterans across east central Florida with multiple facilities and outpatient clinics, emphasizing compassionate, whole-health care. Joining the VA means becoming part of an organization committed to excellence, innovation, and the well-being of Veterans.

Job Responsibilities

As a Clinical Dietitian with the VA, you will serve as the medical nutrition expert within the Clinical Section of Nutrition and Food Services (NFS). You will be entrusted with providing high-quality nutrition care to Veterans, including those with complex medical and nutritional needs. Key responsibilities include:

Nutrition Assessment: Conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments using the Nutrition Care Process (NCP), including performing nutrition-focused physical examinations to diagnose nutritional issues and identify risks.
Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT): Develop, implement, and evaluate personalized MNT plans to address diagnosed nutrition issues, calculating nutrient requirements and considering potential food-drug interactions.
Documentation: Accurately document all MNT interventions and patient encounters in the electronic medical record using the Assessment, Diagnosis, Intervention, Monitoring, Evaluation (ADIME) format. You will function independently and accurately in record-keeping.
Nutritional Support: Identify patients requiring nutritional support and recommend appropriate interventions, communicating effectively with the healthcare team.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Actively participate in both formal and informal interdisciplinary team meetings to ensure coordinated patient care.
Patient Education: Assess the educational needs of Veterans and provide tailored nutrition education and counseling to individuals and groups.
Virtual Care: Utilize virtual care technology to enhance access to nutrition services.
Performance Improvement: Maintain productivity standards, ensure continuous improvement of safe and quality care, and participate in data collection for performance improvement studies, including initiating corrective actions.
Compliance: Ensure all work complies with The Joint Commission (TJC) requirements and other accrediting agency standards.
Liaison: Collaborate with the Food Operations Section and department leadership to improve the dining experience for Veterans, enhance patient satisfaction, and act as a liaison between clinical units and food service.
Initiative Leadership: Lead activities in the implementation of new nutrition initiatives.

Requirements and Qualifications

To be considered for this role, you must meet the following essential requirements:

Basic Requirements:

Citizenship: U.S. citizenship is required.
Registration: Hold the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential from the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Applicants who hold the RDN credential have met the education requirements.
English Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English.

Additional Requirements:

Background Investigation: Must pass a background and security investigation.
Onboarding: Completion of an online onboarding process.
Identification: Provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements (REAL ID compliant identification required from May 7, 2025).
Physical Examination: Pass a pre-employment physical examination.
Vaccination: Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
Trial Period: Successful completion of a 1 or 2-year trial period is required.

Non-Credentialed Dietitians:

While preference is given to RDNs, non-credentialed dietitians who meet basic qualifications and specific criteria may be considered for temporary appointments not exceeding one year. These individuals must have a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited institution and have completed an ACEND® accredited experiential or supervised practice program. They may only be appointed at the GS-07 or GS-09 grade level and must receive care under the supervision of an RDN. They cannot be promoted or converted until they obtain their RDN credential.

Foreign Education:

College and university degrees earned outside the U.S. must be evaluated by ACEND® to ensure they meet international standards and make graduates eligible to sit for the CDR credentialing exam. A Certificate of Foreign Equivalency must be submitted with transcripts.

Grade Levels:

GS-07: Entry-level developmental position, working under guidance of a senior dietitian. Focus on developing skills in nutrition assessment, NCP application, and record-keeping for lower-acuity patients.
GS-09: Requires at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level OR a Master's degree. Demonstrates KSAs related to accreditation knowledge, virtual technology, NCP delivery, evidence-based practices, and collaboration.
GS-11: Requires at least one year of experience as an RDN equivalent to the next lower grade. Demonstrates advanced skills in NCP, research interpretation, patient-centered goal development, data analysis, collaboration, and compliance with regulatory authorities. This is the full performance level.

Salary Overview

This Clinical Dietitian position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from $50,540 to $97,087, depending on qualifications and grade level (GS-07, GS-09, or GS-11).

Benefits

The Department of Veterans Affairs provides a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being of its employees. While specific details may vary, typical benefits include:

Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
Paid Time Off: Generous annual leave (vacation) and sick leave accrual, plus paid federal holidays.
Retirement: Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) for retirement savings.
Life Insurance: Federal Employee Group Life Insurance (FEGLI).
Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): Potential for student loan repayment assistance up to $200,000 over one to five years for eligible candidates.
Professional Development: Opportunities for continuing education and professional growth.

You can learn more about VA benefits at http://www.vacareers.va.gov/why-choose-va/benefits/index.asp.

Application Process and Tips

To apply for this exciting opportunity, follow these steps:

Visit USAJOBS: Navigate to the USAJOBS website and search for this announcement.
Create/Login: Log in to your USAJOBS account or create a new one.
Complete Questionnaire: Thoroughly complete the occupational questionnaire. Your responses are crucial for assessing your qualifications.
Upload Documents: Submit a comprehensive application package, including a long-form resume or CV, and any other required documents specified in the 'Required Documents' section (e.g., transcripts, SF-50s, DD-214 if claiming Veterans' Preference).
Submit by Deadline: Ensure your entire application is submitted by October 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET.

Application Tips:

Be Detailed: Clearly articulate your experience in your resume, especially relating to clinical nutrition, MNT, and patient education. Avoid assumptions; provide specific examples.
Review Carefully: Double-check that you have included all necessary documentation. Missing documents can lead to disqualification.
Veterans' Preference: If you are a Veteran eligible for preference, ensure you claim it and provide the correct supporting documents (DD-214, SF-15).
Foreign Education: If applicable, submit your Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcripts.
Contact Us: If you encounter any issues with the online application process, contact the agency's HR specialist listed in the announcement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question	Answer
What is EDRP?	The Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) offers student loan repayment assistance for eligible healthcare professionals at the VA. Awards can be up to $200,000 over five years. Former participants are ineligible.
What are the basic qualification requirements?	U.S. Citizenship, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential from CDR, and English proficiency. Exceptions exist for non-credentialed dietitians under specific conditions and grade levels.

| What is the Nutrition Care Process (NCP)? | The NCP is a systematic approach to providing nutrition care, encompassing Assessment, Diagnosis, Intervention, and Monitoring/Evaluation. | | Can I work remotely? | This position is not a fully virtual role, but ad-hoc telework may be available. | | What documentation is needed for Veterans' Preference? | A legible DD-214 showing service dates and character of service is required. For 10-point preference, an SF-15 and supporting documentation are also needed. | | What is the salary range? | The annual salary ranges from $50,540 to $97,087, depending on the grade level (GS-07, GS-09, GS-11) and qualifications. | | What is the "trial period" mentioned? | Upon hiring, you will typically serve a 1-2 year trial period to evaluate your performance and suitability for continued employment. | | What if I have foreign education? | Foreign degrees must be evaluated by ACEND® and meet their international standards. A Certificate of Foreign Equivalency must be submitted with your transcripts. |

This Clinical Dietitian position with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Deltona, Florida, presents an exceptional opportunity for a qualified professional to embark on a rewarding career dedicated to the health and well-being of our nation's Veterans. With a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and the chance to utilize your expertise in a meaningful way, this role is ideal for those committed to excellence in nutrition care. Apply today and become a vital part of a team that honors and serves those who have served our country.

Why This Dietitian (Clinical)- Amended Job Matters

Advance your career as a Clinical Dietitian with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Deltona, Florida! Make a real difference in the lives of our nation's heroes.

Dietitian (Clinical)- Amended Job Overview

The Orlando Veterans Healthcare System is seeking a dedicated Clinical Dietitian to join their team. This is a fantastic opportunity to provide comprehensive nutrition care to Veterans, utilizing the latest in evidence-based practices and virtual technology. You'll be instrumental in assessing patient needs, developing personalized nutrition plans, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to improve patient outcomes. If you're passionate about health and wellness and driven to serve those who served, this role offers a rewarding career path with opportunities for growth.

Requirements for Dietitian (Clinical)- Amended

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service System.
Proficiency in written and spoken English is required.
Must successfully pass a background and security investigation.
Completion of an online onboarding process is mandatory.
Acceptable identification is required for pre-employment verification (note: REAL ID compliant identification is required starting May 7, 2025).
Must pass a pre-employment physical examination.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a mandatory requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel.
Complete all application requirements as detailed in the 'Required Documents' section.
Must successfully complete a 1 or 2-year trial period to evaluate fitness and determine if continued employment advances the public interest.

Preferred Qualifications for Dietitian (Clinical)- Amended

Minimum of two years of experience in clinical nutrition.
Demonstrated competency in providing Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT).
Additional experience collaborating with interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
Experience facilitating group education, workshops, or wellness programs.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Salary range: $50,540 - $97,087 per year.
✓Potential eligibility for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP).
✓Annual leave accrual based on years of Federal service.
✓Sick leave.
✓Federal holidays.
✓Health, dental, and vision insurance options.
✓Life insurance.
✓Retirement savings plan (401k).

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

Application Steps for Dietitian (Clinical)- Amended Job

Apply online through USAJOBS.
Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents.
Complete the occupational questionnaire accurately and thoroughly.
Submit your complete application package, including all required documents, by 11:59 PM ET on October 30, 2026.
Ensure all responses and documentation are submitted prior to the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Thoroughly review the 'Required Documents' section and ensure all necessary items are submitted with your application.
Use a long-form resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV) that clearly details your experience and qualifications.
Be specific and clear when describing your experience; do not assume the reviewer will make assumptions.
Ensure your resume highlights experience relevant to clinical nutrition, MNT, and patient education.
Pay close attention to the occupational questionnaire and answer all questions honestly and completely.
If using education to qualify, ensure your transcript is submitted and is from an accredited institution. Foreign degrees require a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency.
Veterans applying for preference should claim it in the questionnaire and provide the necessary documentation (e.g., DD-214, SF-15).
If you have any issues applying online or require an alternative method to submit documents, contact the Agency Contact listed in the announcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP)?

The EDRP is a student loan payment reimbursement program offered by the VHA. Eligibility and award amounts are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after application review. Former EDRP participants are not eligible to apply.

What are the basic requirements to be considered for this position?

Applicants must be U.S. citizens, hold the RDN credential from the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), and be proficient in spoken and written English. Certain exceptions exist for non-credentialed dietitians, but they may only be appointed at the GS-07 or GS-09 level and require supervision.

What is the Nutrition Care Process (NCP)?

The NCP is a systematic process used by dietitians to provide high-quality nutrition care. It includes assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and monitoring/evaluation.

Is telework or virtual work an option for this position?

Telework is available on an ad-hoc basis. This position is not a fully virtual role.

What documentation is required for Veterans' Preference?

Eligible Veterans must provide a legible copy of their DD-214 showing dates and character of service. Disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference must also submit an SF-15 with required proof. Documentation is mandatory to receive preference.

What is the salary range for this position?

The annual salary range for this position is $50,540 to $97,087.

Dietitian (Clinical)- Amended Job

Veterans Health Administration