Advance Your Career as a Clinical Dietitian with the Veterans Health Administration

Are you a dedicated healthcare professional looking to make a meaningful difference? The South Texas Veterans Health Care System is seeking a compassionate and skilled Clinical Dietitian to provide high-quality care to our nation's Veterans at our New Braunfels clinic. This is a unique opportunity to join a mission-driven organization that values your expertise and supports the long-term health of those who served.

About the 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 South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS) is one of the largest and most active healthcare systems in the country, providing comprehensive care across 35 counties. Joining our team means becoming part of a community of 5,900+ employees dedicated to clinical excellence and patient-centered service.

Job Responsibilities

As a Clinical Dietitian, you will be at the heart of our outpatient nutrition services. You will work closely with other healthcare providers to deliver holistic, evidence-based care. Key duties include:

Nutrition Assessments: Conducting comprehensive evaluations using the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) to diagnose and treat nutritional deficiencies.
Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT): Developing, implementing, and monitoring personalized dietary plans for patients with complex medical needs.
Patient Counseling: Providing tailored nutrition education for individuals and groups to help Veterans manage their health.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Serving as an active member of the patient care team and coordinating with Food Operations to enhance the dining experience.
Quality Improvement: Leading initiatives and utilizing data to improve clinic outcomes and maintain compliance with Joint Commission standards.

Comparison: Traditional vs. VA Clinical Practice

Feature	Traditional Private Practice	VA Clinical Dietitian
Focus	Patient Volume	Whole Health & Veteran Well-being
Benefits	Varies	Comprehensive Federal Benefits
Patient Base	General	Veterans & Families
Team Environment	Independent	Collaborative Multidisciplinary

Requirements

To be considered for this vital role, applicants must meet specific federal requirements, including:

Licensure/Credentialing: Must be a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Registered Dietitian (RD) with the CDR.
Education: A bachelor's degree or higher from an ACEND-accredited program.
Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is generally required.
Compliance: Ability to pass a security background investigation and participate in the annual influenza vaccination program.

Salary and Benefits

The position offers a competitive salary range of $51,201 to $98,514 per year. Beyond the paycheck, the VA provides a world-class federal benefits package including:

Generous paid time off (vacation and sick leave).
Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance plans.
Federal retirement benefits, including a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with agency matching.
A structured Monday-Friday work environment with predictable hours.

How to Apply

Applying to the federal government requires attention to detail. Ensure your resume is comprehensive, documenting all relevant clinical experience, including volunteer work. Submit your application through the official federal employment portal before the announcement closing date.

Can I work from home?

This position is based on-site in New Braunfels. Ad-hoc telework may be available based on agency needs, but it is not a fully remote role.

What documentation is required?

Typically, you will need your long-form resume, official transcripts, and proof of your RDN credentialing.

Serving our Veterans as a Clinical Dietitian is more than just a job; it is a commitment to excellence in public service. If you are ready to utilize your skills in a high-impact, mission-focused environment, we encourage you to review the requirements and submit your application today. Join us in New Braunfels and help us honor those who served.

Why This Dietitian (Clinical) Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served our nation by providing expert clinical nutrition care as a Dietitian with the Veterans Health Administration in beautiful New Braunfels, Texas.

Dietitian (Clinical) Job Overview

The South Texas Veterans Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Clinical Dietitian to join our outpatient team in New Braunfels. This role is perfect for a professional passionate about evidence-based nutrition therapy. You will play a vital role in our multidisciplinary team, conducting comprehensive assessments and creating personalized nutrition care plans for Veterans to improve their overall health outcomes and quality of life.

Requirements for Dietitian (Clinical)

U.S. Citizenship (Non-citizens may only be appointed if qualified citizens are unavailable).
Must be a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Registered Dietitian (RD) through the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
Must hold a bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution.
Must have completed an ACEND-accredited experiential or supervised practice program.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Male applicants born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Ability to pass a background security investigation.
Willingness to complete a 1-2 year trial period.
Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.

Preferred Qualifications for Dietitian (Clinical)

1-3 years of professional experience as a clinical dietitian.
Proven experience utilizing the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) model.
Experience providing patient care within a collaborative, team-based setting.
Demonstrated ability to interpret research for evidence-based practice application.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
✓Generous paid annual and sick leave accrual.
✓Retirement savings plans including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with agency matching.
✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
✓Stable Monday-Friday work schedule (8:00 AM - 4:30 PM).
✓Access to a wide range of VA employee wellness programs.

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

Application Steps for Dietitian (Clinical) Job

Create or update your account on the official federal hiring portal.
Prepare a detailed, long-form resume highlighting your clinical nutrition experience.
Gather necessary documentation, including transcripts, professional licenses, and certifications.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Submit your full application package before the closing date.
Monitor your email for status notifications and potential interview requests.

💡 General Tips

Be specific: Clearly describe your paid and volunteer experience in your resume.
Don't assume: The hiring team will only evaluate the information provided in your application materials.
Check your documents: Ensure transcripts clearly show degree conferral and accreditation status.
Address the KSAs: Use your resume to demonstrate how you meet the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities listed in the job description.
Submit early: Don't wait until the deadline to avoid technical issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position open to the public?

Yes, this announcement is open to the public as well as federal employees.

What is the work schedule?

The position follows a standard, consistent schedule of Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Can I work remotely?

This is not a virtual position; however, it offers Ad-Hoc telework opportunities as determined by agency requirements.

Is prior VA experience required?

No, while previous experience in a clinical setting is preferred, we welcome applications from qualified professionals with strong backgrounds in nutrition and patient care.