Clinical Dietitian Career Opportunity: Home Based Primary Care at the VA
Are you a dedicated Registered Dietitian looking to make a transformative difference in the lives of those who have served our country? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a motivated, independent, and clinically skilled Dietitian to join the Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) team at the Fort Meade campus in South Dakota. This role offers the chance to practice at the top of your license, utilizing the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) to improve health outcomes for Veterans within their own homes.
Job Responsibilities
As a Clinical Dietitian (HBPC), you are a vital member of the medical team. Your daily responsibilities will include:
- Comprehensive Nutrition Assessment: Performing nutrition-focused physical exams and establishing diagnoses to identify malnutrition risks.
- Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT): Creating and monitoring personalized nutrition plans, adjusting as needed based on patient progress.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Working with medical teams, food operations staff, and caregivers to ensure holistic care.
- Virtual Care: Leveraging digital tools to provide remote nutrition counseling, expanding access for homebound Veterans.
- Continuous Improvement: Leading initiatives to evaluate data and improve the quality and safety of patient care.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Education: A bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited institution and completion of an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program.
- Credentialing: Current RDN/RD registration with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
- Citizenship: U.S. citizenship is required.
- Proficiency: Must be fluent in English and capable of passing a suitability background check.
- Transportation: A valid driver's license is required, as the role involves significant travel.
Salary Overview
| Grade Level | Education/Experience Requirements |
|---|---|
| GS-07 | Basic requirements (Entry level) |
| GS-09 | One year of specialized experience OR Master's degree |
| GS-11 | One year of experience equivalent to GS-09 |
The salary range for this position is $50,460 to $97,087 per year, commensurate with qualifications and grade determination.
Benefits
Working for the VA provides access to one of the most comprehensive federal benefits packages available, including:
- Health and Wellness: Multiple federal health insurance, dental, and vision plan options.
- Retirement: Defined benefit pension plan paired with a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
- Time Off: Generous accrual of paid vacation (annual leave) and sick leave.
- Professional Growth: Consistent opportunities for continuing education and interdisciplinary training.
Application Tips
- Be Specific: In your resume, quantify your accomplishments. Don't just list tasks; describe the impact of your nutrition interventions.
- Documentation: Ensure all transcripts and professional certifications (RDN) are clearly uploaded. Omissions may cause delays in your consideration.
- KSA Emphasis: Address the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities listed in the job announcement directly within your resume or cover letter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the work schedule like? A: This is a full-time position with a typical schedule of 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
Q: Is there any flexibility for remote work? A: This is not a virtual position; it requires an on-site presence at the Fort Meade campus and frequent travel to patient homes.
If you are a clinical professional seeking a career that balances high-level medical autonomy with the mission of serving Veterans, this role at the VA Black Hills Health Care System is an ideal fit. Apply by January 22, 2027, to begin your journey with one of the most impactful healthcare organizations in the nation.
Why This Dietitian (Clinical) - Home Based Primary Care Job Matters
Empower our Veterans with expert nutrition care while enjoying the legendary landscapes of the Black Hills of South Dakota.
Dietitian (Clinical) - Home Based Primary Care Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Clinical Dietitian to join our Home Based Primary Care team at the Fort Meade campus. In this role, you will serve as the primary medical nutrition expert, functioning with autonomy to develop and implement evidence-based nutrition therapy for Veterans. This position offers a unique opportunity to provide holistic, patient-centered care while working within a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment dedicated to serving those who have served our nation.
Requirements for Dietitian (Clinical) - Home Based Primary Care
- U.S. Citizenship (exceptions apply for non-citizens per VA policy).
- Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Registered Dietitian (RD) credential from the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
- Bachelor's degree or higher from a U.S. regionally accredited institution or foreign equivalent evaluated by ACEND.
- Completion of an ACEND-accredited experiential or supervised practice program.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Ability to pass a background and security investigation.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Possession of a valid driver's license for frequent travel.
Preferred Qualifications for Dietitian (Clinical) - Home Based Primary Care
- Experience in clinical settings utilizing the Nutrition Care Process (NCP).
- Demonstrated ability to function independently with minimal supervision.
- Skill in utilizing virtual care platforms for patient nutrition counseling.
- Ability to analyze clinical data for performance improvement.
- Proven success in collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and stakeholders.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
- ✓Generous paid annual and sick leave accrual.
- ✓Federal retirement pension and Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style).
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
- ✓Competitive salary progression based on experience and education.
- ✓Work-life balance in a region with no state income tax.
💡 How to Apply Dietitian (Clinical) - Home Based Primary Care Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Dietitian (Clinical) - Home Based Primary Care Job
- Log in or create an account on the federal employment portal.
- Prepare your long-form resume or curriculum vitae.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire linked in the announcement.
- Upload all required documentation, including RDN credentials and transcripts.
- Review your application package for accuracy.
- Submit your application before the closing date of January 22, 2027.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume is detailed, clearly linking your experience to the KSA (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) requirements.
- Don't assume the hiring team knows your duties; be specific about your clinical experiences.
- Upload all required transcripts and certification documents at the time of application.
- Check your application status regularly through your user dashboard.
- Reach out to the agency contact if you encounter technical difficulties with the online portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote position?
No, this is a traditional, on-site clinical position based at the Fort Meade campus in South Dakota and involves frequent travel for Home Based Primary Care.
Can I apply without the RDN credential?
Only applicants for the GS-07 or GS-09 levels who meet specific educational requirements may be considered for a temporary one-year appointment, provided they do not already possess the RDN credential.
Does the VA offer relocation incentives for this role?
No, relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Providing comprehensive care to millions of Veterans, the VHA is committed to a "Whole Health" approach. Located in the picturesque Black Hills of South Dakota, the VA Black Hills Health Care System (VA BHHCS) offers a unique working environment. South Dakota is known for its high quality of life, lack of state income tax, and unparalleled outdoor recreational opportunities, ranging from the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally to hiking in our national forests.