Advance Your Career as a Clinical Dietitian with the VA
Are you a Registered Dietitian looking to transition into a role that directly impacts the lives of those who served our nation? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a motivated and skilled Clinical Dietitian to join the Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) team at the VA Black Hills Health Care System in Fort Meade, South Dakota. This unique position blends high-level clinical autonomy with the rewarding experience of community-based patient care.
Job Responsibilities
As an HBPC Dietitian, you serve as the medical nutrition expert for your assigned patient panel. Your daily duties will include:
- Comprehensive Assessment: Utilizing the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) and conducting nutrition-focused physical exams.
- Intervention: Developing Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) plans that are both evidence-based and patient-centered.
- Documentation: Maintaining accurate medical records using the ADIME (Assessment, Diagnosis, Intervention, Monitoring, Evaluation) format.
- Technology Integration: Leveraging virtual care tools to improve patient access to nutrition counseling.
- Leadership: Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to improve dining experiences and patient outcomes.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, candidates must meet the following federal standards:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen (exceptions possible per VA policy) |
| Education | Bachelor’s or higher from a regionally accredited institution |
| Credential | Valid RDN or RD credential from the CDR |
| Experience | Varies by Grade (GS-7 to GS-11) |
| Compliance | Ability to pass background/security checks and physical exam |
Salary and Benefits
This position is structured within the GS pay scale with a range of $50,460 to $97,087 per year. In addition to competitive pay, the VA offers a robust benefits package, including:
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Federal retirement contributions (FERS).
- Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual.
- Potential for recruitment incentives for highly qualified applicants.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should apply via the USAJOBS portal. Ensure your application includes a detailed resume, proof of your RDN credential, and all relevant transcripts. If you are a Veteran, please include your DD-214 to ensure appropriate preference is applied.
If you are ready to combine your clinical expertise with a spirit of service, the VA Black Hills Health Care System welcomes your application. Join our mission to care for those who have borne the battle and enjoy a fulfilling professional life in the scenic Black Hills.
Why This Dietitian (Clinical) - Home Based Primary Care Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on Veteran health by providing specialized nutrition care in the comfort of their own homes. Join the VA Black Hills team and advance your career in a supportive, scenic, and tax-friendly environment.
Dietitian (Clinical) - Home Based Primary Care Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Clinical Dietitian to join our Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) program in Fort Meade, South Dakota. As an essential member of our interdisciplinary healthcare team, you will act as the primary nutrition expert, delivering evidence-based Medical Nutrition Therapy directly to Veterans. This role offers the opportunity to practice autonomously, utilize virtual care technologies, and play a vital part in improving patient outcomes through tailored, patient-centered nutrition strategies.
Requirements for Dietitian (Clinical) - Home Based Primary Care
- U.S. Citizenship (exceptions may apply per VA policy).
- Current registration as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Registered Dietitian (RD) with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
- Bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution (or equivalent).
- Successful completion of an ACEND-accredited experiential/supervised practice program.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment physical examination and background investigation.
- Valid driver's license for travel requirements.
- Commitment to receiving annual seasonal influenza vaccinations.
Preferred Qualifications for Dietitian (Clinical) - Home Based Primary Care
- Demonstrated ability to work self-directed with minimal supervision in a community-based setting.
- Experience in Home Based Primary Care or similar field-based clinical environments.
- Strong proficiency in virtual care platforms and telehealth nutrition services.
- Proven expertise in the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) and ADIME documentation.
- Experience collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to improve quality outcomes.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with recruitment incentive potential
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and retirement plans
- ✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
- ✓Opportunity to reside in a state with zero state income tax
- ✓Professional development and continuing education support
- ✓Access to VA-wide career advancement opportunities
💡 How to Apply Dietitian (Clinical) - Home Based Primary Care Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Dietitian (Clinical) - Home Based Primary Care Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a comprehensive, long-form resume or CV.
- Gather supporting documents such as transcripts, RDN credentials, and SF-50s if applicable.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the application portal.
- Submit your complete application package before the deadline of 11:59 PM (ET) on January 22, 2027.
💡 General Tips
- Tailor your resume to reflect the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) listed in the job description.
- Be specific about your experience—use clear examples of how you have applied nutrition practices in clinical settings.
- Ensure your transcripts and verification statements are clearly legible and uploaded correctly.
- If you are a Veteran, ensure you upload your DD-214 and any relevant SF-15 documents to claim your preference points.
- Submit early to avoid technical issues on the closing date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for relocation incentives?
While recruitment incentives may be available for highly qualified candidates, Permanent Change of Station (PCS) relocation benefits are not authorized for this specific vacancy.
What is the work environment like?
This is a field-based role involving regular travel to provide care in Veteran homes. It requires self-direction and the ability to operate comfortably in community settings.
What happens if I am a non-credentialed dietitian?
Non-credentialed dietitians who meet all other basic educational requirements may be eligible for a one-year temporary appointment at the GS-07 or GS-09 level while pursuing their RDN credential.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The VA Black Hills Health Care System (VA BHHCS) is committed to providing comprehensive, whole-health care to Veterans. Situated in the beautiful Black Hills, we serve a wide region including Western South Dakota, Northern Nebraska, and Eastern Wyoming. Working with the VA offers not just a job, but a mission. Our employees enjoy the benefits of living in a state known for its safety, outdoor recreation, and, notably, its lack of state income tax.