Advance Your Career: Advanced Level Dietitian with the VA

Are you a dedicated clinical dietitian ready to take the next step into advanced practice? The Central Texas Veterans Health Care System is seeking a highly qualified professional to join our team in Temple, Texas. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of clinical nutrition while providing world-class care to our nation’s Veterans.

Job Responsibilities

As an Advanced Level Dietitian, your responsibilities extend beyond standard patient assessment. You will:

Lead multidisciplinary teams in developing and refining nutrition protocols.
Provide advanced medical nutrition therapy for high-risk patients.
Analyze data to drive performance improvement studies.
Mentor staff and coordinate competency training.
Represent the Nutrition and Food Services department at medical committee meetings.

Comparison: Standard vs. Advanced Level Practice

Feature	Standard Dietitian	Advanced Level Dietitian
Scope of Practice	Clinical/Patient Care	Advanced/Consultative
Leadership	Member of a team	Leads specialty teams
Policy Development	Follows existing protocols	Creates/Updates policies
Strategic Focus	Individual outcomes	Organizational initiatives

Requirements

To be considered for this GS-12 position, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen.
Credentialing: Must be a registered Dietitian (RD/RDN) with the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
Experience: One year of professional experience equivalent to the GS-11 level.
Certification: Must hold a relevant advanced practice certification (e.g., CDCES).
Proficiency: Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory.

Salary Overview

The salary for this position ranges from $89,508 to $116,362 per year, commensurate with your experience and qualifications. Texas offers a competitive cost of living and, notably, no state income tax, making this an ideal location for career growth.

Benefits

Working for the VA provides more than just a paycheck. You will gain access to extensive federal benefits, opportunities for continuous professional development, and the profound satisfaction of serving those who have served our country.

Application Tips

Tailor Your Resume: Clearly map your previous experience to the duties mentioned in the vacancy announcement.
Submit All Docs: Ensure your transcripts, certifications, and any federal service documents (SF-50) are included.
Check for Deadlines: Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on November 3, 2026.

If you are ready to apply your advanced clinical expertise in a supportive, mission-driven environment, we encourage you to apply today. Join the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System and elevate your clinical practice to the next level.

Why This Dietitian - Advanced Level Practice Job Matters

Advance your clinical career by leading cutting-edge nutrition initiatives and providing high-level medical nutrition therapy for our nation's Veterans.

Dietitian - Advanced Level Practice Job Overview

The Central Texas Veterans Health Care System is seeking an experienced, high-level Dietitian to join our team in Temple, Texas. This Advanced Level Practice position involves managing complex nutrition care, leading multidisciplinary specialty teams, and implementing evidence-based clinical protocols. You will be instrumental in improving patient outcomes through strategic nutrition interventions within a major integrated health care network.

Requirements for Dietitian - Advanced Level Practice

U.S. Citizenship.
Registration with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) as a Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level.
Advanced practice certification from a nationally recognized certifying body (e.g., CDCES, BC-ADM, or specialty board certifications).
Ability to complete a 1 or 2-year trial period.
Compliance with annual seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.

Preferred Qualifications for Dietitian - Advanced Level Practice

Certification as a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) or Board Certified-Advanced Diabetes Management (BC-ADM).
Extensive background in managing medical nutrition therapy for complex, high-risk inpatient and outpatient populations.
Demonstrated ability to lead organizational initiatives and mentor staff in clinical settings.
Experience in publishing or presenting professional nutrition research.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary and comprehensive compensation package.
✓Opportunity to work in a Level 1A complexity medical center.
✓Professional development and staff leadership opportunities.
✓Ad-hoc telework options available based on supervisor approval.
✓Access to a vast network of VA facilities across Central Texas.
✓Excellent work-life balance in a region with no state income tax.

💡 How to Apply Dietitian - Advanced Level Practice Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Dietitian - Advanced Level Practice Job

Create a USAJOBS account if you do not already have one.
Prepare your long-form resume or CV detailing your specialized clinical experience.
Gather necessary documentation, including professional certifications, transcripts, and any relevant SF-50s or veterans' preference documents.
Complete the mandatory online occupational questionnaire.
Submit your full application package via the USAJOBS portal by the closing date of November 3, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Be explicit in your resume; do not assume the hiring panel knows your specific scope of practice.
Highlight your leadership experience in multidisciplinary settings.
Ensure your certification is current and directly related to the advanced practice assignment.
Review your application package twice to ensure all required supporting documents are attached to avoid disqualification.
Use the 'Status' tab in your USAJOBS account to track the progress of your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of this Advanced Level Dietitian role?

The role focuses on providing complex medical nutrition therapy, leading multidisciplinary teams, developing institutional nutrition policies, and driving performance improvement initiatives.

Is this a remote or virtual position?

No, this is an on-site position based in Temple, Texas. However, ad-hoc telework may be available at the discretion of your supervisor.

What certifications are required for this position?

You must be a Registered Dietitian (RD/RDN) and hold an advanced practice certification from a nationally recognized body, such as CDCES or a Board Certified Specialist credential.

What is the promotion potential for this position?

*A: This position is at the GS-12 grade level with no further promotion potential specified for this particular announcement.*

Is there a trial period?

*A: Yes, successful candidates must complete a 1 or 2-year trial period to evaluate performance and conduct.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Our mission is to fulfill President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." The Central Texas Veterans Health Care System (CTVHCS) provides comprehensive care through a network of hospitals and clinics, serving 39 counties across the heart of Texas.