Advance Your Career as a Dietitian Program Coordinator at the Minneapolis VA
Are you a dedicated clinical dietitian with a passion for leadership and improving patient outcomes? The Minneapolis VA Health Care System is seeking a dynamic individual to serve as a Dietitian (Facility Program Coordinator). This role offers the unique opportunity to manage specialty programs, mentor clinical teams, and contribute to the health and well-being of our nation's Veterans.
About the Minneapolis VA
The Minneapolis VA Health Care System is a premier academic medical center serving over 100,000 Veterans across Minnesota and parts of Wisconsin. We are a Level 1A complexity facility offering comprehensive, multidisciplinary care ranging from surgical and mental health services to advanced geriatrics and neurology. Our team is committed to the "Whole Health" system of care, empowering both staff and patients to achieve their highest level of wellness.
Key Job Responsibilities
As a Facility Program Coordinator, you will wear many hats, transitioning between clinical oversight, administration, and team leadership. Your daily responsibilities will include:
- Program Leadership: Developing and managing program goals, objectives, and fiscal requirements.
- Quality Improvement: Designing and conducting research studies and quality improvement projects to enhance nutritional care.
- Direct Patient Care: Providing high-level medical nutrition therapy, operating within your clinical privileges.
- Staff Management: Supervising and developing a small team, planning work schedules, and conducting performance reviews.
- Technical Advising: Acting as the primary consultant for nutritional services within the facility and communicating findings to regional and national leadership.
Comparison: Standard Dietitian vs. Program Coordinator
| Feature | Standard Dietitian | Program Coordinator |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Direct Patient Care | Clinical & Administrative |
| Scope | Individual Patient Plans | Program Policy & Fiscal Oversight |
| Leadership | Individual Contributor | Supervisory Role |
| Research | Limited | Active Role in Studies & Data Analysis |
Requirements
To be considered for this GS-12 position, you must meet the following criteria:
- Credentials: You must be a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN/RD) with the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
- Experience: One year of professional experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level.
- Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in both written and spoken English.
- Vaccination: Mandatory participation in the VA seasonal influenza program.
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is required.
Salary and Benefits
The salary range for this role is $97,582 to $126,859 per year. Beyond a competitive salary, the Department of Veterans Affairs provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes federal retirement contributions (TSP), health and life insurance, and generous paid time off.
Application Tips
- Be Comprehensive: Use your resume to provide a full picture of your experience, including any volunteer or academic work that demonstrates your leadership.
- Use Data: When describing your accomplishments, use metrics to quantify your success, such as program improvements or research outcomes.
- Follow Procedures: Ensure your SF-50 forms and professional certifications are clearly organized and attached to your application package.
Joining the Minneapolis VA is more than just a job; it is a commitment to excellence in serving those who have served our country. If you have the experience and the drive to lead a clinical nutrition program in a top-rated medical center, we invite you to apply today.
Why This Dietitian (Facility Program Coordinator) Job Matters
Lead a mission-driven nutrition program at the prestigious Minneapolis VA Health Care System and make a lasting impact on the lives of those who served our nation.
Dietitian (Facility Program Coordinator) Job Overview
The Minneapolis VA Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Dietitian to serve as a Facility Program Coordinator. In this vital leadership role, you will oversee program administration, policy development, and quality improvement initiatives while managing a multidisciplinary team. You will directly influence the quality of medical nutrition therapy provided to Veterans, ensuring that our clinical nutrition services meet the highest standards of excellence within an academic medical center environment.
Requirements for Dietitian (Facility Program Coordinator)
- U.S. Citizenship (unless specific exceptions apply under VA policy).
- Must possess a valid Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Registered Dietitian (RD) credential from the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Completion of a 1-year or 2-year trial period.
- Must be able to pass a background/security investigation.
- Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Must maintain current professional registration.
Preferred Qualifications for Dietitian (Facility Program Coordinator)
- Experience managing specialty clinical nutrition programs or related healthcare services.
- Proven background in supervising, mentoring, and developing staff.
- Demonstrated skill in coordinating multidisciplinary team services.
- Strong proficiency in developing and implementing comprehensive medical nutrition therapy protocols.
- Experience in data collection, statistical analysis, and quality improvement research.
- Ability to effectively translate program goals into measurable clinical outcomes.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary and annual raises.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
- ✓Generous paid time off, including sick and annual leave.
- ✓Robust federal retirement system (FERS) including TSP matching.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
- ✓Life and long-term care insurance options.
💡 How to Apply Dietitian (Facility Program Coordinator) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Dietitian (Facility Program Coordinator) Job
- Log into your USAJOBS account or create a new profile.
- Prepare a detailed, long-form resume that highlights your clinical and administrative experience.
- Gather necessary documentation, including your professional certifications and relevant SF-50 forms.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the application portal.
- Submit your full application package, including all required documents, before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific: Do not leave room for assumptions. Detail your experience clearly in your resume, linking past achievements to the required KSA's.
- Include both paid and volunteer experience: Your work in community or professional organizations counts if it builds relevant competencies.
- Review your documents: Ensure your certifications are current and that your resume clearly outlines your supervisory roles.
- Monitor the portal: You can check your application status directly through your USAJOBS dashboard at any time.
- Address the KSAs: Providing written responses to the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities requirements is highly recommended to strengthen your package.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for telework?
Yes, ad-hoc telework may be authorized for this role, though it is not a virtual position and requires presence at the Minneapolis facility.
What is the key requirement for the influenza vaccination?
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a mandatory condition of employment for all VA Health Care Personnel, unless a valid medical or religious exemption is granted.
What level of experience is required for this grade?
Applicants must demonstrate at least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level, specifically focusing on program leadership and technical advisory capacity.
What is the trial period?
As a condition of federal employment, you will serve a 1- or 2-year trial period to evaluate your performance and fitness for the role.
Can I submit a short resume?
We encourage all applicants to provide a detailed, long-form curriculum vitae that highlights both clinical and supervisory experience.