Department of Veterans Affairs | Corpus Christi, TX
Pay Grade: GS-07 to GS-11
Compensation: $50,203 – $96,584 per year (depending on qualification level)
Schedule: Full-time | Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM.
Appointment Type: Permanent | Not remote | Up to 50% travel required
Application Period: October 31, 2025 – October 30, 2026
About the Role
The Department of Veterans Affairs seeks a Clinical Dietitian to serve Veterans enrolled in the Home-Based Primary Care (HBPC) program. This position plays a vital role in coordinating and delivering comprehensive nutritional care to Veterans in collaboration with caregivers, healthcare professionals, and community partners. The Clinical Dietitian applies whole-health principles and evidence-based nutrition practices to design patient-centered care plans and enhance health outcomes.
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Core Responsibilities
Clinical Dietitians in this role independently assess, plan, and implement Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) through the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) framework. Responsibilities include:
- Conducting detailed nutritional assessments and identifying levels of malnutrition.
- Developing and implementing tailored nutrition plans that align with each Veteran’s health goals.
- Monitoring and documenting patient progress using the ADIME format.
- Utilizing virtual care tools to increase accessibility for home-based Veterans.
- Recommending nutritional support and collaborating with interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
- Providing individual and group nutrition education to Veterans and their caregivers.
- Participating in team meetings to ensure integrated and continuous care.
- Supporting quality improvement initiatives and compliance with Joint Commission standards.
- Partnering with Food Operations to improve the Veterans’ dining experience and patient satisfaction.
Qualifications and Experience
Basic Requirements:
- U.S. citizenship.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Registration as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Registered Dietitian (RD) with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
Exception for Entry-Level (GS-07 & GS-09):
Non-credentialed dietitians may qualify temporarily if they:
- Hold a bachelor’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited university.
- Have completed an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program with verification of eligibility for the CDR exam.
Grade-Level Criteria:
- GS-07 (Entry Level): Developmental position under supervision. Focus on basic assessments and record keeping.
- GS-09 (Intermediate Level): One year of experience at GS-07 or a master’s degree. Must demonstrate ability in NCP delivery, virtual care, and data collection for performance improvement.
- GS-11 (Full Performance Level): One year of professional experience as an RDN. Expected to manage nutrition care independently, interpret research, and lead performance improvement initiatives.
Preferred Experience:
- Minimum one year as a registered dietitian.
- Experience in outpatient nutrition care for adults.
- Proven ability to plan, develop, and direct nutrition programs independently.
Work Environment and Physical Standards
The Clinical Dietitian must meet vision and hearing standards required to operate a government vehicle safely. The role involves regular home visits to Veterans, requiring up to 50% travel within the region.
Educational Verification
The U.S. Department of Education must recognize all education. Candidates using foreign degrees must provide a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency and validation from ACEND.
Employment and Benefits Information
This permanent position falls under the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. Selected applicants may be eligible for service credit toward annual leave based on their prior work or military experience.
Participation in seasonal influenza vaccination and successful completion of background checks are mandatory. All male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service.
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Why Join the VA
The Department of Veterans Affairs is committed to providing Veterans with world-class health care. As part of the Home-Based Primary Care team, the Clinical Dietitian ensures that every Veteran receives compassionate, personalized nutrition support—improving both their health and quality of life.
Application Process
Interested candidates may apply through USAJobs under announcement number CAZM-12828135-26-EMG. Applications will remain open until all vacancies are filled, with the first review on November 7, 2025.
Applicants are encouraged to update their materials within 90 days to remain under consideration. For additional guidance, visit www.va.gov/jobs or contact the VA recruitment office directly.
