Dietitian (Dietetic Internship Director)

Tucson, AZ (On-site)

$91K/yr – $119K/yrFull time

Posted 5 weeks ago

Job Description

Summary

The Tucson VA Medical Center's Nutrition and Food Service is hiring a Dietitian (Dietetic Internship Director). The Director oversees all aspects of the accredited dietetic internship, including program planning, supervision, and compliance with ACEND® standards and VA OAA regulations. They ensure smooth daily operations, curriculum quality, and adherence to policies.

Learn more about this agency


This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Internal to an agency

Current federal employees of the hiring agency that posted the job announcement.

Clarification from the agency

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below. First Area of Consideration: Current permanent facility employees of the Tucson VA Medical Center. Second Area of Consideration: Current permanent employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs Third Area of Consideration: All US Citizens


Duties

Include but are not limited to:

  • Develops, documents, tracks, and assesses program goals to ensure the program produces measurable results through evaluation of data and improved program outcomes and customer experience. - Writes the self-study for re-accreditation.
  • Facilitates the ACEND® site visit.
  • Maintains up-to-date program information accessible through online sources.
  • Coordinates program marketing events such as an intern open house, and outreach events.
  • Executes the selection process for dietetic interns, maintaining all records as required by ACEND ®.
  • Establishes an intern selection committee, selection criteria for application to the program and reviewing and evaluating all applications prior to selection.
  • Plans and coordinates intern rotations, class schedules and outside seminars with preceptors, presenters, and community affiliations.
  • Establishes, administers, maintains, and coordinates affiliations with community programs (local food bank; Women, Infants and Children; etc.) and/or with affiliated universities for the combined master's intern program curriculum.
  • Coordinates maintenance of affiliation agreements between the VA facility and affiliated agencies.
  • Resolves policy, program and project issues associated with combined master's program and outside affiliations.
  • Coordinates preceptor training and ensures ongoing preceptor competency.
  • Provides direction, orientation, coaching, in-service training, and ongoing educational programs related to the dietetic internship program.
  • Ensures timely completion of rotation evaluations.
  • Meets with interns to ensure progress towards program completion. When issues arise, creates action plans that give the intern every opportunity available to meet the requirements for graduation

Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday thru Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Compressed/Flexible:This position is not authorized a compress schedule.
Telework: Ad-hoc telework is approved, and determined by the Service Manager.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: PD000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized.
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
  • Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
  • Subject to background/security investigation.
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
  • Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
  • your performance and conduct;
  • the needs and interests of the agency;
  • whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
  • whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:
Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
Basic Requirements:
United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
English Language Proficiency. Dietitians must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d).
Education and Supervised Practice (1) The individual must have earned a bachelor's degree from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university or foreign equivalent and fulfilled each of the following criteria: (a) Completed a didactic program in dietetics accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), formerly known as the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetic Education (CADE). (b) Completed an ACEND accredited or approved supervised practice program. Supervised practice programs are post-baccalaureate degree programs that provide supervised practice experiences which meet the eligibility requirements and accreditation standards of ACEND, formally known as CADE. Completion of a coordinated program in dietetics fulfills the requirements of a supervised practice program. Time spent in a dietetic internship or supervised practice program does not qualify as creditable experience.
Registration/Certification. All applicants must be registered with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) the credentialing branch of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics formerly known as the American Dietetic Association (ADA). Advanced Level Practice Dietitians must possess a minimum of one advanced practice credential relevant to the area of practice, (e.g. Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC), Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition (CSR), Board Certified Specialist in Gerontological Nutrition (CSG), Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE), or Board Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition (CSO)).
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
Preferred Experience: None
Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates.
GS-12 - Dietetic Internship Director
(1) Experience. Three years of experience post registration
(2) Education. Individuals assigned as Dietetic Internship Director must possess a Master's degree or higher from an accredited university or college.
(3) Assignment: For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty) and variety and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Employees in this assignment serve as Dietetic Internship Director. They are responsible for administering all aspects of an accredited dietetic internship program. Dietetic Internship Directors oversee the daily operations of the program and ensure education, curriculum, policies and procedures are in compliance with the ACEND® requirements and are compatible with regulations and procedures for Associated Health Trainees set forth by the VA Office of Academic Affiliations. They develop, document, track and assess program goals to ensure the program produces measurable results through data evaluation and improved program outcomes and customer experience. Dietetic Internship Directors are responsible for writing the self-study for re-accreditation and facilitating the ACEND® site visit. They are responsible for maintaining up-to-date program information accessible through online sources, coordinating program marketing events such as an intern open house, outreach and selection of dietetic interns. This includes establishing an intern selection committee, selection criteria for application to the program and reviewing and evaluating all applications prior to selection. Dietetic Internship Directors are responsible for planning and coordinating intern rotations, class schedules and outside seminars with preceptors, presenters and community affiliations. This may include establishing, administering, maintaining and coordinating affiliations with community programs (local food bank; Women, Infants and Children; etc.) and/or with affiliated universities for the combined master's intern program curriculum. They coordinate maintenance of affiliation agreements between the VA facility and affiliated agencies and resolve policy, program and project issues associated with combined master's program and outside affiliations. 15 Dietetic Internship Directors provide and/or coordinate preceptor training and ensure ongoing preceptor competency. They provide direction, orientation, coaching, in-service training and ongoing education programs related to the dietetic internship program. Dietetic Internship Directors ensure timely completion of rotation evaluation and meet with interns to ensure progress towards program completion. They issue the trainee verification statement of internship completion and maintain permanent records as required by ACEND®. In accordance with ACEND® requirements, Dietetic Internship Directors in VA must be full-time employees.
(4) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*):

  • Skill in utilizing data for program improvement to ensure compliance with various accrediting, regulatory and agency authorities.
  • Ability to coordinate class schedules, training activities, seminars and supervised practice experience within the health care system and affiliated sites.
  • Ability to implement all aspects of an internship program including developing program goals and objectives, curriculum and policies and procedures to ensure compliance with accreditation and regulatory requirements.
  • Ability to oversee the process for the selection of students for the internship program. (e) Ability to evaluate progress towards meeting core competencies
References: VA Handbook 5005/80, Part II, Appendix G20, dated September 5, 2014, Transmitted on October 14, 2022.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12.
Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre-placement physical examination is not required.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Education

ACEND accredited programs are located on the ACEND website or at ACEND Accredited Programs Directory.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.


Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.


How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.


Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

  • Resume
  • Transcript

Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field.
Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field.
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (Schedule A)
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • License
  • RDN credential
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • SF-15
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript

Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.


How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 08/12/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13025778.

  • To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
  • Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

Agency contact information

Cesar Ruiz Jimenez
Phone
562-826-8000 X16245
Email
Cesar.RuizJimenez@va.gov
Address
Tucson VA Medical Center
3601 South Sixth Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85723
US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.


Overview

Accepting applications
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Tucson, AZ
No matching locations found.
Work site options
Telework eligible
No
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$91,205 - $118,569 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 12
Promotion potential
12
Learn more about pay scale and grade
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
Not required
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
  • 0630 Dietitian And Nutritionist
Supervisory status
Yes
Federal service type
This job is in the Excepted Service
Represented by a union
No
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Other
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
  • Credentialing
  • Suitability/Fitness
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
CBSX-13025778-26-CR
Control number
879077800
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U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

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Founded in 1930
Washington, District of Columbia, USA
199K employees

Salaries

Posted range

$91K/yr – $119K/yr

Taken straight from the job posting.

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Dietitian (Dietetic Internship Director)

US Department of Veterans Affairs · Tucson, AZ · On-site