Description

Here at the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), we are passionate about our mission of “Serving Those Who Served.” As a national leader in our advocacy for more than 500,000 veterans and their family members, we strive to connect them to earned benefits as well as innovative programs focused on their overall health and wellness. In addition, we provide critical community services through a variety of programs, and at our four State Veterans Homes located in Orting, Port Orchard, Spokane, and Walla Walla. These locations provide Medicare and Medicaid nursing home care to honorably discharged veterans, including, in some instances, their spouses, widows, or Gold Star.

We are in need of a Dietician 1 to provide professional level nutrition assessments, education and nutrition therapy to residents in our Washington Veterans Home. In addition, you'll provide individual consultation with residents and staff to obtain necessary information in assessing the nutritional needs of the residents. We're also looking for someone with the ability to train and lead other health care professionals in the clinical application of nutrition principles.

Providing this type of care ensures optimum clinical nutrition care for our residents. Bring your passion and skills to our team by applying now!

Duties

Some of what you'll be doing includes:

• Creating and maintaining individualized resident care plans, including nutritional assessments, identifying issues and approaches, and monitoring the effectiveness of the plan.
• Reviewing and revising menus for modified diet needs.
• Assisting with planning and implementation of nutrition programs for staff and residents.
• Charting notes to determine effectiveness, residence compliance, etc.
• Interpreting diet prescriptions and menus to ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines and departmental policies and procedures.
• Participating in quality assessment and improvement measures to promote positive nutritional outcomes.
• Training entry level dietetic professionals and interns on nutrition principles and the dietary needs of the residents.
• Participating in quality assurance monitoring and program implementation.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in food and nutrition or dietetics which meets the educational standards established by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
• Registration by the Commission of Dietetics Registration (RD/RDN).
• Certified Dietitian with the Washington State Department of Health (or within 6 months of hire).
• Valid WA State Food Handlers permit and thorough knowledge of food safety practices.

Desired:

• At least two years of recent experience as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, preferably in a long-term care environment.
• Certified Diabetes Educator.
• Serve Safe certified.
• Certified specialist in Gerontological Nutrition.
• Experience with Point Click Care and/or other electronic medical record programs.
• Knowledge of therapeutic diet planning, preparation and serving of special diets, and sanitary methods of food handling.

Supplemental Information

Check out this awesome video here to see what it is like to work for the WDVA!

Application Process:
The top candidates will be contacted directly to interview for this position. Because the selection will be based on information provided by you, it is in your best interest to identify the knowledge, skills and abilities that address the mandatory and desirable qualifications described below.

Please include the following documents with your application:
1. A letter of interest describing specific qualifications.
2. A current resume detailing applicable experience and education.

Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least three professional references with current telephone numbers.

Other Information:

• Per Governor Inslee’s Proclamation 21-14.1, state employees must be fully vaccinated no later than October 18, 2021. Your vaccine status will be verified at New Employee Orientation.
• Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License.
• This position is represented by WFSE.

Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers. For further information please contact us at: recruiters@dva.wa.gov.
Here at YOUR Washington Department of Veterans Affairs our employees come from all walks of life. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

We believe in the importance of recognizing the value each of us contribute to the success of the mission of the agency. Having a diverse workforce is this agency’s greatest resource of strength and knowledge. It is through the combination of talents and abilities that we can pursue finding effective measures on how we can provide the best customer service. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone.

The State of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need assistance in the application process or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call (360) 725-2183. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.

You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our award-winning diverse and inclusive organization.

If you have any questions regarding this announcement, program, or the agency please contact Ashley Harris at recruiters@dva.wa.gov .