Supervisory Dietitian (Food Operations)

The Supervisory Dietitian (Food Operations) assignment oversees a food service and production operation, providing administrative and technical supervision over staff at the Nashville VA Medical Center within Tennessee Valley Healthcare System. The Supervisory Dietitian is responsible for the execution of Food Service and Production operations to meet individual meal needs through Veteran-centric, "Food Forward" meal programs with conventional cooking, convenience cooking, advance food preparation and delivery, room service, or a combination of food production and service modalities. They supervise wage grade and/or wage series positions which includes at least a supervisor or leader and other wage grade/wage series positions. Major Duties Include: Serves as professional and technical advisor to staff and other health care professionals. Represents the food operations section on projects, committees and/or workgroups within the department and the facility. Assumes full responsibility for planning, directing, and assessing the work and competence of subordinate staff. Develops procedures and guidelines for food operations. Coordinates food service operation policies and procedures with clinical nutrition management, nursing, and other services, as applicable. Monitors compliance with regulatory standards, policies, and procedures. Participates in performance improvement efforts within the Food Service Operations section, acting on quality improvement data and plans. Completes internal audits of food service and food production. Completes routine kitchen inspections. Leads the action planning process to attain goals and resolve deficiencies. Implements the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) program ensuring that requisitioning, receipt/storage, preparation and service of food conforms to quality/quantity standards. Evaluates food operations to ensure proper allocation of resources. Devises solutions and implements action plans to resolve issues and meet service goals and objectives leading to improved patient satisfaction and quality food operations. Participates in an active patient test tray program including evaluation of overall tray accuracy, food safety, quality and palatability, temperature, exceptional service, and implementing similar evaluations for bulk service settings, such as dining rooms or cafeteria settings. Ensures menus meet nutritional and budgetary requirements. Assesses technological equipment innovations and reviews specifications, making recommendations for equipment purchases. Builds and implements contingency plans within the section, ensuring continuity of food operations during internal and external emergency situations and unusual circumstances. Manages emergency feeding cache and ensures menus and supplies meet facility and The Joint Commission requirements. Executes the training plan for the food operations section. Orients and trains employees related to food service and food production and appropriate policies and procedures. Assists with new employee onboarding in food service and food production. Collaborates with the clinical nutrition staff, bridging the work of the food service section with the nutritional care plans for Veterans. May perform other duties as assigned which are appropriate for this grade and assignment. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:00am to 3:30pm Telework: Available- adhoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: PD99520S Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized 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. Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Registered Dietitian (RD) • 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). Current VHA Dietitians that qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision may not be promoted to a higher grade if they do not meet the current RDN/RD requirements. Grade Determinations: GS-12 Supervisory Dietitian (Food Operations) Experience Requirement: One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs • Knowledge of standards to assess staff compliance and implement performance improvements. • Skill in establishing goals and objectives in order to coordinate activities, evaluate accomplishments and solve problems. • Skill in applying nutritional knowledge to ensure menus meet nutrition standards. • Ability to utilize Evidence-Based Nutrition Practice Guidelines in order to develop, implement and coordinate best practices. • Ability to serve as a food operations expert, providing technical guidance, direction and staff development. • Ability to supervise subordinate staff (i.e., plan, organize, delegate, direct, control and review activities and performance).- Ability to analyze data in order to recommend allocation of resources. Preferred Experience: Food Service/Food Operations experience in a hospital setting. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. 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. 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 may 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. ACEND accredited programs are located on the ACEND website or at ACEND Accredited Programs Directory.