Entry Level Healthcare Informatics Jobs in Alabama

Summary
This position is a Dietitian (Informatics) at the full performance level within Nutrition and Food Service. Incumbent possess comprehensive knowledge of food-service technology and are responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing technology to support food service operations. They lead continuous evaluation and improvement efforts to enhance service quality, efficiency, and patient outcomes.
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Duties
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Duties associated with this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Uses available technology to enhance the work of all employees within NFS.
• Manages VHA supported software programs and/or commercial off-the-shelf software (COTS) to support the effective management of food operations and patient meal services.
• Enters and maintains ingredients, recipes, nutritional information and menus.
• Oversees the technology used for meal production, meal service and temperature control.
• Leads a menu committee.
• Ensures recipes are standardized.
• Costs out recipes and assures that they are within budgetary constraints.
• Creates and revises menus, considering VA established guidelines, policy, patient preference, and religious and cultural considerations.
• Completes nutrient analyses of regular and modified menus and ensures menus follow required diet guidelines.
• Develops and maintains training and reference materials for the Nutrition and Communication Center (NCC).
• Manages productivity reports for the NCC.
• Completes audits for the NCC, determination action plans when results require corrective measures.
• Coordinates and supports downtime procedures for the NCC, ensuring procedures remain up to date.
• Coordinates all aspects of training related to computer systems, menus and informatics for NFS employees.
• Collaborates with the clinical nutrition section and leadership to ensure the enhancement of the Veterans dining experience.
• Supports patient satisfaction within NFS.
• Acts as a department Automated Data Processing Application Coordinator (ADPAC) between administration, food services, clinical staff, and the Office of Information Technology (OI&T) regarding clinical information system processes.
• Manages and updates the service SharePoint site.
• May perform other related duties as assigned which are appropriate for this grade and assignment.

Work Schedule: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Your work schedule may be adjusted to meet the needs of the agency.
Telework: Authorized (Ad-hoc as determined by the agency policy)
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: PD99526S
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Requirements
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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:

• 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-11 Full Performance Level. Dietitian (Informatics) Experience Requirement: In addition to meeting the basic requirements, to qualify for the GS-11 you must possess at least 1 year of experience as an RDN/RD equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09) which demonstrates the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Skill in managing computer software programs relative to food service systems.
• Skill in applying nutritional knowledge to develop menus ensuring nutritional standards are met.
• Skill in developing training and reference materials.
• Skill in evaluating data to improve outcomes.
• Skill in providing training related to food service systems technology.
• Skill in collaborating with stakeholders.

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.
Education
ACEND accredited programs are located on the ACEND website or at ACEND Accredited Programs Directory.
Additional information
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.
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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
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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.
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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.