Public Health Nutrition Assistant

State Of Vermont Dept Health; St. Albans (VT); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid holidays

Retirement benefits

Job summary

The Vermont Department of Health - St. Albans District Office is seeking a Nutrition Assistant to support WIC participants with certification, nutrition education, and collaborative program duties in a hybrid (in-person/remote) setting.

This fast-paced role blends education, participant support, and administrative tasks, requiring strong communication, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to coordinate translators and community partners as needed.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in a health-related field or 2 years' health experience.
• Strong communication and counseling skills.
• Ability to work in a hybrid in-person/remote setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide WIC certification services and nutrition education to participants.
• Use motivational interviewing to address nutrition questions.
• Coordinate interpretation services for participants and partners.
• Assist with planning caregiver/child nutrition education activities.
• Help with enrollment, recruitment, retention and office operations.

Skills

Nutrition education

Motivational interviewing

Interpersonal communication

Cultural competence

Education

Associate’s degree in health-related field OR 2 years health experience

Tools

Scheduling system

Interpretation coordination

Job description

Overview

The Vermont Department of Health - St. Albans District Office is seeking a dynamic and organized Nutrition Assistant to join our collaborative team of public health professionals serving families in Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. In this role, you will directly support the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), helping protect and promote the best health for all Vermonters.

Overview

The Vermont Department of Health - St. Albans District Office is seeking a dynamic and organized Nutrition Assistant to join our collaborative team of public health professionals serving families in Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. In this role, you will directly support the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), helping protect and promote the best health for all Vermonters.

This is a full-time, hybrid in person and remote position that blends nutrition education, participant support, and program administration duties in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.

What You'll Do

• Provide one-on-one certification services, nutrition education, and support to WIC participants
• Use motivational interviewing and problem-solving skills to address nutrition related questions from participants and community partners
• Deliver culturally sensitive and inclusive services, including coordinating and utilizing in-person and telephonic interpretation services
• Assist with planning and coordinating caregiver and child health nutrition education activities in the WIC office and with community partners
• Support clerical staff with duties that support enrollment, recruitment, retention, and overall office operations

What to Expect

This is a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. Telephones ring frequently, and staff actively manage multiple online platforms, including a texting system, office email, participant portal, and WIC electronic scheduling system. There are frequent occasions you may engage in office-wide and program initiatives, including lactation support, lead screening, and emergency preparedness efforts. The ideal candidate can move seamlessly between tasks, stay organized amid regular interruptions, while always maintaining a welcoming and professional presence.

Division Of Local Health - Who We Are

The Division of Local Health works to preserve and improve the equitable social, economic, and environmental conditions necessary to attain the highest level of health and well-being for all, thus ensuring healthy Vermonters. The Division of Local Health is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming environment that respects and celebrates every person's strength, assets, and values. The Division of Local Health is committed to leading organizational change efforts that address avoidable inequities and injustices as we work towards the elimination of health and health care disparities.

TELEWORK

The Department of Health supports a hybrid work environment which combines both in person and remote work. Upon hire, employees work with their supervisor to create a schedule that aligns with the business needs of the unit and complies with State of Vermont policy. We believe a hybrid work environment promotes autonomy and allows for increased flexibility and greater work/life balance.

MISSION

Promote the physical, mental, and social well-being of people in Vermont by advancing equity, protecting against disease and injury, and preparing for health emergencies.

VISION

All people and communities in Vermont have equitable opportunities to achieve their highest level of health and well-being.

VALUES

• Equity: We aim to center health justice and address racism and all forms of oppression in our programs and policies, our approach to collaboration, and how we build and nurture our workforce.
• Collaboration: We engage with staff and partners to understand complex problems and design responsive solutions.
• Inclusion: We support a culture of belonging and diversity where people are valued, trusted, and able to be their authentic selves.
• Harmony: We endorse a balanced, thoughtful, and intentional work environment that allows employees to care for themselves, their families, and the people they serve.
• Data: We strive for scientific excellence and cultural responsiveness in the collection, analysis, sharing and use of data.

Who May Apply

This position, Public Health Nutrition Assistant (Job Requisition #55918), is open to all State employees and external applicants.

Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.

AHS BACKGROUND CHECKS: Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.

Environmental Factors

Duties primarily performed in District Office settings or in outlying service sites.
Travel to outlying sites will require a driver's license. Private means of transportation may be required.
Occasional travel to statewide trainings required. Potential travel in difficult weather conditions.
There is considerable interaction with staff, clients, community partners, providers and the general public. At times of public health emergencies (floods, infectious disease outbreaks, etc.) individuals may be expected to assist. Physical demands vary with the position; generally limited to carrying equipment needed to conduct clinic and education activities. Employees work with a variety of clients and may have contact with potentially dangerous and combative individuals as well as a wide variety of illnesses and diseases. Certain functions may require duty outside of normal work hours.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate’s degree in a health related field OR two (2) years of experience in a health related environment.

Total Compensation

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 12 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.