Public Health Nutritionist I

State Of Vermont Dept Health; Brattleboro (VT); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental benefits

Paid holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Retirement plan

Job summary

The Vermont Department of Health is seeking a Public Health Nutritionist I to provide nutrition counseling and breastfeeding support to WIC participants. The role involves in-person and virtual appointments using Motivational Interviewing, with a focus on prenatal, postpartum, and young children’s nutrition.

You will develop follow-up plans, engage in community outreach, and collaborate with maternal and child health teams to improve services and outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or higher degree in nutrition, nutritional sciences, community nutrition, clinical nutrition, dietetics, or public health nutrition.
• OR applicant in final semester but graduation before start date.

Responsibilities

• Provide nutritional counseling and breastfeeding support to WIC participants.
• Conduct in-person and virtual appointments using motivational interviewing.
• Develop follow-up plans and conduct community outreach and education.
• Collaborate with maternal and child health teams and committees to improve services.
• Perform outcomes-based planning and assess effectiveness of nutrition interventions.
• Develop and implement nutrition education activities and follow-up reports for outreach and retention.

Skills

Motivational interviewing

Assessment skills

Outcomes-based planning

Nutrition education

Public health nutrition

Education

Bachelor's or higher in nutrition or related field

Job description

Overview

The primary focus for a Public Health Nutritionist is providing nutritional counseling and breastfeeding support to individuals enrolled in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) supplemental nutrition program. A successful candidate uses motivational interviewing techniques during in-person and virtual appointments in a culturally competent manner and enjoys working with prenatal and postpartum individuals and children under the age of five. Additional job expectations include working with nutritionally high-risk clients to develop follow-up plans, community outreach, education, and partnership with others involved with maternal and child health populations.

We are looking for an innovative thinker with good assessment skills who can help us improve our services to clients. As part of our team of nutritionists, this position performs outcomes-based planning, assesses the effectiveness of nutrition interventions through our Nutrition Services Plan, and participates in continuous improvement projects. This is accomplished through the development and implementation of nutrition education activities, follow-up on reports for client outreach and retention, and participation on teams and committees. We value employees who embrace change and enjoy participating in a variety of activities in collaboration with other staff to meet our public health mission. All staff members are trained to respond to public health emergencies that affect the health of the community.

The Vermont Department of Health is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the department's diversity and commitment to foster an environment of mutual respect, acceptance, and equal opportunity.

This community-facing position is located in the Brattleboro Office of Local Health serving most of Windham County and is eligible for a hybrid in-office/telework schedule.

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 Nutritionist I (Job Requisition #56014), is open to all State employees and external applicants. This position is being recruited at multiple levels. If you would like to be considered for more than one level, you MUST apply to the specific Job Requisition.

Level I: Job Requisition #56014

Level II: Job Requisition #56047

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 public health organization setting 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 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. Certain functions may require duty outside of normal work hours.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's or higher degree in nutrition, nutritional sciences, community nutrition, clinical nutrition, dietetics, or public health nutrition.

OR

Applicant in the final semester of a bachelor's or higher degree program in nutrition, nutritional sciences, community nutrition, clinical nutrition, dietetics, or public health nutrition. (Graduation from the program must occur prior to start date.)

Preferred Qualifications

Registered Dietitian or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. (R.D./R.D.N)

At least one year of experience providing nutrition education. Volunteer, internship or undergraduate experience will be considered.

• Demonstrated ability to implement public health interventions.
• Content expertise in nutrition related to women, infants, and children.
• Comfort using behavior change theory to inform their work.
• Comfort using Motivational Interviewing when providing nutrition counseling.
• Desire and willingness to learn new things.
• Communicates effectively and enjoys working as part of a team.
• Comfort adapting to the change that comes with the dynamic, ever-evolving field of public health.

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.