Public Health Nutritionist II

State Of Vermont Dept Health; Burlington (VT); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

80% State paid medical premium

Dental plan at no cost for employees &

12 paid holidays each year

Generous leave plan

State Paid Family and Medical Leave (F

Job summary

The Vermont Department of Health seeks a Public Health Nutritionist II to provide nutrition counseling, breastfeeding support, and education to WIC participants. The role emphasizes maternal/child health, equity, and culturally responsive care, serving pregnant/postpartum individuals, infants, and young children.

Experience with Motivational Interviewing and collaboration with health partners is valued. The Burlington district office supports a hybrid work model in Vermont.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in nutrition, nutritional sciences, community nutrition, clinical nutrition, dietetics, or public health nutrition.
• Or Bachelor's degree in nutrition + 2+ years in public health/community nutrition.
• Preferred: Registered Dietitian or IBCLC; breastfeeding counseling experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide participant-centered nutrition assessment, counseling, and breastfeeding support.
• Develop individualized care and follow-up plans for nutritionally high-risk participants.
• Collaborate with healthcare providers, community organizations, and maternal-child health partners.
• Participate in community outreach and health education efforts.
• Contribute to outcomes-based planning and evaluation through WIC's Nutrition Services Plan.
• Support quality improvement efforts to strengthen WIC services for Vermont families.

Skills

Nutrition counseling

Breastfeeding support

Public health

Motivational Interviewing

Cultural responsiveness

Education

Master's degree in nutrition

Job description

Overview

The Public Health Nutritionist II provides individualized nutrition counseling, breastfeeding support, and education to participants enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about maternal and child health, enjoys building meaningful relationships with families, and values equity-centered nutrition and public health programming.

Overview

The Public Health Nutritionist II provides individualized nutrition counseling, breastfeeding support, and education to participants enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about maternal and child health, enjoys building meaningful relationships with families, and values equity-centered nutrition and public health programming.
The successful candidate will work closely with pregnant and postpartum individuals, infants, and children under five to support healthy growth and feeding practices. Experience or comfort using Motivational Interviewing techniques and providing culturally responsive care is highly desirable.

In This Role, You Will

• Provide participant-centered nutrition assessment, counseling, and breastfeeding support.


• Develop individualized care and follow-up plans for nutritionally high-risk participants.


• Collaborate with healthcare providers, community organizations, and maternal-child health partners.


• Participate in community outreach and health education efforts.


• Contribute to outcomes-based planning and evaluation through WIC's Nutrition Services Plan.


• Support quality improvement efforts to strengthen WIC services for Vermont families.

We are seeking a creative and collaborative professional with strong communication and assessment skills who thrives in a team environment and embraces innovation and change. A commitment to health equity, customer service, and supporting diverse communities is essential. As part of the Vermont Department of Health, all employees are trained to support public health emergency response efforts that may impact the community.

The Burlington District Office is the largest of Vermont's 12 local health offices and serves a diverse and vibrant community. Located in Burlington's South End, our office is committed to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and professionally rewarding workplace where employees can grow, collaborate, and make a meaningful impact every day.

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

State of Vermont telework policy requires at least three days a week working in the office. 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 II (Job Requisition #55082), is open to all State employees and external applicants.

Please Note: 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 #55938

Level II: Job Requisition #55082

If you would like more information about this position, please contact [e-mail]

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 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. Possible 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

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

OR

Bachelor's degree in nutrition, nutritional sciences, community nutrition, clinical nutrition, dietetics, or public health nutrition AND two (2) years or more of experience in public health nutrition or community health nutrition.

Preferred Qualifications

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

International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).

Exam-eligible IBCLC.

One year or more experience in breastfeeding/chestfeeding counseling for pregnant and postpartum dyads.

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

Content expertise in nutrition related to women, infants, and children.

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.