Public Health Nutritionist I

State of Vermont • Morrisville, VT

9d • Hybrid

About The Position

The primary role of the Public Health Nutritionist is to provide nutrition counseling and lactation support to participants in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. This position conducts culturally competent, client-centered counseling using Motivational Interviewing during in-person and virtual visits, serving prenatal and postpartum individuals and children under five. Key responsibilities include follow-up with high-risk clients, community outreach, nutrition education, and collaboration with maternal and child health partners. As part of the nutrition team, this position supports outcomes-based planning, evaluates interventions through the Nutrition Services Plan, contributes to quality improvement efforts, and assists with client outreach and retention activities. Staff are also trained to respond to public health emergencies. This community-facing position is based in the Morrisville Office of Local Health, serving Lamoille and Orleans/Caledonia counties, and is eligible for a hybrid in-office/telework schedule. The Vermont Department of Health values diversity and seeks candidates who foster mutual respect, inclusion, and equal opportunity.DIVISION OF LOCAL HEALTH - WHO WE AREThe 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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

• Registered Dietitian or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. (R.D./R.D.N)
• At least one year of nutrition education experience (volunteer, internship, or undergraduate experience considered)
• Experience implementing public health interventions
• Knowledge of nutrition for women, infants, and children
• Familiarity with behavior change theory and Motivational Interviewing
• Strong assessment skills and adaptability
• Effective communication and teamwork skills

Responsibilities

• Provide nutrition counseling and lactation support to participants in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program.
• Conduct culturally competent, client-centered counseling using Motivational Interviewing during in-person and virtual visits, serving prenatal and postpartum individuals and children under five.
• Follow-up with high-risk clients
• Community outreach
• Nutrition education
• Collaboration with maternal and child health partners.
• Supports outcomes-based planning
• Evaluates interventions through the Nutrition Services Plan
• Contributes to quality improvement efforts
• Assists with client outreach and retention activities.
• Staff are also trained to respond to public health emergencies.

Benefits

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 11 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level