Public Health Nutritionist I

State of Vermont • Brattleboro, VT

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Public Health Nutritionist provides nutritional counseling and breastfeeding support to individuals enrolled in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) supplemental nutrition program. The role uses motivational interviewing during in-person and virtual appointments, with a culturally competent approach, and serves prenatal and postpartum individuals and children under age five. The position also works with nutritionally high-risk clients to develop follow-up plans and participates in community outreach, education, and partnerships related to maternal and child health.

As a member of a nutritionist team, the position contributes to outcomes-based planning, assesses nutrition interventions through the Nutrition Services Plan, and participates in continuous improvement projects. This work includes developing and implementing nutrition education activities, following up on client outreach and retention reports, and participating on teams and committees. Staff are trained to respond to public health emergencies affecting the community.

This community-facing position is based at the Brattleboro Office of Local Health, serving most of Windham County, and is eligible for a hybrid in-office and telework schedule. Duties are primarily performed in a public health organization setting or at outlying service sites. Travel to outlying sites and occasional statewide trainings is required; travel may occur in difficult weather conditions. The role involves considerable interaction with staff, clients, and the public, and may require assisting during public health emergencies. Physical demands are generally limited to carrying equipment needed for clinic and education activities. Employees may encounter potentially dangerous or combative individuals and a wide variety of illnesses. Certain functions may require work outside normal hours.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher in nutrition, nutritional sciences, community nutrition, clinical nutrition, dietetics, or public health nutrition; applicants in the final semester of such a degree program may qualify if graduation occurs before the start date.
• A driver's license is required for travel to outlying sites.
• Ability to travel to outlying sites and occasional statewide trainings, potentially in difficult weather conditions.

Nice To Haves

• 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 work.
• Comfort using motivational interviewing when providing nutrition counseling.
• Desire and willingness to learn new things.
• Effective communication skills and enjoyment of working as part of a team.
• Comfort adapting to change in the dynamic, evolving field of public health.

Responsibilities

• Provide nutrition counseling and breastfeeding support to WIC participants.
• Conduct in-person and virtual appointments using motivational interviewing and culturally competent practices.
• Develop follow-up plans for nutritionally high-risk clients.
• Conduct community outreach and education and partner with others serving maternal and child health populations.
• Contribute to outcomes-based planning and assess the effectiveness of nutrition interventions through the Nutrition Services Plan.
• Develop and implement nutrition education activities.
• Follow up on reports for client outreach and retention.
• Participate in teams, committees, and continuous improvement projects.
• Assist with public health emergencies affecting community health when needed.

Benefits

• 80% State-paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• 12 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• State defined benefit pension plan
• Deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low-cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based wellness program
• Eligibility as a qualified employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

What This Job Offers

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