Public Health Nutritionist I

State of Vermont•Barre, VT

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

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 Barre Office of Local Health serving Washington/Northern Orange County and is eligible for a hybrid in-office/telework schedule, with possible teleworking up to 2 days per week. Upon hire, employees work with their supervisor to create a schedule that aligns with the business needs of the unit. This position is scheduled Monday-Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Occasional evenings, weekends, and travel to offsite events and WIC activities will be required. 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. 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. 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. All people and communities in Vermont have equitable opportunities to achieve their highest level of health and well-being. 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.

Requirements

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.)
Driver's license (for travel to outlying sites).
Private means of transportation (may be required for travel to outlying sites).
Ability to pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position, including Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, DMV checks, and adult and child abuse registry checks.

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 their work.
Comfort using Motivational Interviewing when providing nutrition counseling.
Desire and willingness to learn new things.
Communicates effectively and performs well in a team environment.
Comfort adapting to the change that comes with the dynamic, ever-evolving field of public health.

Responsibilities

Providing nutritional counseling and breastfeeding support to individuals enrolled in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) supplemental nutrition program.
Using motivational interviewing techniques during in-person and virtual appointments in a culturally competent manner.
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.
Performing outcomes-based planning.
Assessing the effectiveness of nutrition interventions through the Nutrition Services Plan.
Participating in continuous improvement projects.
Developing and implementing nutrition education activities.
Following up on reports for client outreach and retention.
Participating on teams and committees.
Responding to public health emergencies that affect the health of the community.