Public Health Nutritionist I

State of Vermont • Springfield, VT

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Springfield District Office of the Vermont Department of Health is hiring a Public Health Nutritionist to serve families across southern Windsor and northern Windham counties. The position primarily provides nutrition counseling and breastfeeding support to participants in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) supplemental nutrition program. Counseling is conducted through in-person and virtual appointments using motivational interviewing and culturally responsive practices, with a focus on prenatal and postpartum individuals and children under five.

The nutritionist also supports nutritionally high-risk participants through follow-up planning and contributes to community outreach, education, and partnerships focused on family and child health. The position participates in outcomes-based planning, evaluates nutrition interventions through the Nutrition Services Plan, and contributes to continuous improvement, nutrition education, participant outreach and retention, and team and committee work. Staff are trained to respond to public health emergencies.

This community-facing position is based in the Springfield Office of Local Health and may be eligible for a hybrid in-office and telework schedule. Employees coordinate their schedule with a supervisor to meet unit business needs and State policy. Duties are primarily performed in a public health organization or at outlying service sites. Travel to outlying sites and occasional statewide trainings is required; difficult weather travel may occur. Staff interact considerably with colleagues, clients, and the public, and may assist during public health emergencies. Physical demands are generally limited to carrying equipment needed for clinic and education activities. Contact with potentially dangerous or combative individuals and a wide variety of illnesses may occur. Certain duties may require work outside normal hours. A driver's license is required for travel to outlying sites, and private transportation may be required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or higher degree 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, provided they graduate before the start date.
• A driver's license is required for travel to outlying sites; private transportation may be required.
• Candidates must pass applicable background investigations, which may include criminal record, DMV, 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.
• Knowledge of nutrition related to women, infants, and children.
• Experience with or willingness to use behavior change theory and Motivational Interviewing.

Responsibilities

• Provide nutrition counseling and breastfeeding support to WIC participants through in-person and virtual appointments.
• Use motivational interviewing techniques and culturally responsive practices when working with participants.
• Work with nutritionally high-risk participants to develop follow-up plans.
• Participate in community outreach, education, and partnerships supporting family and child health.
• Participate in outcomes-based planning and evaluate nutrition interventions through the Nutrition Services Plan.
• Contribute to continuous improvement activities, nutrition education, participant outreach and retention, and teams and committees.
• Train to respond to public health emergencies affecting local communities.
• Travel to outlying service sites and occasional statewide trainings.
• Assist during public health emergencies 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 and 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.
• Hybrid work environment may provide flexibility and work/life balance.

What This Job Offers

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