Public Health Nutritionist I

State of Vermont • Springfield, MO

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Springfield District Office of the Vermont Department of Health is seeking a compassionate, collaborative, and motivated Public Health Nutritionist to serve families across southern Windsor and northern Windham counties. The position primarily provides nutrition counseling and breastfeeding support to individuals enrolled in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) supplemental nutrition program. The nutritionist conducts in-person and virtual appointments using motivational interviewing and culturally responsive practices, particularly with prenatal and postpartum individuals and children under five. The role also supports nutritionally high-risk participants, conducts community outreach and education, and builds partnerships that support family and child health.

The position contributes to outcomes-based planning, evaluates nutrition interventions through the Nutrition Services Plan, and participates in continuous improvement activities, nutrition education, participant outreach and retention, and teams and committees. Staff are trained to respond to public health emergencies affecting their communities. 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, subject to unit business needs and State of Vermont policy.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or higher degree in nutrition, nutritional sciences, community nutrition, clinical nutrition, dietetics, or public health nutrition; applicants in the final semester may qualify if they graduate before the start date.
• A driver's license is required for travel to outlying sites.
• Ability to work collaboratively, flexibly, and dependably and support colleagues as priorities and staffing needs change.
• Candidates must pass any applicable background investigation, 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.
• Strong assessment and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide nutrition counseling and breastfeeding support to participants in the WIC supplemental nutrition program.
• Conduct in-person and virtual appointments using motivational interviewing and culturally responsive practices.
• Work with prenatal and postpartum individuals and children under age five.
• Develop follow-up plans for nutritionally high-risk participants.
• 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.
• Assist in responses to public health emergencies when needed.
• Travel to outlying service sites and statewide trainings as required.

Benefits

• 80% of the 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.
• Eligibility as a qualified employer for the Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program.

What This Job Offers

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