Public Health Nutritionist II

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.

Requirements

• Master's degree in nutrition, nutritional sciences, community nutrition, clinical nutrition, dietetics, or public health nutrition.
• OR Bachelor's degree in nutrition, nutritional sciences, community nutrition, clinical nutrition, dietetics, or public health nutrition AND two (2) years or more of experience in public health nutrition or community health nutrition.
• Driver's license (for travel to outlying sites).
• Private means of transportation (may be required for travel).

Nice To Haves

• Registered Dietitian or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (R.D./R.D.N).
• International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).
• Exam-eligible IBCLC.
• One year or more experience in breastfeeding/chestfeeding counseling for pregnant and postpartum dyads.
• 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 and education.
• 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.

Benefits

• 80% State paid medical premium
• Dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• 12 paid holidays each year
• 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 reimbursement accounts
• Flexible spending 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: Mid Level