Public Health Nutritionist II

State of Vermont • Brattleboro, VT

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

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

As part of a team of nutritionists, the position carries out outcomes-based planning, assesses the effectiveness of nutrition interventions through the Nutrition Services Plan, and participates in continuous improvement projects. Work includes developing and implementing nutrition education activities, following up on reports related to client outreach and retention, and serving on teams and committees. Staff are trained to respond to public health emergencies.

This community-facing position is based in the Brattleboro Office of Local Health and serves most of Windham County. It is eligible for a hybrid in-office and telework schedule, arranged with a supervisor according to business needs and State of Vermont 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. Some duties may take place outside normal work hours, and staff may be expected to assist during public health emergencies.

Requirements

• Master's degree in nutrition, nutritional sciences, community nutrition, clinical nutrition, dietetics, or public health nutrition; or a bachelor's degree in one of these fields and at least two years of experience in public health nutrition or community health nutrition.
• A driver's license is required for travel to outlying sites.
• Must pass applicable background investigation checks.

Nice To Haves

• Registered Dietitian or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (R.D./R.D.N.) credential.
• International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) credential or eligibility to sit for the IBCLC exam.
• At least one year of 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 and motivational interviewing in nutrition counseling.
• Willingness to learn new things.
• Effective communication skills and enjoyment of teamwork.
• Comfort adapting to change in the evolving field of public health.

Responsibilities

• Provide nutritional counseling and breastfeeding support to individuals enrolled in the WIC supplemental nutrition program.
• Conduct in-person and virtual appointments using motivational interviewing and culturally competent practices.
• Work with nutritionally high-risk clients to develop follow-up plans.
• Conduct community outreach and education and collaborate with partners serving maternal and child health populations.
• Carry out outcomes-based planning and assess nutrition intervention effectiveness through the Nutrition Services Plan.
• Develop and implement nutrition education activities.
• Follow up on reports for client outreach and retention.
• Participate in continuous improvement projects, teams, and committees.
• Assist during public health emergencies as 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 the Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program.

What This Job Offers

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