Public Health Nutritionist II

State of Vermont • Springfield, VT

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Springfield District Office of the Vermont Department of Health is seeking 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. The nutritionist uses motivational interviewing during in-person and virtual appointments and works with prenatal and postpartum individuals and children under age five in a culturally responsive manner.

Additional work includes developing follow-up plans for nutritionally high-risk participants; community outreach, education, and partnerships supporting family and child health; outcomes-based planning; evaluating nutrition interventions through the Nutrition Services Plan; and contributing to continuous improvement, nutrition education, participant outreach and retention, and teams and committees. Staff are trained to respond to public health emergencies.

This community-facing role is based in the Springfield Office of Local Health and may be eligible for a hybrid in-office and telework schedule. The work involves interaction with staff, clients, and the public, and may include travel to outlying sites and statewide trainings. Employees may assist during public health emergencies and may occasionally perform duties outside normal work hours. Physical demands are generally limited to carrying equipment needed for clinic and education activities.

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.
• Strong assessment and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively, flexibly, and dependably and support colleagues as priorities and staffing needs change.
• Driver’s license required for travel to outlying sites.
• Candidates must pass the applicable background investigation.

Nice To Haves

• Registered Dietitian or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (R.D./R.D.N.).
• International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) or exam-eligible IBCLC.
• 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.
• 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.
• Conduct in-person and virtual appointments using motivational interviewing in a culturally responsive manner.
• 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.
• Respond to public health emergencies as trained and assist when needed.
• Travel to outlying service sites and statewide trainings as required.

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.

What This Job Offers

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