Public Health Nutritionist II

State of Vermont • Springfield, MO

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Springfield District Office of the Vermont Department of Health is hiring a Public Health Nutritionist to serve families in 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 conducts in-person and virtual appointments using motivational interviewing and culturally responsive practices, with a focus on prenatal and postpartum individuals and children under age five. The role also supports nutritionally high-risk participants, community outreach and education, family and child health partnerships, and outcomes-based planning and evaluation through the Nutrition Services Plan. The position 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. The schedule is arranged with a supervisor based on unit business needs and State of Vermont policy.

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 those 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 as part of a team.
• A driver's license is required for travel to outlying service sites.
• Pass any background investigation applicable to the position.

Nice To Haves

• Registered Dietitian or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (R.D./R.D.N.) credential.
• International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) credential or exam eligibility.
• 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 individuals enrolled in WIC.
• Conduct in-person and virtual appointments using motivational interviewing techniques in a culturally responsive manner.
• Work with prenatal and postpartum individuals and children under age five.
• Develop follow-up plans with nutritionally high-risk participants.
• Participate in community outreach, education, and partnerships that support family and child health.
• Participate in outcomes-based planning and evaluate nutrition interventions through the Nutrition Services Plan.
• Contribute to nutrition education, participant outreach and retention, continuous improvement activities, and teams and committees.
• Support colleagues and adapt to changing priorities and staffing needs.
• Train to respond to public health emergencies affecting local communities.

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