Public Health Nutritionist I

The Springfield District Office of the Vermont Department of Health is seeking a compassionate, collaborative, and motivated Public Health Nutritionist to join our team serving families across southern Windsor and northern Windham counties.

The primary focus of this position is providing nutrition counseling and breastfeeding support to individuals enrolled in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) supplemental nutrition program. The successful candidate will use motivational interviewing techniques during in-person and virtual appointments in a culturally responsive manner and enjoy working with prenatal and postpartum individuals and children under the age of five.

Additional responsibilities include working with nutritionally high-risk participants to develop follow-up plans and participating in community outreach, education, and partnerships supporting family and child health.

We are looking for an innovative thinker with strong assessment and communication skills who values teamwork and shared responsibility. Our work is shared work, and we are seeking someone who is flexible, dependable, willing to pitch in when needed, and committed to supporting colleagues as priorities and staffing needs change.

As part of our team, this position participates in outcomes-based planning, evaluates nutrition interventions through our Nutrition Services Plan, and contributes to continuous improvement activities. This includes nutrition education, participant outreach and retention, and participation on teams and committees. All staff are also trained to respond to public health emergencies affecting our communities.

The Vermont Department of Health is committed to fostering a workplace grounded in mutual respect, acceptance, equal opportunity, and appreciation for the different experiences and perspectives employees bring to our work.

This community-facing position is located in the Springfield Office of Local Health and may be eligible for a hybrid in-office/telework schedule.

Who May Apply

This position, Public Health Nutritionist I (Job Requisition #55985) , is open to all State employees and external applicants.

Please Note: This position is being recruited at multiple levels. If you would like to be considered for more than one level, you MUST apply to the specific Job Requisition.

Level I: Job Requisition #55985

Level II: Job Requisition #55997

DIVISION OF LOCAL HEALTH - WHO WE ARE:

The Division of Local Health works to preserve and improve the equitable social, economic, and environmental conditions necessary to attain the highest level of health and well-being for all, thus ensuring healthy Vermonters. The Division of Local Health is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming environment that respects and celebrates every person's strength, assets, and values. The Division of Local Health is committed to leading organizational change efforts that address avoidable inequities and injustices as we work towards the elimination of health and health care disparities.

TELEWORK

The Department of Health supports a hybrid work environment which combines both in person and remote work. Upon hire, employees work with their supervisor to create a schedule that aligns with the business needs of the unit and complies with State of Vermont policy. We believe a hybrid work environment promotes autonomy and allows for increased flexibility and greater work/life balance.

MISSION

Promote the physical, mental, and social well-being of people in Vermont by advancing equity, protecting against disease and injury, and preparing for health emergencies.

VISION

All people and communities in Vermont have equitable opportunities to achieve their highest level of health and well-being.

VALUES

• Equity: We aim to center health justice and address racism and all forms of oppression in our programs and policies, our approach to collaboration, and how we build and nurture our workforce.
• Collaboration: We engage with staff and partners to understand complex problems and design responsive solutions.
• Inclusion: We support a culture of belonging and diversity where people are valued, trusted, and able to be their authentic selves.
• Harmony: We endorse a balanced, thoughtful, and intentional work environment that allows employees to care for themselves, their families, and the people they serve.
• Data: We strive for scientific excellence and cultural responsiveness in the collection, analysis, sharing and use of data.

Duties primarily performed in public health organization setting or in outlying service sites.

Travel to outlying sites will require a driver's license. Private means of transportation may be required.

Occasional travel to statewide trainings required. Potential travel in difficult weather conditions.

There is considerable interaction with staff, clients and the general public. At times of public health emergencies (floods, infectious disease outbreaks, etc.) individuals may be expected to assist. Physical demands vary with the position; generally limited to carrying equipment needed to conduct clinic and education activities. Employees work with a variety of clients and may have contact with potentially dangerous and combative individuals as well as a wide variety of illnesses. Certain functions may require duty outside of normal work hours.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's or higher degree in nutrition, nutritional sciences, community nutrition, clinical nutrition, dietetics, or public health nutrition.

OR

Applicant in the final semester of a bachelor's or higher degree program in nutrition, nutritional sciences, community nutrition, clinical nutrition, dietetics, or public health nutrition. (Graduation from the program must occur prior to start date.)

Preferred Qualifications

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.

Total Compensation

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 12 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a 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

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.