Public Health Nutritionist I

Overview

The Public Health Nutritionist provides nutritional counseling and breastfeeding support to individuals enrolled in the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) supplemental nutrition program. Comfort using Motivational Interviewing in a culturally competent way is a plus. A person who is successful in this position will enjoy working with prenatal and postpartum women as well as children under the age of five. Expect to meet with nutritionally high-risk clients who will require the development of individualized nutrition plans. The position includes community outreach, education and partnership with others involved with maternal and child health populations. We are always trying to improve our services to clients and appreciate an innovative thinker who has good assessment skills. This position would, with our team of nutritionists, perform outcomes-based planning, and assess the effectiveness of nutrition interventions through our Nutrition Services Plan. The Nutritionist would also perform on-going training and technical assistance to district office WIC staff to help them maintain their knowledge and skills. 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.

As part of the Vermont Department of Health, the Middlebury District Office, we strive to offer a supportive, professionally challenging, and healthy workplace to our employees.

DIVISION OF LOCAL HEALTH - WHO WE ARE :

The Division of Local Health's vision and mission is 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 and healthy communities. To this end, 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. 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.

Who May Apply

This position, Public Health Nutritionist I (Job Requisition #53574) , 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 Assistant : Job Requisition #53586

Level I : Job Requisition #53574

If you would like more information about this position, please contact

Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.

AHS BACKGROUND CHECKS : Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and / or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.

Environmental Factors

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.

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.

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 :

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.