Title: Public Health Nutritionist I
Brattleboro, VT, US
Overview
The Vermont Department of Health's Brattleboro District Office is seeking a dedicated and community-oriented Nutritionist to join our team in enhancing the health and well-being of families across Windham County. This role is ideal for a nutrition professional passionate about building meaningful partnerships and promoting public health in community settings. Through collaboration with local organizations and direct nutritional counseling, the Nutritionist will support the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program by providing tailored nutrition and breast/chestfeeding support to diverse populations.
The ideal candidate will thrive as part of an interdisciplinary team of public health professionals committed to addressing community needs and improving health outcomes for families. We are especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the department's diversity and commitment to fostering an environment of mutual respect, acceptance, and equal opportunity. Our department values employees who embrace change and enjoy participating in a variety of activities in collaboration with other staff to meet our public health mission.
Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
1. Actively develop and sustain partnerships with community-based organizations to enhance outreach and access to nutrition services, expanding the program's impact on families across the lifespan.
2. Collect and utilize nutrition assessment data (anthropometric, biochemical, clinical, dietary, and socioeconomic) to provide client-specific nutrition counseling; develop, implement, and evaluate care plans for WIC participants, addressing potential barriers to health improvement.
3. Conduct nutrition counseling and education for WIC-enrolled families, adapting approaches to meet diverse cultural and individual needs.
4. Coordinate with grocery stores to ensure they meet minimum requirements to continue being WIC-approved stores. Address client complaints related to stocking issues or training needs in grocery stores.
5. Collaborate with other district offices to assure WIC participants are provided excellent care across communities. Assist where needed with virtual/tele WIC appointments.
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. 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 & VISION:
The Department of Health's mission is to protect and promote the best health of all Vermonters. Our vision is healthy Vermonters living in healthy communities. Our goals are:
Effective and integrated public health programs.
Communities with the capacity to respond to public health needs.
Internal systems that provide consistent and responsive support.
A competent and valued workforce that is supported in promoting and protecting the public's health.
A public health system that is understood and valued by Vermonters.
Health equity for all Vermonters.
CULTURE & VALUES:
The Department of Health's culture is one in which our success and our workplace culture are interdependent. Our culture is driven by a passion for the mission. We are committed to these values:
Creativity, innovation, and calculated risk-taking.
Open and transparent leadership.
Staff expertise, autonomy, and excellence.
Professional growth through individual development plans, special projects, and opportunities to stretch.
Wellness and work-life balance.
Who May Apply
This position, Public Health Nutritionist I (Job Requisition #51454), is open to all State employees and external applicants.
If you would like more information about this position, please contact samantha.riley@vermont.gov.
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.
Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.
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)
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: 11 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
Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Nearest Major Market: Vermont