Title:  Public Health Nutritionist I

Application Deadline Date:  10/10/2024
Req ID:  50180
Department:  Health
Location: 

Burlington, VT, US

Position Type:  Permanent
Schedule Type:  Full Time
Hourly Rate:  $26.57

Overview

The Public Health Nutritionist primarily provides nutritional counseling and breastfeeding support to individuals enrolled in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) supplemental nutrition program. Comfort using Motivational Interviewing techniques in a culturally competent manner is highly desirable. Success in this role requires enjoyment in working with prenatal and postpartum women, as well as children under the age of five.


Expect to engage with nutritionally high-risk clients, developing tailored follow-up plans to address their specific needs. This position also involves community outreach, education, and collaboration with maternal and child health partners. We seek an innovative thinker with strong assessment skills who is passionate about continuously improving services for our clients.


As part of our team of nutritionists, you will participate in outcomes-based planning and evaluate the effectiveness of nutrition interventions through the Nutrition Services Plan. 


We value team members who embrace change and enjoy working collaboratively to support our public health mission. All staff members are trained to respond to public health emergencies that may affect the community.


As part of the Vermont Department of Health, the Burlington District Office is the largest of 12 local health offices in Vermont. Located in Burlington’s South End, 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. 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 #50180), 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 #50180

 

Level II: Job Requisition #50187

 

If you would like more information about this position, please contact alexandra.duquette@vermont.gov.
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:

  • 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

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.


Nearest Major Market: Burlington Vermont