Title:  Public Health Nutritionist I

Overview

The primary role of the Public Health Nutritionist is to provide nutrition counseling and lactation support to participants in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. This position conducts culturally competent, client-centered counseling using Motivational Interviewing during in-person and virtual visits, serving prenatal and postpartum individuals and children under five.
 
Key responsibilities include follow-up with high-risk clients, community outreach, nutrition education, and collaboration with maternal and child health partners. As part of the nutrition team, this position supports outcomes-based planning, evaluates interventions through the Nutrition Services Plan, contributes to quality improvement efforts, and assists with client outreach and retention activities. Staff are also trained to respond to public health emergencies.
 
This community-facing position is based in the Morrisville Office of Local Health, serving Lamoille and Orleans/Caledonia counties, and is eligible for a hybrid in-office/telework schedule. The Vermont Department of Health values diversity and seeks candidates who foster mutual respect, inclusion, and equal opportunity.

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 
State of Vermont telework policy requires at least three days a week working in the office. 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.

Who May Apply

This position, Public Health Nutritionist I (Job Requisition #54469), is open to all State employees and external applicants.
If you would like more information about this position, please contact Amanda Densmore at amanda.densmore@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)

• At least one year of nutrition education experience (volunteer, internship, or undergraduate experience considered)
• Experience implementing public health interventions
• Knowledge of nutrition for women, infants, and children
• Familiarity with behavior change theory and Motivational Interviewing
• Strong assessment skills and adaptability
• Effective communication and teamwork skills

Special Requirements

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.

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