Public Health Nutritionist II

State Of Vermont Dept Health · Barre, VT · 1 wk ago

Volunteer

About the role

The primary focus for a Public Health Nutritionist is providing nutritional counseling and breastfeeding support to individuals enrolled in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) supplemental nutrition program. A successful candidate uses motivational interviewing techniques during in-person and virtual appointments in a culturally competent manner and enjoys working with prenatal and postpartum individuals and children under the age of five. Additional job expectations include working with nutritionally high-risk clients to develop follow-up plans, community outreach, education, and partnership with others involved with maternal and child health populations.

We are looking for an innovative thinker with good assessment skills who can help us improve our services to clients. As part of our team of nutritionists, this position performs outcomes-based planning, assesses the effectiveness of nutrition interventions through our Nutrition Services Plan, and participates in continuous improvement projects. This is accomplished through the development and implementation of nutrition education activities, follow-up on reports for client outreach and retention, and participation on teams and committees. 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. The Vermont Department of Health is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the department's diversity and commitment to foster an environment of mutual respect, acceptance, and equal opportunity.

Responsibilities

Provide nutritional counseling and breastfeeding support to WIC participants
Use motivational interviewing techniques in a culturally competent manner during in-person and virtual appointments
Work with nutritionally high-risk clients to develop follow-up plans
Conduct community outreach and education
Partner with others involved with maternal and child health populations
Perform outcomes-based planning and assess the effectiveness of nutrition interventions through the Nutrition Services Plan
Participate in continuous improvement projects, including development and implementation of nutrition education activities
Follow up on reports for client outreach and retention
Participate on teams and committees
Respond to public health emergencies that affect the health of the community

Requirements

Master’s degree in nutrition, nutritional sciences, community nutrition, clinical nutrition, dietetics, or public health nutrition
OR Bachelor’s degree in nutrition, nutritional sciences, community nutrition, clinical nutrition, dietetics, or public health nutrition AND two (2) years or more of experience in public health nutrition or community health nutrition

Preferred Qualifications

Registered Dietitian or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (R.D./R.D.N)
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) or exam-eligible IBCLC
One year or more experience in breastfeeding/chestfeeding counseling for pregnant and postpartum dyads
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
Desire and willingness to learn new things
Communicates effectively and performs well in a team environment
Comfort adapting to change in the dynamic, ever-evolving field of public health

Schedule

This position is scheduled Monday–Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Occasional evenings, weekends, and travel to offsite events and WIC activities will be required.