Public Health Nutritionist II

About the Role

The Springfield District Office of the Vermont Department of Health is seeking a compassionate, collaborative, and motivated Public Health Nutritionist to join our team serving families across southern Windsor and northern Windham counties. The primary focus of this position is providing nutrition counseling and breastfeeding support to individuals enrolled in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) supplemental nutrition program. The successful candidate will use motivational interviewing techniques during in-person and virtual appointments in a culturally responsive manner and enjoy working with prenatal and postpartum individuals and children under the age of five.

Additional responsibilities include working with nutritionally high-risk participants to develop follow-up plans and participating in community outreach, education, and partnerships supporting family and child health. We are looking for an innovative thinker with strong assessment and communication skills who values teamwork and shared responsibility. Our work is shared work, and we are seeking someone who is flexible, dependable, willing to pitch in when needed, and committed to supporting colleagues as priorities and staffing needs change.

As part of our team, this position participates in outcomes-based planning, evaluates nutrition interventions through our Nutrition Services Plan, and contributes to continuous improvement activities. This includes nutrition education, participant outreach and retention, and participation on teams and committees. All staff are also trained to respond to public health emergencies affecting our communities. This community-facing position is located in the Springfield Office of Local Health and may be eligible for a hybrid in-office/telework schedule.

Job Requisition: Public Health Nutritionist II (#55997). This position is being recruited at multiple levels; Level I is #55985. Contact Shawna.Himsl@vermont.gov for more information.

Responsibilities

• Provide nutrition counseling and breastfeeding support to WIC-enrolled individuals (prenatal, postpartum, and children under five)
• Conduct in-person and virtual appointments using motivational interviewing techniques in a culturally responsive manner
• Assess and develop follow-up plans for nutritionally high-risk participants
• Participate in community outreach, education, and partnerships supporting family and child health
• Contribute to outcomes-based planning and evaluate nutrition interventions through the Nutrition Services Plan
• Engage in continuous improvement activities including nutrition education, participant outreach and retention
• Participate on teams and committees as needed
• Respond to public health emergencies (floods, infectious disease outbreaks, etc.) as trained
• Collaborate with colleagues and support team priorities as staffing needs change

Minimum Qualifications

• 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 considered)
• Demonstrated ability to implement public health interventions
• Knowledge of nutrition related to women, infants, and children
• Experience with or willingness to use behavior change theory and Motivational Interviewing

Work Environment & Schedule

The Department of Health supports a hybrid work environment combining in-person and remote work. Upon hire, employees work with their supervisor to create a schedule aligning with business needs and State of Vermont policy.

• Duties primarily performed in public health organization settings or outlying service sites
• Travel to outlying sites required; driver's license and private transportation may be needed
• Occasional travel to statewide trainings required
• Possible travel in difficult weather conditions
• Considerable interaction with staff, clients, and the general public
• At times of public health emergencies, individuals may be expected to assist
• Physical demands generally limited to carrying equipment for clinic and education activities
• May have contact with potentially dangerous/combative individuals and a wide variety of illnesses
• Certain functions may require duty outside normal work hours

Total Compensation & Benefits

As a State employee, the total compensation package includes benefits worth about 30% of total compensation:

• 80% State-paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 12 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two retirement savings options: 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

Division Mission & Values

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, ensuring healthy Vermonters. The Division is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming environment and leading organizational change efforts that address avoidable inequities and injustices toward the elimination of health and health care disparities.

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: Center health justice and address racism and all forms of oppression in programs, policies, collaboration, and workforce development
• Collaboration: Engage with staff and partners to understand complex problems and design responsive solutions
• Inclusion: Support a culture of belonging and diversity where people are valued, trusted, and able to be their authentic selves
• Harmony: Endorse a balanced, thoughtful, and intentional work environment allowing employees to care for themselves, their families, and the people they serve
• Data: Strive for scientific excellence and cultural responsiveness in the collection, analysis, sharing, and use of data

Background Checks: Candidates must pass applicable background investigations per AHS Policy 4.02, including Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, DMV checks, and adult/child abuse registry checks as appropriate (exceptions for current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion, demotion, or exercising re-employment rights).