Public Health Nutritionist I

OverviewThe Public Health Nutritionist provides nutritional counseling and breastfeeding support to individuals enrolled in the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) supplemental nutrition program, using culturally competent motivational interviewing. The successful candidate will enjoy working with prenatal and postpartum women as well as children under the age of five, meet with nutritionally high-risk clients to develop follow up plans, and participate in outreach and education efforts with community partners. We value employees who embrace change and enjoy participating in a variety of activities collaboratively 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.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 ApplyThis position, Public Health Nutritionist I (Job Requisition #50005), is open to all State employees and external applicants.If you would like more information about this position, please contact jackie.lindamood@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 FactorsDuties 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 QualificationsBachelor's or higher degree in nutrition, nutritional sciences, community nutrition, clinical nutrition, dietetics, or public health nutrition. ORApplicant 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 QualificationsRegistered 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 Motivational Interviewing when providing nutrition counseling.•Familiarity or experience with the WIC Program.Total CompensationAs 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 ProgramWant the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.Equal Opportunity EmployerThe 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.