Public Health Nutritionist I

State of Vermont - Newport, RI

Full-time - Entry Level

Hybrid - Newport, RI

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

The Public Health Nutritionist I plays a crucial role in providing nutritional counseling and breastfeeding support to participants in the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program. This position focuses on working with high-risk prenatal and postpartum women, as well as children under five, to develop follow-up plans and engage in community outreach and education. The role emphasizes culturally competent motivational interviewing and collaboration with other staff to fulfill the public health mission, while also preparing to respond to public health emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Provide nutritional counseling and breastfeeding support to WIC participants.
• Conduct follow-up plans for nutritionally high-risk clients.
• Engage in outreach and education efforts with community partners.
• Utilize culturally competent motivational interviewing techniques.
• Collaborate with other staff to meet public health goals.
• Participate in public health emergency response as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or higher degree in nutrition, nutritional sciences, community nutrition, clinical nutrition, dietetics, or public health nutrition.
• Completion of a bachelor's or higher degree program in nutrition prior to the start date if currently in the final semester.
• Demonstrated ability to implement public health interventions.
• Content expertise in nutrition related to women, infants, and children.
• Comfort using Motivational Interviewing for nutrition counseling.

Nice-to-haves

• Registered Dietitian or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (R.D./R.D.N).
• At least one year of experience providing nutrition education, including volunteer or internship experience.
• Familiarity or experience with the WIC Program.

Benefits

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families.
• 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan.
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI).
• 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.