Public Health Nutritionist III

at State of Vermont in Springfield, Vermont, United States

Job Description

The Springfield District Office of the Vermont Department of Health has an opportunity for an experienced, collaborative, and motivated Nutritionist who wants to make a meaningful difference in the health and wellbeing of families across southern Windsor and northern Windham counties. We are seeking a well-organized and compassionate leader with strong communication skills, a collaborative approach to supervision, and a commitment to working alongside colleagues as part of our close-knit public health team.

The Nutritionist III oversees the local implementation of the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and provides supervision, guidance, and support to district nutrition staff. This is a hands-on leadership position. In addition to program oversight and supervisory responsibilities, the Nutritionist III provides direct nutrition services to WIC families and works collaboratively with staff to maintain continuity of services during periods of increased need, including staff absences, vacations, and vacancies.

We are looking for a supervisor who values shared responsibility and understands that effective leadership includes both supporting the professional development of staff and stepping in to support day-to-day program operations when needed. The successful candidate will foster a positive, respectful, and collaborative work environment in which staff communicate openly, support one another, and work together to meet the needs of the families and communities we serve.

The Nutritionist III also develops collaborative partnerships with community organizations, healthcare providers, and the Vermont WIC Central Office team. As a member of the Springfield District Office, this position actively participates in the broader multidisciplinary public health team, including emergency preparedness and other district-wide initiatives.
Duties are performed under the supervision of the Public Health Services District Director. This position maintains a consistent physical presence in the office and community to support program operations, staff collaboration, and community partnerships, with an opportunity for telework on some days.

Major Responsibilities
•    Lead, supervise, mentor, and support WIC staff while fostering a positive, respectful, and collaborative team environment.
•    Oversee the administration, quality, and continuity of district nutrition services in accordance with federal and state guidelines.
•    Work alongside nutrition staff and provide direct program coverage when operationally necessary, including during staff vacancies, vacations, absences, or periods of increased service demand.
•    Provide direct nutrition services to WIC families and remain engaged in the day-to-day work of the program.
•    Promote a culture of shared responsibility, open communication, problem-solving, and mutual support within the WIC team and across the Springfield District Office.
•    Conduct nutrition and health status needs assessments and develop corresponding implementation, quality improvement, and staff training plans.
•    Serve as a subject matter expert in nutrition practices, ensuring staff have access to current, evidence-based guidance, resources, coaching, and support.
•    Develop and maintain strong partnerships with community organizations, healthcare providers, and other organizations serving families throughout the district.
•    Collaborate closely with the Vermont WIC Central Office and colleagues across the Department of Health.
•    Participate actively in statewide initiatives that advance Vermont Department of Health priorities.
•    Contribute as an engaged member of the Springfield District Office's multidisciplinary public health team, including emergency preparedness activities and other district-wide priorities.

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 
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. 

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. Possible 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.