Job Specification Details

Key leadership position within the Division of Family and Child Health’s WIC Program. Provides advanced-level administration, planning, and evaluation work at a professional level involving development of applied nutrition research, program evaluation and quality improvement. Directs and oversees the application of nutrition research and continuous improvement methodologies to achieve strategic program objectives.

Work is performed with considerable latitude for the use of independent judgement and initiative under the direction of an administrative supervisor. Work is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive, characterized by personal responsibility to keep abreast of and exercise judgment and broad perspective in the application of the maternal, family, and child health nutrition body of knowledge that is constantly studied to make new discoveries and interpretations or to improve the data, materials, and methods of practice.

Goal is to improve health outcomes and influence lifetime nutrition and health behaviors in a population of focus, during critical periods of growth and development.

Work is performed with significant independence under the direction of an administrative supervisor.

All employees of the Agency of Human Services perform their respective functions adhering to four key practices: customer service, holistic service, strengths-based relationships and results orientation. Duties are performed under the general supervision of an administrative superior.

Directs and oversees the application of nutrition research and continuous improvement methodologies to achieve strategic program objectives and ensure consistent and uniform best practice across the state. Identifies quality improvement priorities using data indicators, assessment of nutrition and diet related health issues facing the WIC population, program goals and objectives, departmental, state-level strategic plans, national priorities, and available resources. Implements system-wide improvement, including technical and informatics projects, in the WIC program which includes establishing benchmarks and outcome measures and utilizing assessment tools to measure effectiveness of process improvement. Applies principles of project management to achieve goals and objectives, partnering with stakeholders and those with lived experience, identifying and managing risks, and tracking progress and completion of deliverables within scope and budget. Negotiates, manages, and evaluates contracts and budgets associated with quality improvement and innovation projects, approves invoices, and maintains expertise in financial management. Monitors program activities, analyzes monitoring reports, evaluates District Office and State WIC program performance and, as necessary, initiates and follows through on corrective measures. Manages technical and informatics projects in partnership with Agency of Digital Services development staff and contractors. Develops and/or implements innovative programs, platforms, applications and technologies in order to meet the needs of the population served and the workplace. Assists the Program Director to establish and implement a vision for the relevant work; provides administrative oversight and assumes responsibility in the absence of the Program Director on program issues and activities; responds to stakeholder needs and inquiries, and is back-up to the Director for media requests, legislative requests, and federal and other state partner requests. Represents the Director at meetings and other program matters as needed; serves on program leadership team, providing program direction and vision, and participates in policy, management, and HR activities and decisions. Develops and fosters collaborative relationships with state agencies, local and regional partners, and non-governmental organizations to develop and implement program activities. Designs and implements applied research projects following ethical and scientifically sound research methodology, partnering with academic research institutions as warranted. Areas of applied nutrition research include assessing nutrition education and community interventions, testing new program methodologies, evaluating different behavior change interventions, or comparing alternate approaches to service delivery for cost effectiveness. Represents the Vermont Department of Health, Family and Child Health Division at local, regional and national meetings and conferences and acts as an ambassador for the Vermont WIC Program. Prepares and submits grant proposals, with sustainable and reasonable budgets, independently or in collaboration with other program staff. Collects and analyzes existing data, and provides reports related to service utilization, costs, performance, and trends. Leads abstract writing and submission of research and other projects to share learnings and outcomes with a national audience. Leads and participates in national webinars and presentations. Maintains a high level of administrative and public health nutrition program knowledge, stays current with scientific findings related to maternal, family, and child nutrition. Coordinates the provision of staff training. Arranges, plans, and conducts education programs on current scientific and program topics for nutrition and health professionals to help them maintain their knowledge and skills at the maximum level of competency.

Duties primarily performed in standard office setting with a combination of office and in the field efforts for which a driver’s license will be required. Certain functions may require duty outside of normal work hours.

Advanced knowledge of evaluation design and methodology, including quantitative and qualitative techniques.

Expert knowledge in quality improvement methods and project management.

Ability to set personal and program priorities and goals; be self-directed and work with minimal supervision in an atmosphere of competing priorities.

Ability to work independently as well as provide leadership to district office staff and State WIC team.

Skill in supervising professional staff and ensuring staff accountability.

Considerable knowledge of system applications, technical requirements/specifications, and industry terminology.

Broad knowledge of maternal, infant and child nutrition, foods and feeding practices.

Broad knowledge of theoretical principles and practice of public health nutrition.

Ability to use management information and client information systems to document and assess activities and outcomes.

Ability to synthesize data from varying sources to formulate research and evaluation proposals, quality improvement project ideas and recommendations for policy and systems change. 

Ability to interpret demographic information and apply these data to population‐level interventions.

Ability to provide counseling and mentoring to staff working directly with families and individuals.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships both within the department and with external partners (state and national).

Ability to secure support and cooperation from Federal Partners, health care providers, academic institutions and advocacy groups.

Skill in communicating with clarity and persuasion, both orally and in writing to professional and lay audiences and the media. 

Ability to work independently as well as provide leadership to district office staff.

Demonstrated ability to implement public health interventions and/or systems change in a culturally competent way.

Ability to apply a culturally competent lens in the design, collection and analysis of data.

Working knowledge of nutrition and cultural beliefs of families from various backgrounds and cultures. 

Demonstrated ability to promote and support the diversity and equity commitments of the department. 

Ability to perform job duties within the framework of the four key practices of the Agency of Human Services: customer service, holistic service, strengths-based relationships and results orientation.
 

Master’s degree in public health, public administration, nutrition, statistics, or a closely related human services field AND two (2) years or more of experience in public health that includes one (1) year in a supervisory or administration role. 

OR

Bachelor’s degree in public health, public administration, nutrition, statistics, or a closely related human services field AND four (4) years or more of experience in public health that includes one (1) year in a supervisory or administration role. 

Registered Dietitian or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD/RDN)

Project management and quality assurance experience

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.