Job Specification Details

Key leadership position within the Division of Family and Child Health’s WIC Program. Provides planning, consultation, policy, managerial, and supervisory work at a professional level for the WIC Program, involving the development, implementation, and evaluation of activities aimed at improving health outcomes for at-risk pregnant individuals and young children.

Duties are performed with significant latitude for independent judgment and professional expertise, including formulation of program goals, policies, and quality standards as well as oversight of staff training and technical nutrition support, and in the development and revisions to the WIC management information computer system and adjacent applications.

Supervision is exercised over a professional staff. 

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. 

Direct and oversee adherence to USDA Federal Regulatory standards within the State WIC Program and through services provided by local Health Department WIC staff. Monitor and oversee local Health Department WIC staff practices in the areas of WIC clinic services, WIC documentation procedures, and overall WIC program management to ensure adherence to Federal regulations and standards. Respond quickly to emerging events such as natural disasters and WIC-related product recalls to ensure continuation of WIC program services across the state. Manage development, interpretation and documentation of policies and procedures, standards, staff training, technical support for nutrition services, and clinic operations aimed at improving health outcomes for at risk pregnant individuals and young children. Provide expert guidance and content support to the WIC Program Management Information System (MIS) vendor, and technical support on the MIS to local WIC staff. Serve on program leadership team, providing program direction and vision, and participates in policy and management decisions. Assists the WIC Nutrition Program Director in managing human resource activities of the unit. Assume responsibility in the absence of the WIC Nutrition Program Director on program issues and activities; represent the Director at meetings and other program matters as needed. Provide leadership, direction, and quality oversight for professional public health nutrition staff. Develop individual component work plans that support overall operations and program objectives, including assigning and follow-up on work, conducting performance evaluations, and promoting compliance with personnel policies and procedures. Facilitate contract associated with hematological equipment, State infant formula contract, and WIC participant web application. Develop new initiatives to enhance nutrition services and improve quality of life for families and individuals, respond to needs and preferences, and improve efficiency and maximize use of resources. Evaluate both statewide and local district office nutrition education goals and nutrition services plans to assure that nutrition and education services provided are based on accepted nutritional care standards. Provide technical assistance on nutrition and program administration, interpretation of policies and standards, policies, including federal and state nutrition program legislation, regulations, guidelines, and funding resources. Provide subject matter expertise input into the maintenance, enhancement and technology upgrade of the WIC MIS, and actively engages in user acceptance testing and assists in implementation of new or changed business workflows. Arrange, plan, and conduct in‐service 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. Continually evaluate and implement emerging nutrition education methods and research to ensure accurate and up to date information is available to staff working directly with families and individuals. Ensure linkage and coordination of WIC participant services at the community level with health care providers, Medicaid, Head Start, public benefit programs, family and child health programs, other health department programs, and other state agencies serving women and children. Extensive interaction with local, state, and federal agencies, as well as health care providers, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, community partners, contractors and members of the public. Represent the Vermont Department of Health, Family and Child Health Division at local, regional and national meetings and. Participate in national webinars and presentations. Serve on national, State and local-level Department of Health committees and work groups, assuming responsibility for special projects as assigned.

Duties primarily performed in a standard office setting. Considerable interaction will occur with Federal partners, medical care providers, advocacy groups, and other public and private organizations. Some travel will be necessary for which a driver’s license will be required. Some work outside of normal office hours may be anticipated and some out-of-state travel may be required.

Expert knowledge of maternal, infant and child nutrition, foods and feeding practices.
Broad knowledge of principles, theories and  and practices of public health nutrition.
Expert knowledge of WIC Program Federal Regulations.
Thorough knowledge of counseling skills, adult education techniques, and training principles.
Considerable knowledge of MCH-WIC population and social, cultural and economic determinants of health.
Considerable knowledge of social, cultural, and economic issues as they apply to public health nutrition, and cultural beliefs of families from various backgrounds and cultures. 
Considerable knowledge of system applications, technical requirements/specifications, and industry terminology.
Skill in supervising professional staff and ensuring staff accountability
Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of program planning, management, and evaluation. 
Skill in matrix management of professional staff to ensure staff accountability Working knowledge of research principles and procedures.
Ability to provide training, 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).
Skill in presenting ideas clarity and persuasion, both orally and in writing to professional and lay audiences and to the media. 
Ability to plan, implement, direct, and evaluate complex programs.
Ability to interpret and apply complex Federal rules and regulations.
Ability to analyze and interpret nutrition data.
Ability to set personal and program priorities and goals; be self-directed and work with minimal supervision in an atmosphere of competing priorities.
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.
Demonstrated ability to promote and support the diversity and cultural competency commitments of the department. 
Ability to provide leadership and accountability 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 nutrition, nutritional sciences, community nutrition, clinical nutrition, dietetics, or public health nutrition AND two (2) years or more of experience in a field of nutrition that includes one (1) year in a supervisory or administration role. 

OR

Bachelor’s degree in nutrition, nutritional sciences, community nutrition, clinical nutrition, dietetics, or public health nutrition AND four (4) years or more of experience in a field of nutrition that includes one (1) year in a supervisory or administration role.

Project management and quality assurance experience.

Registered Dietitian or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD/RDN) credential and must maintain credential while employed in this position.

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.