Job Specification Details

Key leadership position in the Department of Health. Provides policy, direction, planning, and consultative work at a professional level involving policy and program development for nutrition and physical activity within the Vermont Department of Health. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Director of the Division of Health Improvement. 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.

Articulate the mission of the department, the vision for the health of Vermonters and the goals for nutrition and physical activity. Identify emerging areas needing public health intervention and mobilize public and private resources to develop new strategies to address them. Develop policies that lead to accomplishment of public health goals for reduction of the ill effects of poor nutrition and inactivity. Collect, analyze interpret and present information on the health status of Vermonters, current health topics, and effective interventions for improving health status; Recommend innovative approaches to maximizing resources, reducing silos and promoting collaboration within the department and among partner organizations. Assure that interventions reflect all dimensions of health including the individual and family, organizations (health care, education, business), community and public policy. Respond to requests from the Commissioners Office regarding nutrition and physical activity. Serve as the food, nutrition and physical activity expert for the department. Engage the media to increase awareness and knowledge of public health issues, particularly as related to nutrition and physical activity. Facilitate collaboration with internal and external groups; ensure participation and input from stakeholders and constituents. Assist community organizers to develop an array of services that promote healthy eating and regular physical exercise as community norms. Provide leadership, direction and quality oversight for public health nutrition and physical activity practice. Supervise the chronic disease nutrition and obesity prevention program staff in the Department.

Establish nutrition standards and quality improvement systems for the department; including deciding when the research supports the department making diet recommendations to the public. Develop program for continuing education, staff development and other services to promote career development for nutrition and physical activity professional staff. Recommend staffing patterns to most effectively achieve objectives, assure quality services and evaluate progress of individuals and programs.

Duties are typically performed in a standard office setting. Some travel is required for which private means of transportation should be available. Incumbent may need to work evenings or weekends and speak before public groups.

Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of nutrition, physical activity and public health.

Considerable knowledge of nutrition as it relates to health and disease.

Working knowledge of social, cultural, and economic issues as they apply to public health nutrition.

Knowledge of community based program development and delivery.

Ability to use research/ evaluation principles and procedures.

Knowledge of best practices/evidence based services in nutrition and physical activity.

Ability to use of population rather than client specific strategies.

Ability to motivate/involve others and supervise effectively.

Ability to think creatively to propose new strategies for accomplishing assigned tasks.

Ability to think systematically, see connections, link programs and systems.

Ability to analyze and evaluate nutrition data and services.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

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.

Education: Doctoral or Masters Degree in nutrition or medicine; or BS in nutrition with a masters or doctoral degree in public health or public administration. At least 6 credits in nutrition for those with a medical degree.

Experience: Five years professional level work in health care or public health with at least 3 years in public policy, administration or supervision. Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated experience in promoting fitness/exercise.

Licensure: Registered Dietitian or Licensed Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathy

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.