Nutrition Consultant 2 (35 Hour)

Within the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH), this Nutrition Consultant 2 position is located in the Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity (NPAO) Prevention Program, which is part of the Community, Family Health and Prevention Section (CFHPS). This Nutrition Consultant 2 will plan, develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate obesity prevention strategies related to breastfeeding promotion; implementation of early care and education policy, systems, and environmental changes; and the adoption of food services guidelines in a variety of settings and venues. The Nutrition Consultant 2 will manage contracts supportive of these strategies and serve as a nutrition subject matter expert, providing technical assistance and support to contractors and key stakeholders.

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Deb Lyons at Deborah.Lyons@ct.gov, (860) 509-7180.

In the Department of Public Health, this class is accountable for independently performing the full range of tasks involved in the planning, implementation, supervision and administration of multiple specialized statewide nutrition programs such as the nutrition component of the supplemental food programs for women, infants and children (WIC) and community nutrition programs. Incumbents may perform licensure and certification surveys of health care facilities and monitor state and federally mandated health care programs.

Plans, coordinates, supervises and evaluates the implementation of public health nutrition programming and food service delivery systems within the state; determines operational and quality assurance standards and policies for nutrition component of health care or specialized programs; administers nutrition component of federal and state grants; assists local program directors in development implementation and evaluation of nutrition programs; participates in development of management systems for operation of nutrition component including systems for cost and inventory control, reporting, evaluation and accountability; reviews, evaluates and approves nutrition program grantees plans and budgets; supervises planning, development, implementation and evaluation of nutritional components of special local nutrition programs of grantees in multiple sites throughout state; provides or directs provision of technical assistance to grantees and private sector organizations in all areas of public health nutrition program such as food management components, menu development, therapeutic and special diets, clinical nutrition, nutrition education and nutrition surveillance; provides technical assistance to program personnel at state and local levels; provides ongoing training for local program nutritionists and other staff including interpretation of current research and methodology, materials and techniques for nutrition education; develops materials and designs systems and outreach strategies for public health nutrition education; carries out studies relating to health and nutrition; performs related duties as required.

Considerable knowledge of relevant State and Federal laws, statutes and regulations; considerable knowledge of nutrition, dietetics and nutrition education as related to public health practices and specialized programs; considerable knowledge of modern methods, materials and appliances used in large and small food preparation services; considerable knowledge of safety and sanitary problems, legislation, regulations, current programs and practices related to community nutrition and food management; considerable knowledge of program management and budgeting processes; knowledge of training and technical assistance methods, reporting and evaluation techniques; knowledge of cost control methods in food delivery; knowledge of training and technical assistance methods; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills.

Eight (8) years' experience as a nutritionist or dietitian in a health or human services agency or facility or agriculture extension service.

1. College training in dietetics, foods and nutrition or a closely related field may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
2. A Master's degree in community nutrition or public health nutrition or completion of a dietetic internship may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

• Experience developing and implementing evidence-based nutrition and obesity prevention curriculum and education, professional development training and technical assistance and/or presentations to meet the needs of a variety of audiences.
  
• Experience promoting implementation of breastfeeding, nutrition, and physical activity policies, state and national standards, and best practices in early care and education at the state and local level.
  
• Experience identifying and implementing policies, systems, and environmental change strategies to improve healthy food access and create a healthier environment in a variety of settings and/or venues.
  
• Experience with grant and/or contract development of budgets, work plans, goals, objectives, performance and reporting measures.
  
• Experience with grantee and/or contractor technical assistance, site visits and monitoring to ensure timely completion of goals and objectives.

Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Department of Public Health aims to provide equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and advancement, fostering an environment committed to supporting individuals in all protected classes. If you require an aid/accommodation to participate fully and fairly, please contact the Human Resources Office at (860) 509-7177.