Nutrition Consultant 1 (35 Hour)

The State of Connecticut, Department of Public Health (DPH) is currently recruiting for a Nutrition Consultant 1.  This 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 1 will assist in planning, implementing, and evaluating evidence-based obesity prevention strategies and initiatives for two federally funded grants.  Responsibilities include coordinating and conducting professional development for early care and education professionals; serving as a subject matter expert; providing technical assistance to contractors; conducting presentations to a variety of audiences; and assisting with the development of communication materials and messages, website content, and fact sheets.

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

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH: This class is accountable for assisting in planning and implementing the nutrition component of health care programs and providing technical assistance to the department and licensed facilities in nutrition, dietetics and food service management.

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES: This class is accountable for independently performing the full range of tasks involved in planning and implementing policies, plans and programs for the provision of cost effective, nutritious meals and nutrition education for older persons OR for independently performing the full range of tasks involved in the development and review of nutrition practices at day care centers and family day care homes.

DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION SERVICES: This class is accountable for providing consultative services to the department in nutrition, dietetics and food service management.

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES: Advises department on utilization of federal and state resources to assure effective provision of meals and nutrition education to program participants; reviews applications for funding with regard to provision of meals and related funded projects; reviews, approves, monitors and assesses nutrition project grantees; provides consultation and technical assistance to grantees in all areas of meal service and nutrition education; inspects food service facilities and assesses compliance with state and federal regulations; obtains and analyzes cost and services data on meals and related nutrition services in Title VII projects by coordination with other agencies and consultation with grantees; provides nutrition information to the public; Provides consultation and technical assistance to day care centers and family day care home providers; monitors and evaluates individual programs and grantees in regard to proper nutrition development and sanitation methods; advises department personnel and day care staff of fiscal and programmatic irregularities and assists with development of solutions; analyzes program costs and food reimbursements; develops and presents nutrition workshops for all program participants; performs related duties as required.

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION SERVICES: Assists with planning and establishment of goals and standards for component of health or specialized programs and provides technical assistance to professional staff of department and related agencies; may provide consultation to food service staff regarding the development of nutritional care activities and develop related policies; may assist with implementation of federal and state regulations among contracted health agencies; plans and conducts in-service educational programs; provides direct dietary counseling as necessary; assists in developing, evaluating and reporting on nutrition studies and surveys; may participate in inspection of facilities for licensure and certification; may evaluate and approve plans for proposed modification of dietary departments in licensed facilities; analyzes, develops and evaluates nutritional care plans with consultant dietitians and evaluates regular and therapeutic menu plans; may be assigned to Hospital and Medical Care Division serving as a specialist in dietetics and food service management; may perform inspections on storage and food preparation areas; may coordinate with local resources for nutrition referrals; performs related duties as required.

Knowledge of nutrition, dietetics and nutrition education as related to public health practices and specialized programs; knowledge of modern methods, materials and appliances used in large and small scale food preparation services; interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills.

Seven (7) years of experience in nutrition or food service administration in a health or human services agency, facility or agriculture extension service.

1. College training in foods, nutrition or closely related field may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equaling 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 implementing food service guidelines including nutrition standards to improve healthy food access in a variety of settings.
• Experience coordinating and conducting professional development training and technical assistance related to obesity prevention.
• Experience implementing evidence-based obesity prevention approaches, providing nutrition education to individuals and groups, and conducting presentations for a variety of audiences.
• Experience promoting the adoption of early care and education nutrition and physical activity policies, state and national standards, and best practices.
• Experience working with a variety of software packages, including Microsoft Office products and Adobe Acrobat Professional in order to create health promotion materials and experience with web site content development.

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.