Health and Wellness Coach

Health and Wellness Coaches provide services to Veterans seeking self-directed, lasting changes aligned with their values. They provide support that promotes health and enhances well-being, which may support improved health related outcomes, and quality of life.

Qualifications:

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Certification: You must be currently certified by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC).
• Education and/or Experience: You must have successfully completed a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in behavioral or social science or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
  OR
  Combination of education and experience that provided you with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.
  OR
  Four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated that you have acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. Health and Wellness Coach, GS-9
(1) Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade.
(2) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:

• Knowledge of current research literature related to health and wellness, including behaviors that promote a healthy lifestyle and well-being.
• Skill in using health and wellness coaching techniques to promote positive behavior change using one-on-one, couple or group modalities.
• Skill in exercising effective interpersonal communication techniques to develop and maintain strong interpersonal relationships.
• Ability to assist the client in developing a comprehensive personalized health plan based on a patient's action-oriented goals.
• Ability to identify resources internal and external to the organization that are necessary for achieving patient overall health and well-being goals.
• Ability to use information technology (IT) equipment and various/emerging technologies to carry out work responsibilities.
• Ability to document patient information using appropriate systems.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9.

Responsibilities:

• Providing health coaching to individuals or groups in outpatient and inpatient settings using multiple formats (face-to-face, telephone, virtual, etc.) in order to increase/promote a positive lifestyle (habits and behaviors).
• Support Veterans in fostering internal strengths and external resources to develop self-directed strategies for making personalized, sustainable, healthy lifestyle behavior changes and more effectively manage chronic disease.
• Collaborates with interdisciplinary clinical and non-clinical staff and teams throughout the VA health care system on a Veteran-centered process to facilitate and empower Veterans to develop and achieve self-determining goals related to health and well-being and that align with what matters most or their mission, aspiration, or purpose.
• Utilizes motivational interviewing, coaching theories, and coaching techniques to assist clients in accomplishing their action steps and goals.
• Within the coaching process, addresses appropriate social and structural determinants of health.
• Provides education around health and wellness coaching services, evidence, and research.
• Follow national Office of Patient Centered Care and Cultural Transformation guidance and VHA policy relevant to health and wellness coaching.
• Utilizes a coaching process model that aligns with NBHWC standards.
• Ensures Veterans are aware of what to expect when engaging in coaching.
• Connects Veterans with wellbeing services when they are in service of the Veteran's self-identified wellness goals.
• Documents coaching encounters in alignment with local and national guidance.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am to 4:00pm. (Schedule subject to change based on the needs of the department).
Telework: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 99325-S
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized

Salary : $62,344