Health and Wellness Coach

Full Job Description

The VA Cheyenne Health Care System is hiring for a Health and Wellness Coach located in Loveland, CO.

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.

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: To qualify for appointment to this position, all applicants must possess the following: Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. Education and/or Experience.

(1) Successful completion of 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 (2) Combination of education and experience that provided the applicant with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.

OR (3) Four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated that the applicant has acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.

Certification. (1) List of certifications. Candidates must be currently certified by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC).

(2) Exception for Non-Certified Health and Wellness Coaches.

(a) Non-certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for certification, may be given a temporary appointment as Health and Wellness Coach under the authority of 38 U.S.C.

§ 7405(c)(2).

(b) Non-certified individuals may only provide care under the supervision of a certified Health and Wellness Coach at or above the full performance level or other designated occupation with the appropriate training and expertise.

(c) Non-certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted until certification is obtained.

(d) Temporary appointments of non-certified Health and Wellness Coaches may not be extended beyond one year or converted to a new temporary appointment.

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-7 (1) Experience.

None beyond the basic requirements. (2) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs).

In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of health and wellness coaching processes and techniques.

Ability to promote positive lifestyle choices. Ability to effectively communicate in writing through a variety of modalities. Ability to effectively communicate verbally/non-verbally.

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.

Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment.

Major Duties:

Health and Wellness Coaches work with individuals to identify their motivation for change, determine goals for their work together, develop sustainable action steps toward achieving their short- and long-term goals, implementing action plans, and assess progress and to adjust plans as needed.

Health and Wellness Coaches provide support to positively influence the relationship between lifestyle and health outcomes.

Major Duties and Responsibilities: Provides health coaching to individuals or groups in outpatient and inpatient settings using multiple formats (face-to-face, telephone, virtual, etc.) to increase/promote a positive lifestyle, habits, and behaviors.

Support Veterans in fostering internal strengths and external resources to develop self-directed strategies for 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 in a Veteran-centered process to facilitate and empower Veterans to develop and achieve self-determining goals related to health and well-being that align with what matters most and their mission, aspiration, or purpose (MAP).

Utilizes motivational interviewing, coaching theories, and coaching techniques to assist clients in accomplishing their action steps and goals.

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 informed of what to expect when engaging in coaching.

Connects Veterans with well-being services when they are in service of the Veteran's self-identified wellness goals. Documents coaching encounters in alignment with local and national guidance.

The incumbent works under the general supervision of a Supervisory Health and Wellness Coach (or designee when appropriate), who establishes objectives and department priorities.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm Telework: Ad-hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 442-99325-S Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized