Health and Wellness Coach

Full Job Description

We are seeking a dynamic and dedicated Health and Wellness Coach to join our Primary Care team at the James A. Haley VA Hospital in Tampa, FL.

As a Health and Wellness Coach, you will play a crucial role in guiding clients through their wellness journeys, providing personalized support, and fostering positive lifestyle changes.

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.

English Language Proficiency: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless you are proficient in basic written and spoken English.

Education and/or Experience: 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 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 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: Candidates must be currently certified by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC). Exception for Non-Certified Health and Wellness Coaches.

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).

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.

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

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

Note: If selected a non-certified candidate is selected, you will be expected to obtain the required certification within one year.

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: Health and Wellness Coach, GS-07 Experience: None beyond the basic requirements.

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

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

Health and Wellness Coach, GS-09 Experience: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade.

In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of current research literature related to health and wellness, including behaviors that promote a healthy lifestyle and well-being.

(b) Skill in using health and wellness coaching techniques to promote positive behavior change using one-on-one, couple or group modalities.

(c) Skill in exercising effective interpersonal communication techniques to develop and maintain strong interpersonal relationships.

(d) Ability to assist the client in developing a comprehensive personalized health plan based on a patient's action-oriented goals.

(e) Ability to identify resources internal and external to the organization that are necessary for achieving patient overall health and well-being goals.

(f) Ability to use information technology (IT) equipment and various/emerging technologies to carry out work responsibilities.

(g) Ability to document patient information using appropriate system 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-09. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS07 to GS-09.

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:

The Health and Wellness Coach is responsible for the delivery of whole health coaching and skill development of the local Medical Center's Whole Health Coach program, including provision of care through coaching, promotion, and education regarding whole health coaching to Veterans and staff.

Major Duties include, but are not limited to: Contacts eligible participants for enrollment and explain the health coaching process.

Provides health coaching for Veterans in order to reduce or eliminate high-risk behaviors while increasing healthy ones.

Conducts interventions for Veterans using one-on-one, couples, or group modalities in outpatient and inpatient settings. Conducts Whole Health Facilitated groups..

Participates in MOVE, smoking cessation, diabetes management, hypertension clinics, mental health, and other inpatient and outpatient groups as appropriate.

Provides follow-up care through telephone clinics or secure messaging between face-to-face appointments.

Actively guides Veterans in the exploration of core elements of personal health planning through individual and group based programs.

Encourages and assists to Veterans with the adoption of habits that are conducive to higher quality of life and in alignment with the Veterans' goals.

Identify habits and behaviors that are harmful to quality of life and related to chronic illness.

Develops treatment plans for Veterans focused on behavioral interventions based on current scientific knowledge and research that improve quality of life and reduce risk for chronic disease, or that reverse or slow progression of chronic disease.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm (Note: Work schedules are determined and approved by the supervisor.

The incumbent may be required to work various shifts on a permanent or temporary basis based on facility/patient care needs). Telework: Ad-hoc as needed. Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 99326S and 99325S Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.