Health and Wellness Coach

Veterans Health Administration • Killeen, TX

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

Health and Wellness Coaches provide care to Veterans seeking self-directed, lasting changes aligned with their values through interventions that promote health and wellness and enhance well-being (i.e., what matters to the individual), improve health related outcomes, reduce likelihood of inpatient admission and improve quality of life across the continuum of care in all settings.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• 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.
• Candidates must be currently certified by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC).
• 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.
• 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).
• 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.
• One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade, GS-07.
• Experience includes but is not limited to: knowledge of health and wellness coaching processes and techniques; facilitating development of personalized health plans (including person-centered customized goals, action steps and interventions developed by the individual) focused on behavioral interventions based on current scientific knowledge and research; promoting positive lifestyle choices (habits and behaviors); communicating in writing through a variety of modalities; effectively communicating verbally/non-verbally; conducting interventions using one-on-one, couple or group modalities in outpatient and inpatient settings using multiple formats (face-to-face, telephone, virtual, etc.).
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• NBHWC Health and Wellness Coaching Certification
• Proficient in virtual/in-person Health and Wellness Coaching
• Delivering group patient encounters
• Experience documenting electronic medical records
• Proficient in Microsoft application, including Microsoft Teams
• Coaching experience with multidisciplinary healthcare teams

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.
• Within the coaching process, consider appropriate social and structural drivers 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 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.

Benefits

• A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
• As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
• Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level