Health and Wellness Coach

Veterans Health Administration • Prescott, AZ

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Health and Wellness Coach provides services to Veterans seeking self-directed, lasting changes aligned with their values. They provide support that promotes health and enhances well-being. They work with individuals to identify their motivation for change, determine goals for their work together, develop sustainable action steps toward achieving short- and long-term goals, implementing action plans, and assess progress and to adjust plans as needed. The Department of Veterans Affairs is implementing a streamlined 30-Day Hiring Model designed to accelerate hiring while maintaining the highest standards of merit-based selection. This improved process reduces traditional hiring timelines by integrating early coordination, faster assessments, and efficient pre-employment actions. Applicants can expect a more transparent, predictable, and efficient hiring journey from announcement to selection. Expedited Candidate Review: Once the announcement closes, Human Resources will quickly review applications, issue certificates of eligible candidates the day after the announcement closes and refer applicants for hiring manager consideration. Quick Interviews & References: HR may arrange interviews and will request references within 3-5 days after being referred to the hiring manager. Streamlined Pre-Employment Requirements: Following a tentative offer, applicants should be prepared to complete required steps, such as fingerprinting and background check, credentialing, and medical examination within 3 days of the offer. Clear and Timely Communication: Applicants will receive clear communication at key milestones, including referral, tentative offer, and onboarding instructions. After meeting pre-employment requirements, candidates will receive a final job offer and start date. Onboarding tasks may continue after starting, with HR ensuring timely completion for a smooth transition into VA service. If selected, applicants should be prepared to come onboard within 30 days of the announcement closing.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents).
• Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Must have a current, unrestricted driver's license.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
• As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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

• National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach preferred
• 1 year experience as Whole Health Coach

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)
• Supporting 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
• Collaborating 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
• Utilizing 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
• Providing education around health and wellness coaching services, evidence, and research
• Connecting Veterans with wellbeing services when they are in service of the Veteran's self-identified wellness goals
• Documenting 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