Health and Wellness Coach

Veterans Health Administration • Monroeville, AL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Health and Wellness Coaches provide services to Veterans seeking self-directed, lasting changes aligned with their values. The coach supports health and well-being, potentially improving health-related outcomes and quality of life, by helping individuals identify motivation for change and determine goals for their work together. The role is based at the Robert S. Poydasheff VA Clinic and requires travel to other Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) in Columbus, Georgia.

The coach works with Veterans in outpatient and inpatient settings, individually or in groups, and through face-to-face, telephone, virtual, and other formats. In collaboration with interdisciplinary clinical and non-clinical teams, the coach uses motivational interviewing and coaching approaches to help Veterans develop personalized, sustainable strategies for healthy lifestyle changes, chronic disease management, and goals aligned with what matters most to them. The role also includes connecting Veterans with wellbeing services, providing education about coaching, and documenting coaching encounters in accordance with applicable guidance.

The position follows national Office of Patient Centered Care and Cultural Transformation guidance, relevant VHA policy, and a coaching process model aligned with National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) standards. The full performance level is GS-9. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and may change based on agency needs. Telework is not authorized, and this is not a virtual position.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• A bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited college or university in behavioral or social science or a related discipline appropriate to the position; alternatively, qualifying equivalent education and experience, or four years of appropriate experience demonstrating equivalent knowledge in behavioral or social sciences.
• Current certification by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC), subject to the stated temporary-appointment exception for eligible non-certified applicants.
• For the GS-09 grade: one year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade.
• Knowledge of current research literature related to health and wellness, including healthy lifestyle and well-being behaviors.
• Skill in health and wellness coaching techniques that promote positive behavior change in individual, couple, or group settings.
• Skill in interpersonal communication to develop and maintain strong relationships.
• Ability to help clients develop comprehensive personalized health plans based on action-oriented goals.
• Ability to identify internal and external resources needed to achieve patient health and well-being goals.
• Ability to use information technology equipment and emerging technologies to carry out work responsibilities.
• Ability to document patient information using appropriate systems.
• Must meet pre-employment requirements, including a background/security investigation, physical examination, and seasonal influenza vaccination program requirements.
• Must complete the required application and onboarding documentation; acceptable identification is required, with REAL ID restrictions as stated in the posting.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period, during which continued employment is evaluated.

Nice To Haves

• National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC).
• Prior work as a health or wellness coach, especially with individuals managing chronic conditions.
• Experience working in healthcare systems, particularly with Veterans or diverse populations.
• Formal training in pain-related coaching approaches.
• One to two years of formal work with an interdisciplinary pain team.
• Six months to one year actively practicing motivational interviewing and coaching with Veterans.
• One to two years coaching a VHA MOVE! group for patients and/or staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide health coaching to individuals and groups in outpatient and inpatient settings using face-to-face, telephone, virtual, and other formats to promote positive lifestyle habits and behaviors.
• Support Veterans in identifying internal strengths and external resources and developing self-directed strategies for sustainable healthy lifestyle changes and chronic disease management.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary clinical and non-clinical staff and teams to help Veterans develop and achieve self-determined goals related to health and well-being.
• Use motivational interviewing, coaching theories, and coaching techniques to help clients accomplish action steps and goals.
• Address relevant social and structural determinants of health within the coaching process.
• Educate Veterans about health and wellness coaching services, evidence, and research, and explain what to expect when engaging in coaching.
• Follow national Office of Patient Centered Care and Cultural Transformation guidance and VHA policy relevant to health and wellness coaching.
• Use a coaching process model aligned with NBHWC standards.
• Connect Veterans with wellbeing services when those services support the Veteran's self-identified wellness goals.
• Document coaching encounters in accordance with local and national guidance.
• Travel from the Robert S. Poydasheff VA Clinic to other CBOCs in Columbus, Georgia.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package available to employees and their families, with eligibility depending on position type.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to request and approval before appointment and not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

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