Health Coach II

University Clinical Health•Savannah, TN

11d

About The Position

The Health Coach is a frontline community wellness leader and healthy lifestyle example who works directly with patients in high-need communities. The role promotes healthy behaviors, informed personal health decisions, navigation of barriers to care, chronic disease self-management, and improved health outcomes. The Health Coach provides health screenings, individual and group motivational interviewing-based coaching for chronic conditions and lifestyle management, and referrals for medical, mental health, and social needs. The position also handles patient management information and appointment processing in the EHR and builds and maintains healthcare community partnerships. The Health Coach serves as a trusted advocate, coach, educator, and ambassador, providing encouragement, education, guidance, practical support, and motivation. The role supports clients in making lasting healthy lifestyle changes, including through food-as-medicine approaches, and helps connect them with care and community resources. Health Hubs are neighborhood health and wellness centers operated by University Clinical Health, an initiative of The University of Tennessee Health Sciences’ Tennessee Population Health Consortium. They serve medically underserved communities through community-centered care and provide access to preventive and wellness services regardless of clients’ ability to pay.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
Experience working with diverse populations.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Basic understanding of healthcare systems and referral processes.
Proficiency with electronic health records and healthcare technology.
Employment or other lived experience providing care for individuals with chronic health conditions.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Valid driver’s license.
Must complete training and certification in both Motivational Interviewing and Health Coaching Certification Programs within the first 45 days of employment.
Must complete Motivational Interviewing training and reach and maintain client-centered proficiency, as evidenced by the Motivational Interviewing Competency Assessment.
Must complete National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) and Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) certifications within the first six months of employment.

Nice To Haves

Associate's or bachelor's degree in Health, Social Services, Human Services, or a related field.
Experience as a Community Health Coach or in a related role specializing in chronic disease self-management or obesity prevention.
Health background, health promotion, medical assistant, licensed practical nurse, or similar training.
Experience facilitating DSME and DPP programs.
Nationally recognized health coaching certification, such as National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach or Board Certified Clinical Health and Wellness Coach.
Experience using EPIC EHR.
Experience with telehealth and virtual coaching platforms.
Bilingual language skills.
CPR certification.

Responsibilities

Build trusted relationships with clients, conduct health screenings, provide personalized health coaching, lead wellness activities, and support individuals in achieving healthier lifestyles and wellness goals.
Deliver education, coaching, and support programs that promote self-management of conditions such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and tobacco use.
Identify barriers to care and connect participants with healthcare providers, behavioral health services, and community resources.
Represent TennesseeCares positively in the community by engaging community members, referral partners, and local organizations.
Visit referring physicians and community partners regularly to build community awareness.
Participate in health fairs and community events, often on weekends and evenings.
Maintain timely, accurate records and Epic EHR documentation in compliance with HIPAA privacy requirements and established patient management and encounter processing procedures.
Follow established protocols, support quality initiatives, and collaborate with the interdisciplinary care team.
Promote teamwork, efficient workflows, client access, and achievement of Health Hub program goals.
Complete Motivational Interviewing and Health Coaching Certification Program training and certification within the first 45 days of employment.
Complete Motivational Interviewing training and attain and maintain client-centered proficiency as evidenced by the Motivational Interviewing Competency Assessment.
Complete National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) and Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) certifications within the first six months of employment.