Health and Wellness Coach

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. Education and/or Experience. (1) 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 (2) 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 (3) 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. (1) Candidates must be currently certified by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC). (2) Exception for Non-Certified Health and Wellness Coaches. (a) 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). (b) 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. (c) Non-certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted until certification is obtained. (d) 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). For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: (1) Employees may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level or changed to lower grade within the occupation but may not be promoted beyond the journeyman level or be newly placed in supervisory or managerial positions. (2) Employees in an occupation that requires a certification only at higher grade levels must meet the certification requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels. NOTE: This provision is not intended to regularize appointments/placements. Grade Determinations: Health and Wellness Coach, GS-07. (1) Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. (2) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). 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. Grade Determinations: Health and Wellness Coach, GS-09. (1) Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade. (2) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). 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 systems. 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 GS-07 to GS-09. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service.
The incumbent works under the general supervision of a Supervisory Health and Wellness Coach (or designee when appropriate), who establishes objectives and department priorities. Health and Wellness Coaches provide services to Veterans seeking self-directed, lasting changes aligned with their values. They provide support that promotes health and enhances well-being, which may support improved health related outcomes and quality of life.