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 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 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. Candidates must be currently certified by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC). 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). Grade Determinations: GS 9- Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade GS 7. Specialized experience can be described as but not limited to providing health coaching in outpatient and/or inpatient setting using multiple formats, facilitating development of personalized health plans focused on behavioral interventions, utilizing plans that include person centered customized goals, action steps and interventions developed by the individual including input from other members of the care team, communicating proactively and effectively both orally and in writing. 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. Preferred Experience: 2 years of coaching experience. 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-09. Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre-placement physical examination is not required.
The Health and Wellness coach provide services to Veterans seeking self-directed, lasting changes aligned with their values by providing support that promotes health and enhances well-being, identifying their motivation for change, determining goals, developing action steps, implementing action plans, and assessing progress and to adjust plans as needed.