Health and Wellness Coach

About the role

The position is responsible for the delivery of Whole Health Coaching within the Whole Health System under Primary Care Services at the St. Louis VA Health Care System. The Health & Wellness Coach is part of the multidisciplinary team dedicated to promoting health and enhancing overall well-being by focusing on shared goals and behavior change theories. Health and Wellness Coaches provide services to Veterans seeking self-directed, lasting changes aligned with their values. 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 by the closing date of the announcement. 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. **NOTE** If you intend to qualify via education, you MUST provide a copy of transcripts identifying the education and/or degrees attained that you are using as the basis for your qualifications. Certification: Candidates must be currently certified by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC). Exception for Non-Certified Health and Wellness Coaches: 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. Failure to Obtain Certification. In all cases, Health and Wellness Coaches must actively pursue meeting certification requirements starting from the date of their placement into the occupation. At the time of appointment, the Human Resources (HR) Office staff in collaboration with the supervisor will provide the uncertified Health and Wellness Coaches with the written requirement to obtain certification, the date by which the certification must be acquired and the consequences for not becoming certified by the deadline. Note: If a non-certified candidate is selected, he/she will be expected to obtain the required certification within one year of hire, with no exception proceedings. Loss of Credential. Management officials, in collaboration with HR office staff, must immediately relieve employees who fail to maintain the required certification of the duties and responsibilities associated with this occupation, which may also result in separation from employment. Grandfathering Provision: 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: In addition to the basic requirements outlined in paragraph 4, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. Health and Wellness Coach, GS-07 Experience: None beyond the basic requirements. 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. Health and Wellness Coach, GS-09 Experience: At least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-7) in the Federal Service, that is directly related to the work of the position and has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities. 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