Health and Wellness Coach

About the role

This position is located at the Fayetteville VA Medical Center. 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. 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. English Language Proficiency: Health and Wellness Coach candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403 (f) Education and/or Experience: 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 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 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: 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: Knowledge of health and wellness coaching processes and techniques. Ability to promote positive lifestyle choices. Ability to effectively communicate in writing through a variety of modalities. Ability to effectively communicate verbally/non-verbally. Health and Wellness Coach, GS-09: Experience: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge of current research literature related to health and wellness, including behaviors that promote a healthy lifestyle and well-being. Skill in using health and wellness coaching techniques to promote positive behavior change using one-on-one, couple or group modalities. Skill in exercising effective interpersonal communication techniques to develop and maintain strong interpersonal relationships. Ability to assist the client in developing a comprehensive personalized health plan based on a patient's action-oriented goals. Ability to identify resources internal and external to the organization that are necessary for achieving patient overall health and well-being goals. Ability to use information technology (IT) equipment and various/emerging technologies to carry out work responsibilities. Ability to document patient information using appropriate systems. Preferred Experience: Conducted patient-centered coaching and care coordination using VA Systems including: TRM, MyHealtheVet, VSE, VISTA, and CPRS, ensuring accurate documentation and continuity of care within the EMR. 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: Regular and recurring work is mostly sedentary involving sitting at a desk, although the position requires the ability to move from one location of the facility to another. Some physical effort such as standing, walking, bending or prolonged sitting may be required. The work places no special physical demands on the employee.