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. Health and Wellness Coaches provide support to positively influence the relationship between lifestyle and health outcomes.

Qualifications:

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) List of certifications. 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).

NOTE:

This provision is not intended to regularize appointments/placements.

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-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:

(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:

1.

Certification:

a. National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) 2.

Clinical Experience:

a. Previous experience working in healthcare settings (e.g., hospitals, clinics, community health centers). b. Experience working with individuals with chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, mental health issues). 3.

Coaching Experience:

a. Demonstrated experience providing one-on-one or group coaching on health-related behavior change. b. Experience using motivational interviewing, stages of change model, or similar coaching methodologies. 4.

Collaboration & Communication:

a. Experience collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, such as physicians, nurses, social workers, and behavioral health professionals. b. Excellent communication, active listening, and empathy skills. 5.

Technology Proficiency:

a. Comfortable utilizing electronic medical records (EMR) or health information systems. b. Familiarity with telehealth platforms and remote coaching tools. 6.

Population-Specific Experience:

a.

Preferred:

Experience working with Veterans, older adults, or other special populations relevant to the organization's mission.

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-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9

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.