Job Summary

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. Salary Range: GS-07 $50,460-$65,599 GS-09 $61,722-$80,243

Job Description

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). Certification: Candidates must be currently certified by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC). 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. Grade Determinations: 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: 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. 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.