Health and Wellness Coach

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.
• Certification: You must be currently certified by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC).
• Education and/or Experience: You must have successfully completed 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 you 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 you have acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.

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, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. Health and Wellness Coach, GS-9
(1) Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade.
(2) 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.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit .

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: . If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: .