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)
• 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
• Preferred Experience: Health and Wellness Coaching Certification Proficient in the delivery of virtual and in person Health and Wellness Coaching Delivering group patient encounters (e.g
• education, mind body skills, coaching) Experience documenting in a Electronic Medical Record Proficient in the use of Microsoft applications (including but not limited to Microsoft Teams) Experience coaching as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team 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 at the 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.