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.
This vacancy will remain open until filled. The first cut-off date is Monday, August 3, 2026. Additional applications will be referred as needed.
Learn more about this agency
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Current federal employees whose agencies follow the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's hiring rules and pay scales.
Current federal employees whose agencies have their own hiring rules, pay scales and evaluation criteria.
Current federal employees of the hiring agency that posted the job announcement.
NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.
This vacancy will remain open until filled. The first cut-off date is Monday, August 3, 2026. Additional applications will be referred as needed.
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 work with individuals on identifying their motivation for change, determining goals for their work together, developing sustainable action steps toward achieving their short- and long-term goals, implementing action plans, and assessing progress in order to adjust plans as necessary. Health and Wellness Coaches provide support to positively influence the relationship between lifestyle and health outcomes. They guide the exploration of behaviors that may increase the risk of developing or worsening chronic disease and those that reduce the likelihood of chronic illness. Health and Wellness Coaches may collaborate with Veterans and Veterans' primary care and specialty care treatment providers to develop goals designed to improve health and well-being, reduce impact from chronic illness and lessen the likelihood of admission to the emergency department, inpatient care or long-term care.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm
Telework: Ad-hoc available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: GS-7: 99326S, GS-9: 99325S
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
- Subject to background/security investigation.
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
- Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
- your performance and conduct;
- the needs and interests of the agency;
- whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
- whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
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.
- 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 (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED). 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 (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED). 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.
- List of certifications. Candidates must be currently certified by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC)
- Exception for Non-Certified Health and Wellness Coaches.
- 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). - Please visit https://nbhwc.org/exam-eligibility-requirements/ to ensure that you meet the following 3 requirements:
- 1-Completion of an NBHWC Approved Training Program (copy of certificate of completion and/or the NBHWC Exam Eligibility letter is required with your application package).
- 2-Complete 50 health and wellness coaching sessions (can be completed during 1 year temporary appointment if not already completed).
- 3- Completion of an associate's degree (or higher) or 4,000 hours of work experience (both can be in any field).
- 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.
- Non-certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted until certification is obtained.
- Temporary appointments of non-certified Health and Wellness Coaches may not be extended beyond one year or converted to a new temporary appointment.
- Failure to Obtain Certification. In all cases, Health and Wellness Coaches must actively pursue meeting certification requirements starting from the date of their placement into the occupation. At the time of appointment, the Human Resources (HR) Office staff in collaboration with the supervisor will provide the uncertified Health and Wellness Coaches with the written requirement to obtain certification, the date by which the certification must be acquired and the consequences for not becoming certified by the deadline. Failure to obtain certification during this time period may result in termination of employment.
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:
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.
- Assignment. (GS-7 assignment description listed under "Education" section)
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.
- Assignment. (GS-9 assignment description listed under "Education" section)
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 in the range of GS-7 to 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.
GS-7 Assignment. Employees at this grade level serve in a Health and Wellness Coach entry-level developmental position. At the entry grade, Health and Wellness Coaches are responsible for providing basic health coaching by conducting interventions using one-on-one, couple or group modalities in outpatient and inpatient settings using multiple formats (face-to-face, telephone, virtual, etc.) in order to reduce or eliminate high-risk behaviors while increasing/promoting a positive lifestyle (habits and behaviors) resulting in increased well-being. Employees at this grade are closely supervised and competency in progressively complex tasks is monitored by the supervisor. Health and Wellness Coaches facilitate development of personalized health plans focused on behavioral interventions based on current scientific knowledge and research. Health and Wellness Coaches equip and empower individuals to live their lives to the fullest by improving quality of life across the lifespan that reduces risk for chronic disease, reverses or slows progression of chronic disease and increases the sense of well-being at the end of life. These plans include person-centered customized goals, action steps and interventions developed by the individual and include input from other members of the health care team. Health and Wellness Coaches must communicate proactively and effectively both orally and in writing.
GS-9 Assignment. Employees at this grade level serve as Health and Wellness Coaches at the full performance level. Health and Wellness Coaches use behavioral change theories (e.g., motivational interview and trans-theoretical model) and tools to assist individuals in the process of health coaching. They provide interventions that promote health and wellness and enhance well-being (i.e., what matters to the individual), improve health related outcomes, reduce likelihood of inpatient admission and improve quality of life across the continuum of care in all settings. Health and Wellness Coaches foster an environment that equips and empowers each individual to develop and fully engage in a lifestyle management plan. Health and Wellness Coaches facilitate the development of personalized health plans that emphasize self-care in combination with conventional treatment plans that include individualized intervention strategies to help the client use existing skills and develop new ones to enhance success. Health and Wellness Coaches provide information on the relationship between lifestyle and health outcomes, exploring behaviors that increase the risk of developing or worsening chronic disease and those that reduce the likelihood of chronic illness. They are responsible for guiding individuals to learn about available support tools and resources outside of healthcare (e.g., social determinants of health) in the community that assist in attainment of goals. Health and Wellness Coaches contact eligible participants for enrollment and explain the health coaching process. They develop and distribute locally approved health education materials based on national guidance to patients and family members that are in line with the patient's personalized health plan. Health and Wellness Coaches are responsible for conducting outreach activities directly to potential participants and internal and external referral sources informing them of available programs and services. They coordinate care with patients' treatment providers including primary care, specialty care and mental health to ensure identified goals are aligned with the overall plan of care around what matters most to the individual. They provide health coaching support to multidisciplinary groups whose purpose is to address specific health and well-being goals or metrics in both the inpatient and outpatient setting. At this level, Health and Wellness Coaches develop individualized health and wellness group curriculum and/or provide input into curriculum developed by higher-level management. They use applicable IT equipment, systems and software to maintain accurate, complete, current and confidential medical records in accordance with accepted standards. Health and Wellness Coaches at this level may assist with data management analyses, special studies and reports for use by management for budget preparation, workload projections and quality assurance and usage reviews. Health and Wellness Coaches participate in quality improvement projects and refine information for comprehensive reports addressing elements such as patient reported outcome measures, work measurement, trend analysis, efficiency, effectiveness and productivity.
Transcripts are REQUIRED if basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
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: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.
Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field.
Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field.
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
- Cover Letter
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DD-214/ Statement of Service
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Disability Letter (Schedule A)
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Disability Letter (VA)
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License
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Certificate of completion and/or the NBHWC Exam Eligibility Letter for NBHWC Approved Training Program
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Certification from National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC)
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Other
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PCS Orders
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Performance Appraisal
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Professional Certification
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Resume
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Separation Notice (RIF)
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SF-15
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SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
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Transcript
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 10/30/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13023097.
- To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
Elaine Gammons
Address
Thomas E Creek VA Medical Center
6010 Amarillo Boulevard, West
Amarillo, TX 79106
US
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
Accepting applications
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
No matching locations found.
Work site options
Telework eligible
Yes—Ad-hoc
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$50,460 - $80,243 per year
Salary depends on the grade level that you qualify for - GS-07 range $50,460-$65,599. GS-09 range $61,722-$80,243.
Pay scale & grade
GS 7 - 9
Learn more about pay scale and grade
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Travel Required
Not required
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Federal service type
This job is in the Excepted Service
Represented by a union
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
CAZM-13023097-26-EMG
