Hire Health Coaches
The road to health and wellness begins with a choice. There are numerous ways in which individuals can improve health but, usually, the challenge lies in taking that first step. Health coaches provide motivation, support, and encouragement to empower individuals in their exciting journey to a healthier lifestyle.
Finding a health coach starts with drafting an accurate job description that evokes both curiosity and excitement in candidates. For a compelling job post, hiring managers should be clear, concise, and detailed. Are you looking for candidates who live in a specific area? What is the schedule? Is prior experience required? Carefully outline the responsibilities as well as requirements. These details will help candidates picture themselves working in your clinic or institution. Hiring managers must anticipate what the candidates may think about upon reading the job description.
Depending on the need, health coaches may work in hospitals, clinics, and community centers on a part-time or full-time basis. Additionally, health coaches are also alternatively referred to as wellness coaches. It may help if the job description will also include this term to widen the selection pool and increase the likelihood that the posting appears in search results of online hiring platforms.
Aside from general job boards, it is best for hiring managers to post job announcements on healthcare-specific job boards, online groups, and in community groups as well. Getting referrals from other medical professionals and employees themselves is a helpful way to source candidates. Your staff may already know great people so let them know about the job vacancy.
Health Coach Responsibilities
A health coach provides guidance and direction to patients who are seeking to make changes toward a healthier lifestyle. Health Coaches help clients discover and recognize their need for lifestyle changes in areas like nutrition, exercise, and wellness. They conduct interviews calmly and respectfully, allowing the patients to share information that they are comfortable sharing.
After the assessment, health coaches can develop a health care plan customized for each client and implement it through face-to-face or virtual counseling sessions and exercises. In implementing the care plan, health coaches collaborate with other health team members engaged in the client’s care. Additionally, the health coach monitors the patient’s response and progress to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment plan and adjusts as needed. Detailed documentation of notes and observations are made in each session and serve as a guide throughout the treatment duration.
Depending on the needs of the patient, the health coach also recommends other resources and community support groups that are available to the patient. Lastly, it is of utmost importance for health coaches to uphold confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
Health Coach Skills and Qualifications
To qualify as a health coach, a candidate should have a high school diploma or GED and training in coaching, fitness, or nutrition. Previous work experience in the same role is typically required.
An ideal candidate is compassionate, trustworthy, and professional. Candidates must have excellent active listening and problem-solving skills. Moreover, strong communication skills and empathy are a must as Health Coaches interact closely with patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals. Candidates must be knowledgeable about general health practices and possess strong motivational skills.
The choice to make lifestyle changes is challenging. With a health coach, individuals can be equipped with the right motivation and support to make healthier choices and improve their lives.
