Health Coach

Job Description: Health CoachJob Title

Health Coach (Wellness Coach / Lifestyle Coach)

Reports To

Clinical Director, Wellness Program Manager, or Practice Administrator (varies by setting)

Job Summary

The Health Coach empowers clients to take an active role in their health by providing evidence-based guidance, accountability, and motivational support. The coach focuses on sustainable lifestyle modifications—including nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and sleep hygiene—to help clients achieve personal wellness goals and reduce chronic disease risk. This role does not diagnose, treat, or prescribe; rather, it bridges the gap between clinical recommendations and daily behavioral change.

Key ResponsibilitiesClient Support & Behavior Change

• Conduct one-on-one or group coaching sessions (in-person, phone, or video) to assess client readiness, set SMART goals, and develop action plans.
• Apply evidence-based behavior change models (e.g., Motivational Interviewing, Transtheoretical Model, Positive Psychology).
• Help clients overcome barriers to adherence (time, motivation, resources, social support).
• Provide non-clinical education on topics such as basic nutrition, portion control, exercise fundamentals, stress reduction techniques, and sleep optimization.

Chronic Disease Prevention & Management Support

• Support clients with prediabetes, hypertension, obesity, or metabolic syndrome in adopting lifestyle changes aligned with medical guidance.
• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, registered dietitians, and mental health professionals to ensure coaching aligns with medical treatment plans (without overstepping scope of practice).
• Document client progress, goal updates, and relevant biometric data (with client consent) in electronic health records or coaching platforms.

Program Administration

• Track client engagement, attendance, and outcome metrics (e.g., weight, BP, self-reported energy levels, medication adherence support).
• Prepare session summaries and progress reports for referring providers or employer wellness committees.
• Stay current with national coaching standards (e.g., NBHWC, ICF, Wellcoaches) and public health guidelines (e.g., USDA Dietary Guidelines, ACSM physical activity recommendations).

Professional Development & Ethics

• Maintain strict confidentiality (HIPAA compliance in clinical settings).
• Operate within defined scope of practice—refer clients to appropriate healthcare professionals for medical advice, mental health crises, or eating disorders.
• Participate in regular supervision, case reviews, and continuing education to maintain certification.

QualificationsEducation

• High school diploma required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Health Promotion, Psychology, Nutrition, Kinesiology, Public Health, Nursing, or related field preferred.

Certifications (required or strongly preferred)

• National Board Certification for Health & Wellness Coaches (NBC-HWC) OR
• Certified Health Coach (CHC) through recognized body (e.g., NBHWC-approved program, ACE, Wellcoaches, AFPA, Duke Integrative Medicine)

Experience

• 1–3 years of coaching or health education experience (internships count).
• Experience using behavior change frameworks (Motivational Interviewing training highly desirable).
• Familiarity with remote coaching platforms (Zoom, Doxy, or custom apps) and basic documentation.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong active listening and empathy.
• Ability to work with diverse populations (varying literacy, culture, motivation levels, and chronic conditions).
• Non-judgmental, client-centered approach.
• Basic proficiency with EHRs, spreadsheets, or CRM tools.
• Group facilitation skills (if leading workshops or classes).

Work Environment

• Hybrid, remote, or in-person depending on employer.
• May require flexible hours (evenings or weekends) for client availability.
• Minimal physical demands; may demonstrate light stretches or exercises.

Reporting & Supervision

Reports to Clinical Lead or Program Manager. Collaborates with interdisciplinary care team (physicians, therapists, dietitians) as needed.

Performance Metrics (examples)

• Client retention and session attendance rates.
• Goal achievement rate (client-defined).
• Client satisfaction scores (e.g., net promoter score or post-session surveys).
• Documentation timeliness and completeness.

Sample Day-to-Day Tasks

• 9:00 AM – Review new client intake forms and clinical referrals.
• 10:00 AM – 45-min virtual coaching session (goal setting with client post-discharge).
• 11:00 AM – Document session notes; message client with a follow-up resource.
• 12:00 PM – Lunch / professional reading.
• 1:00 PM – Lead “Stress-Busting Lunch & Learn” group session (corporate setting).
• 2:00 PM – Care team huddle (brief update on shared client progress).
• 3:00 PM – Follow-up call with client struggling with medication adherence support.
• 4:00 PM – Administrative tasks: reporting outcomes, scheduling, CEU module.

Important Distinctions (Scope of Practice)

Health Coach does:

• Ask permission before giving feedback.
• Explore ambivalence toward change.
• Help client create their own plan.
• Share general wellness information.

Health Coach does not:

• Diagnose medical conditions.
• Prescribe treatment, supplements, or meal plans.
• Treat eating disorders, trauma, or mental illness.
• Interpret lab results as a clinician.
• Provide therapy or counseling.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: QAR70,000.00 - QAR82,000.00 per year

Expected hours: 40 per week

Work Location: In person