Healthy Living Coach

Vulnerable and underserved populations bear a disproportionate burden of diabetes-related disease and face long-standing obstacles to health equity. Individual health coaching has proven effective in improving diet, self-efficacy, and empowerment, resulting in quantifiable reductions in A1C, BMI, and quality of life. The Health Living Coach at the St. Petersburg Free Clinic will support our patients in managing their disease and improving outcomes.

The Healthy Living Coach (HLC) will provide in person and telephonic coaching to patients with prediabetes or diabetes. The role includes supporting patient decision-making, motivation, and resource navigation. Additional responsibilities include recruiting participants for a diabetic grant program, tracking patient data, and quarterly reporting of results. The position aims to reduce diabetes risk factors, increase self-management skills, and improve quality of life of our patients. The HLC is a member of a multidisciplinary team which supports our patients on their healthcare journey. This grant-funded position requires compliance with grant guidelines. 

Schedule

Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm. Tuesday evening and Saturday mornings according to program needs. 

Position Responsibilities

Healthy Living Coach:

• Collaborate with clinical staff and complementary programs to facilitate a team-based approach to patient care, reinforcing recommendations made by other providers. Ensure HLC patients are seen and referred in accordance with grant requirements. 
• Coordinate and implement educational programs that promote the management of and prevention of disease.
• Develops, documents and implements nutrition care plans based on assessments of nutrition needs and other current health plans, and provides follow up and referral as needed.
• Coordinates with other Health Center providers whose patients benefit from nutrition intervention.
• Educate patients on disease processes and progression, behavior modification, SMART goals, and habit tracking. 
• Identify potential barriers to fulfilling the evidence-based care plan thereby decreasing risk factors and potential for disease progression. 
• Makes recommendations and implements nutrition interventions.
• Manages appointment schedule and administrative duties, leads one-on-one appointments, group classes and/or in-services for interdisciplinary treatment teams.
• Ensure compliance with agency and grant guidelines, including regular data collection and database updates. 
• Facilitate patient enrollment in the grant and other community partner programs. 
• Manage and coordinate patient communications and education related to, chronic disease, prediabetic and diabetic health management.
• Consult regularly with the clinical staff and the Prescription Health Program regarding patient needs. 
• Partner across the organization with the Procurement Manager to order and coordinate food deliveries for Lifestyle RX.
• Utilize the EHR system for all patient encounters and communications.
• Participate in program evaluations and improvements.
• Partner with the Director of Contracts & Quality Assurance to submit monthly, quarterly and annual grant reports. Provide patient challenges and successes for grant reporting. 
• Assist in the facilitation of group classes on chronic disease management and diabetes.

Quality and Safety:

• Assist with back-office clinical processes, as needed.
• Ensure compliance with protocols for safe disposal of biohazardous materials.
• Ensure ancillary services are provided in accordance with applicable regulations, clinic policies and procedures, and referring provider requirements.

Miscellaneous:

• Assist with other duties as assigned 

Agency-wide Responsibilities

• Maintain documentation and records in compliance with policies and procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality. 
• Support the St. Petersburg Free Clinic’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• Adhere to agency policies and procedures, and all Federal, State, and local regulations.

Required Skills & Abilities

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Effective time management abilities and adeptness at coordinating competing deadlines.
• Demonstrated proficiency in building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to prioritize teamwork and collaboration across departments.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly with Excel.
• Aptitude for learning new technological skills and utilizing a variety of technologies. 
• Experience with Electronic Health Records (EHR), preferably eClinicalWorks.
• Dedication to and embodiment of the mission and values of the St. Petersburg Free Clinic.

Education & Experience:

• Minimum of an associate’s degree or higher.
• Registered Dietitian preferred.
• Direct patient care experience with adult diabetics, minimum of 3-5 years.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

SPFC is a Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace.