Diabetes Prevention Coach

Job description

About the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan:
The National Kidney Foundation of Michigan (NKFM) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of individuals affected by kidney disease. NKFM focuses on kidney health education, prevention, and research while offering support to kidney patients and their families. We are committed to increasing public awareness, promoting healthy living, and advancing medical research related to kidney disease.

Position Summary
Lifestyle Coaches are employed by the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan (NKFM). The NKFM is a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-recognized provider of the National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP) lifestyle change program. Lifestyle Coaches lead groups of participants through a year-long program using the NDPP lifestyle change program curriculum. During the first six months of the program, there are 16 weekly sessions followed by bi-weekly sessions. During the last six months, there are a minimum of six sessions, one per month for the remainder of the year. Lifestyle Coaches will help participants develop and maintain the skills needed to adopt healthy eating and physical activity habits.


Qualifications
• Knowledge of the principles of behavior change and group facilitation, with the ability to build relationships with individuals and create community without prescribing personal actions or solutions;
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals and in front of a small group;
• Ability to work with a diverse group of people of varying ages, ethnicities, experiences and geographic locations;
• Active listening skills; enthusiasm and a positive attitude;
• Knowledge or willingness to learn basic health, nutrition, and physical activity principles;
• Proficient in MS Word, MS Excel, email and online virtual communication platforms with access to a computer, tablet, or smart phone to allow for regular communication with class participants;
• Physical requirements; physical effort equal to transferring materials between a vehicle and a cart up to 50 pounds. Regularly required to sit or stand, bend and reach;
• Must have good writing skills in order to communicate with participants;
• Must be legally eligible to work in the United States.

Key Responsibilities
• Facilitate classes assigned by the NKFM in-person or virtually over the course of the 1-year program;
• Create an environment that is motivating, supportive, non-competitive, and non-judgmental;
• Engage group dynamics and group discussion to build accountability among participants;
• Support participants by encouraging progress; setting goals; and working with the group to address challenges;
• Prepare for each session by reviewing content as well as providing feedback on participants' food and activity trackers;
• Deliver the National Diabetes Prevention Program lifestyle change program, as it was designed. Lifestyle Coaches can add their personal strengths as a coach and provide culturally relevant examples of food, types of physical activity, etc. but should not alter the curriculum;
• Maintain high standards and expectations of self and participants including attendance, starting on time, weekly weigh-ins, self-monitoring, and problem solving;
• Be accessible to participants and provide makeup sessions if they are unable to attend a class;
• Record and submit weight and physical activity data for each participant and submit within 48 hours to NKFM;
• Collaborate with and respond to NKFM's guidance in order to develop and enhance coaching skills.