Healthy Living Coach

Health 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.

Position Responsibilities

• 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.
• Educate patients on disease processes and progression, behavior modification, SMART goals, and habit tracking.
• Provide in-person and telephonic coaching to prediabetic and diabetic patients, focusing on improved decision making, motivation, and resource navigation to improve disease outcomes. Define and document individualized patient goals, follow up with patients regularly, and track patient progress.
• Educate patients on medication function, dosing, and correct administration.
• Instruct patients on self-monitoring, including glucometers and continuous glucose monitoring systems.
• Identify potential barriers to fulfilling the evidence-based care plan thereby decreasing risk factors and potential for disease progression.
• Support registered dietician and providers with health education for patients within and outside of the program.
• Manage and document distribution and utilization of gym passes by eligible patients.
• 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 prediabetic and diabetic health management.
• Assist and rotate with Clinical Manager-Nursing with oversight of daily operations of patient visits, including check-in/out processes and room assignments.
• Consult regularly with the clinical staff and the Prescription Health Program regarding patient needs.
• Utilize the EHR system for all patient encounters and communications.
• Oversee grant funds and supplies for prediabetic and diabetic patients.
• 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 by the Lead Nurse Practitioner and Chief Health Imitative Officer

Requirements

• 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.
• Active Licensed Practice Nurse (LPN) licensed strongly preferred.
• Certified Diabetic Educator designation, 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.