Wellness Specialist

Join a dynamic Wellness team and help bring our wellness program to the next level. Apply your knowledge, skills, vision and creativity to facilitate positive health and lifestyle changes with employees of the State of Vermont. As a Wellness Specialist, you will develop and implement health and wellness initiatives for a diverse population. You must have excellent networking, coaching, communication and organizational skills. A bachelor’s degree or higher in Health Education or a related field and two years or more of work experience in health education or a closely related area are required. Experience in using website, social media and conventional marketing tools as well as hands on management, development and implementation of health educational services is preferred.

Employment Type: Full-Time

Job Reference Posting # 618450

Application Deadline: February 2, 2016

Class Definition:

Incumbent is responsible to provide comprehensive wellness programming to VT state employees and retirees in collaboration with the Wellness Team. Duties include individual and group coaching, on-site biometric screenings, strategic planning, program development, marketing, implementation and evaluation of statewide wellness programs for diverse state employee population. Must have excellent marketing, networking, coaching, communication and organizational skills. Must work well as part of a team and be a self-starter as incumbent is expected to operate with a great deal of independence.

Examples of Work:

• Participate in on-site biometric screenings, providing coaching and appropriate referrals.
• Provide individual and group coaching, in-person, telephonically and/or web-based.
• Participate in analyzing aggregate data for strategic planning.
• Participate in designing and implementing individual and group wellness-related programs.
• Present educational and interactive programs to individuals and groups using adult learning principles.
• Assist with program marketing including developing and updating hard-copy materials, on-line wellness portal, web sites, e-newsletters, Facebook and blog.
• Assist in the successful procurement and implementation of outside vendor contracts.
• Promote Wellness Program at designated events focused on health and wellness promotion and prevention. Perform other duties as assigned.

Environmental Factors:

Incumbent must be able to communicate, interact and work with state employees from all positions and management levels, as well as personnel representing medical, community and private organizations. Normal office/classroom working conditions prevail. Some alternate hours may be required to accommodate off-shift employees. Some travel within state is expected for which an incumbent must have access to private means of transportation. At times of public health emergencies (floods, infectious disease outbreaks, etc.), incumbent may be called on to assist Vermont’s public health efforts.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of health and wellness education principles and practices.
• Experience supporting and facilitating positive behavior change using coaching or motivational interviewing techniques.
• Working knowledge and skill in planning, developing and implementing wellness related programs and initiatives based on adult learning principles.
• Experience presenting to individuals and groups using adult learning principles.
• Experience analyzing aggregated data to develop and implement a comprehensive strategic plan.
• Considerable ability to create effective educational, marketing and communication tools, using current web-based technology and multi-media.
• Ability to network, establish and maintain effective working relationships and to communicate and negotiate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• High level of organizational skills and ability to independently and effectively manage multiple priorities, meeting program objectives and goals in a timely manner.
• Working knowledge and skill with Microsoft Office Suite including Publisher and Excel.
• Ability to work with a diverse population and to adjust programming to appropriately fit needs of group and/or location.
• Access to private means of transportation to worksites throughout the state.