About This Role
Working as a regular team member within general practice, the Health Coach helps patients gain the knowledge, skills, tools, and confidence to become active participants in their care. This role focuses on motivating individuals to make positive lifestyle changes, reduce high-risk behaviours, manage stress, and improve their health and wellbeing, while utilising the Te Whare Tapa Wha model of Care.
Responsibilities
- Provide self-management support through providing information, teaching health management skills, promoting behaviour change, teaching problem-solving skills, and encouraging participation and follow-up in health service delivery
- Work in partnership with the Tangata motuhake to assist them to develop a behaviour-change action plan
- Bridge the gap between clinician and Tangata motuhake by serving as the Tangata motuhake liaison person, ensuring the Tangata motuhake understands and agrees with the health care plan, and providing cultural support
- Help Tangata motuhake navigate the health care system through connecting them with resources and services and ensuring the Tangata motuhake voice is heard
- Offer emotional support by showing interest and compassion, teaching coping and stress management skills, and asking about emotional issues
- Serve as a continuity figure by establishing a trusting relationship, being available at agreed times, and providing active follow-up
- Undertake a patient-centred assessment at the first point of contact that is a holistic assessment of need from which to work collaboratively with the Tangata motuhake to identify goals and a plan to achieve these
- Enter clear and concise notes that comply with established standards within the practice's Tangata motuhake Management System
- Actively participate within the general practice team and support for building team competence in mental health and addictions
- Work closely with the support workers and develop close working relationships with the general practice's Health Improvement Practitioner and practice nurses
Requirements
- Hold a full New Zealand driver licence
- Have completed Health Coach training OR hold a New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 4)
- Flexible, self-starter who embraces the philosophy of helping people to manage better on their own rather than doing things for people
- Willing to embrace new ways of working
- Ability to work at a fast pace with a flexible schedule
- Proven ability to be a team player
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
- Ability to work closely and collaboratively with key stakeholders
- Understanding and sensitivity to working with all cultures and an understanding of tikanga Māori and a commitment to culturally safe practice
