Vanderbilt University Medical Center - Heerman Research Lab
About the ADAPT Study:
The ADAPT (Adapting Evidence-Based Obesity Interventions in Community Settings) Study is a five‑year, NIH‑funded research study led by Dr. Bill Heerman, MD, MPH at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. ADAPT aims to expand access to an evidence‑based, family‑centered childhood obesity intervention (COACH) by delivering it through local community centers that serve low‑income, rural, and historically underrepresented families, including Spanish-speaking communities.
As part of study expansion, we are building a reserve pool of bilingual (English/Spanish) health coaches who may be called upon as needed to support program delivery at community centers.
Position Overview:
This role requires native or near‑native fluency in both English and Spanish.
Health coaches will lead the delivery of the COACH program, a structured, family-based health promotion behavioral intervention for children ages 6-11 years old and their caregivers.
This is an as-needed, contract role with no guaranteed hours. Selected health coaches may be contacted when a community center is ready to launch programming. Programs are typically delivered to approximately 15 families at a local community center in middle Tennessee. Sessions are around one hour in duration and held once a week for a total of 6 weeks.
Schedule & Time Commitment:
- COACH program sessions are typically held for one hour once a week for approximately 6 weeks total
- Sessions are most often scheduled in the late afternoon or early evening (typically around 5:30/6:00pm during weekdays or 11:00am/12:00pm during Saturdays)
- There is no guaranteed number of hours; availability varies based on community needs
- This role is well suited for:
- Students (undergraduate or graduate)
- Individuals with another full‑time or part‑time job
- Community professionals seeking flexible, mission‑driven contract work
Training, Curriculum, and Support:
Health coaches are not expected to create original intervention content.
All COACH program materials (including lesson guides, session outlines, and key talking points) are developed by the Vanderbilt ADAPT study team and provided to health coaches.
Health coaches will receive:
- Structured training and certification on the COACH curriculum prior to working with families
- Detailed lesson guides outlining session objectives, required activities, and key messages
- Ongoing support and consultation from the study team before and during implementation
While COACH follows a standardized, evidence‑based curriculum, health coaches are encouraged to personalize their delivery style, examples, and group discussions to fit participating families and community context, while maintaining fidelity to core program components.
Key Responsibilities:
- Participate in required Vanderbilt-led training and certification (virtual and in person)
- Communicate regularly with the Vanderbilt study team
- Deliver COACH sessions using Vanderbilt-provided lesson guides and materials
- Lead group-based sessions for approximately 15 families
- Facilitate health education content related to:
- Healthy eating
- Physical activity
- Sleep habits
- Media use
- Family engagement and goal setting
- Lead approximately 30 minutes of low-to-moderate physical activity during each session
- Complete study-related surveys and documentation
- Upload session recordings and fidelity materials
- Participate in post-program feedback interviews as needed
- Deliver programming in Spanish and English, depending on community needs
Required Qualifications:
- Native or near-native fluency in both English and Spanish (required)
- Experience working with children and families
- Background in public health, community health, health education, fitness, nutrition, or a related field
- Strong communication and group facilitation skills
- Basic to intermediate computer skills
- Reliable transportation to travel to community centers (including locations outside Davidson County)
- Comfortable working in community-based, family-centered settings
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working with Latino or Spanish-speaking communities
- Prior health coaching, community health worker, or group facilitation experience
- Experience delivering physical activity or wellness programming
- Interest in public health research and health equity
Why Join ADAPT?
- Flexible, short-term commitments with late afternoon/evening scheduling (typically around 5:30/6:00pm during weekdays or 11:00am/12:00pm during Saturdays)
- No curriculum development required (all training, materials, and lesson guides are provided)
- Free training and certification in an evidence-based intervention
- Opportunity to contribute directly to reducing health disparities in childhood obesity
- Ideal for students, early-career professionals, and individuals seeking supplemental contract work
- Meaningful, community-engaged work supported by Vanderbilt University Medical Center
How to Apply
Please submit:
- A brief resume or CV
- A one-page cover letter describing your interest and relevant experience
Email application materials to ADAPT Study Coordinator Charlotte Beswilen at charlotte.beswilen@vumc.org.
If you have any questions about the position or would like additional information prior to applying, please contact Charlotte at the email address above.
Applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Due to volume, only candidates selected for follow-up will be contacted.
