To be considered for the position, please send an email with the subject line: Health Coach Job Application, to Dr. Katrina Ellis (kahe@umich.edu) that includes the following materials: a) a brief (1 page or less) cover letter describing your interest in the position as well as relevant qualifications and experience and b) a resume or CV.  Application will be reviewed as they are received. Materials should be submitted no later than May 10, 2026.

In order for the Career Portal system to accept a cover letter, please include this as a page of your resume document.

Candidates must be currently eligible to work in the United States, as we are currently unable to sponsor visas for this job opening.

Dr. Katrina Ellis, Associate Professor in Social Work, is seeking individuals with experience in motivational interviewing to serve as Health Coaches for family-focused health projects from May 2026 to April 2027. The projects associated with this position focus on improving cancer and chronic disease outcomes for families through psychosocial and lifestyle interventions, with a primary focus on African American families. You may learn more about Dr. Ellis and her team on her research website: https://www.katrinaellisresearch.com/

We are seeking highly motivated and collaborative Health Coaches for these projects. Improving the health of families and advancing racial health equity through thoughtful, collaborative, strengths-based orientations, and evidence-based approaches are core components of this work. 

It is expected that candidates will be able to demonstrate proficiency with motivational interviewing skills as well as a commitment to learning and growing in research knowledge and skills.

This is a temporary/hourly position and hours per week are dependent on scheduling of coach calls with participants. Pay rate starts at $30/hour. 

 

• Review surveys that illuminate participant?s barriers and motivators for health behavior changes
• Use Motivational Interviewing (MI) to counsel participants by phone for 20 to 45 minutes regarding behavior change efforts
• Document concise call notes that are disseminated to other team members and/or providers
• Collaborate with a team of researchers and other Health Coaches to reach study goals 
• Participate in meetings with other Health Coaches
• Communicate clearly and tactfully with participants, providers, and members of the research team 
   

• Fluency in English 
• Must have a computer with reliable internet access
• Have flexible availability to work at least 4 hours a week during the days, evenings and/or weekends
• 2+ years of experience counseling using motivational interviewing
   

• Masters or Doctoral Degree in a related field
• Experience working with an IRB, clinical trials, and research projects 
• Experience utilizing motivational interviewing in cancer, chronic disease or lifestyle behavior-related research studies
   

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.