This Acupuncturist position will be housed within Whole Health System / Integrative Health & Wellness Services, currently located under the Mental Health Service Line with a duty station of Rockford Community Outpatient Clinic (CBOC), in Rockford, IL. If you are a current, permanent VA Nationwide Employee, you may apply under the announcement MA-11790903-23-BG. Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency Requirement: Per VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, Paragraph 3j: No person will be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C., chapter 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA who is not proficient in written and spoken English. Education Requirement : Applicants must meet one of the requirements below: Master's degree in acupuncture or oriental medicine from a program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). OR Advanced level degree in acupuncture or oriental medicine from a program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). OR Foreign Graduates. Graduates of foreign acupuncture programs meet the requirements in subparagraph 3b if they have a full unrestricted and current license to practice acupuncture in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia. Certification Requirement: Certification. Acupuncturists hired in the VHA must be board certified through the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). The board certification must be current and the acupuncturist must abide by the certifying body's requirements for continuing education. Copy of Certification Required Licensure Requirement: Current, full, active, and unrestricted license to practice acupuncture in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States, or District of Columbia. Copy of Licensure Required. Grade Determinations. In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates: Acupuncturist, GS-12 (Advanced Level) Experience. In addition to the basic requirements, completion of a minimum of one year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Skill and ability to perform safe and effective advanced acupuncture techniques. Knowledge of complex issues surrounding the delivery of care as it relates to acupuncture services, such as evidence based and cost effectiveness. Ability to apply and adapt acupuncture to new and changing programs. Knowledge of research strategies, methodologies and principles. Ability to problem solve issues surrounding delivery of acupuncture. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). References: VA Handbook 5005/100, Part II, Appendix G53, Acupuncturist Qualification Standards, dated 2/7/2018. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Services. ["VISN 12 is committed to fostering and sustaining an environment which celebrates diversity, provides equitable opportunities for employment and promotion, and supports inclusiveness in our culture. Together, we strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that promote professional growth and teamwork, and are inclusive, equitable and welcoming. We embrace our differences as individuals and unite as a team toward a common goal: to serve our nation's Veterans. Acupuncturists provide examination, diagnosis, and treatment. Acupuncturists will be licensed independent providers who may work as part of VA interdisciplinary teams including integrative health & wellness, physical medicine and rehabilitation, primary care, pain management, other relevant medical specialties, and other relevant associated health disciplines. The Integrative Health Acupuncturist will work collaboratively with various other therapeutic modalities at their assigned Whole Health Site of Care. Major duties include but are not limited to: Utilizes standard medical evaluation procedures and East Asian Medicine evaluation to formulate a differential diagnosis to develop an acupuncture treatment plan. Incorporates the various training techniques taught within East Asian Medicine and acupuncture, and may apply safe and effective advanced acupuncture techniques. Educates patients on health lifestyle changes including nutrition, exercise, sleeping habits, stress management, mind body techniques and other matters related to acupuncture care. Documents and codes information related to patient care in the VA's electronic health care record on a timely basis following VHA policies. Reviews referrals, screen for appropriateness of care, and direct Veterans to others services when necessary. Participates in teaching principles of acupuncture to staff, students and residents including journal clubs, grand rounds and in-service trainings. Provides assistance as needed for issues or problems that arise in relation to the acupuncture practice and serves as a preceptor to new staff or less experienced staff and students. Provides group acupuncture as determined. Work Schedule: Full-Time, Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
