This position is located in the Pike Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) facility, to be supervised by Whole Health Director. The acupuncturist is responsible for being self-directed in the delivery of patient care. 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. Candidates will not be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C. chapters 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA who are not proficient in written and spoken English. Education. Individual must meet one of the requirements below: (1) Master's degree in acupuncture or oriental medicine from a program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). OR (2) Advanced level degree in acupuncture or oriental medicine from a program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). (3) 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. 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. Licensure. 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. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met for Supervisory Acupuncturist, GS-12 (1) Experience. In addition to the basic requirements, completion of a minimum of one year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level is required. (2) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs: a. Ability to perform the full range of supervisory duties including: responsibility for work assignments; competency assessments; performance evaluations; selection of staff; and recommendation of awards, advancements, and when appropriate, disciplinary actions. b. Ability to analyze organizational and operational problems to develop and implement solutions that result in efficient operations and use data effectively to manage workload, quality, performance, productivity within the service. c. Knowledge of how acupuncture integrates with other healthcare disciplines. d. Ability to analyze clinical data and make recommendations for corrective actions to optimize quality, efficiency, performance, and productivity within service keeping in line with accrediting bodies and policy. e. Knowledge related to administrative functions such as, material, supply, and equipment management. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G53, Acupuncturist Qualification Standard, dated February 7, 2018. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-12. Physical Requirements: Sitting, standing, light lifting (up to 20 lbs.). ["Duties include but not limited to: The acupuncturist will utilize standard medical evaluation procedures and East Asian Medicine evaluation to formulate a differential diagnosis to develop an acupuncture treatment plan. The acupuncturist shall incorporate the various training techniques taught within East Asian Medicine and acupuncture and may apply safe and effective advanced acupuncture techniques. The acupuncturist shall educate patients on health lifestyle changes including nutrition, exercise, sleeping habits, stress management, mind body techniques and other matters related to acupuncture care. The acupuncturist will provide group acupuncture as determined. The acupuncturist shall document, and code information related to patient care in the VA's electronic health care record on a timely basis following VHA policies. iMed consent shall be completed prior to acupuncture treatment where any needling procedure occurs and oral informed consent is valid for auricular acupuncture only. The acupuncturist communicates with other health care providers as appropriate. The acupuncturist will review referrals, screen for appropriateness of care, and direct Veterans to other services when necessary. Knowledge of complex issues surrounding the delivery of care as it relates to acupuncture services, such as evidence base and cost effectiveness. Problem solve issues in the delivery of acupuncture. The incumbent shall participate in teaching principles of acupuncture to staff, students and residents including journal clubs, grand rounds and in-service trainings. The incumbent 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. The acupuncturists shall perform the full range of supervisory duties including responsibility for work assignments; competency assessments; performance evaluations; selection of staff; and recommendation of awards, advancements, and when appropriate, disciplinary actions. Analyze organizational and operational problems to develop and implement solutions that result in efficient operations and use data effectively to manage workload, quality, performance, productivity within the service. Make recommendations for corrective actions to optimize quality, efficiency, performance, and productivity within service keeping in line with accrediting bodies and policy. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 - 4:30pm (Subject to change based on Agency needs.) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 52582F 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.
