Summary

Acupuncturists practice Acupuncture Medicine - which includes the use of the technique of acupuncture along with other treatment approaches. Acupuncture medicine includes traditional and modern acupuncture and biomedical (Western) concepts - diagnosis - and treatment approaches for the promotion - maintenance - and restoration of health.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• Citizenship
• Citizen of the United States
• After a determination is made that it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens - necessary personnel may be appointed on a temporary basis under authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405 without regard to the citizenship requirements of 38 U.S.C. 7402 or any other law prohibiting the employment of or payment of compensation to a person who is not a citizen of the United States
• Candidates must meet all other requirements for the grade and position concerned
• 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)
• 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
• Physical Requirements
• See VA Directive and Handbook 5019
• 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
• See Chapter 2 - section D - paragraph 5a - this part
• 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)
• Grade Determinations: Acupuncturist - GS-9 (Entry Level) Experience
• None beyond the basic requirements
• Acupuncturist - GS-11 (Full Performance Level) Experience or Education: Individual must meet at least one of the requirements below: 1
• Experience
• In addition to the basic requirements - must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level - which is directly related to the position to be filled
• OR - 2
• Education
• Doctoral degree or equivalent degree from an accredited college or university in an acupuncture or oriental medicine
• (b) Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities (KSA)
• In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 1
• Ability to screen referrals and direct veterans to other services as appropriate
• 2
• Ability to formulate an appropriate differential diagnosis
• 3
• Ability to formulate an acupuncture treatment plan independently or with other health care professionals
• 4
• Ability to educate patients on health lifestyle changes including nutrition - exercise - sleeping habits - stress management - mind body techniques and other matters related to acupuncture care
• This includes the ability to communicate with individuals of varying backgrounds
• 5
• Skill in the selection and use of the appropriate acupuncture tools and supplies based on needs of the patient
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-9 to GS-11
• Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position
• Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

Duties

• The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers
• This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest
• As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care - you will operate in a model with three core elements - seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran
• This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community
• This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being
• Major duties include but are not limited to: Will utilize standard medical evaluation procedures and Acupuncture Medicine evaluation to formulate a differential diagnosis to develop an acupuncture treatment plan
• Use techniques of acupuncture - acupressure - and electroacupuncture as well as adjunctive techniques
• Educate patients on healthy lifestyle changes including nutrition - exercise - sleeping habits - stress management - mind body techniques and other matters related to acupuncture care
• Provide group acupuncture - as determined
• Complete clinical notes in electronic health record system
• Maintain trainings and attend required meetings
• Review referrals - screen for appropriateness of care - and direct Veterans to others services when necessary - as directed
• Serves as a subject matter expert on acupuncture services and provides guidance when requested regarding community care
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am to 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