Acupuncturist (Advanced Level)

Full Job Description

The acupuncturist may treat a wide range of conditions and acupuncture may be used alone or as an adjunct to traditional medical care.

The acupuncturist includes the stimulation of specific points along the skin of the body using thin needles with or without the addition of electric stimulation.

The acupuncturist may use various techniques commonly taught in East Asian Medicine or Acupuncture schools.

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. See Chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part.

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).

Certification: Acupuncturists hired in the VHA must be board certified through the National 3 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: 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: 1.

Skill and ability to perform safe and effective advanced acupuncture techniques. 2.

Knowledge of complex issues surrounding the delivery of care as it relates to acupuncture services, such as evidence based and cost effectiveness. 3.

Ability to apply and adapt acupuncture to new and changing programs. 4. Knowledge of research strategies, methodologies and principles. 5.

Ability to problem solve issues surrounding delivery of acupuncture. 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-12. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. Major Duties:

Major duties include but not limited to: Utilize standard medical evaluation procedures and East Asian Medicine evaluation to formulate a differential diagnosis to develop an acupuncture treatment plan.

Provide group acupuncture as determined. Document and code information related to patient care in the VA's electronic health care record on a timely basis following VHA policies.

Review referrals, screen for appropriateness of care, and direct Veterans to others services when necessary.

Participate 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.

The advanced level acupuncturist serves as an advisor to leadership on issues pertaining to acupuncture. Participate in clinical research projects. Perform other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday; 8:00am to 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: GS-12 02006F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized