This Acupuncturist position is in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, within Whole Health at South Texas Health Care System location. The acupuncturist shall incorporate the various training techniques taught within East Asian Medicine and acupuncture.
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. 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. 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). Certification. Acupuncturists hired in the VHA must be board certified through the National 3 Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCC 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.AOM). The board certification must be current and the acupuncturist must abide by the certifying body's requirements for continuing education Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA in this occupational series or in another occupational series that are performing the duties as described in this qualification standard on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. Grade Determinations: Acupuncturist, GS-11 (Full Performance Level) Experience or Education: Individual must meet at least one of the requirements below: 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. Acupuncturists at this level review and triage acupuncture referrals. The incumbent serves as a member of an interdisciplinary team providing acupuncture treatment as well as further coordination of care for patients referred for acupuncture services. The acupuncturist analyzes medical histories and physical findings to formulate a differential diagnosis based on oriental and western medicine paradigms. Duties include the design and oversight of acupuncture treatment plans as well as a full range of acupuncture services, monitoring the accuracy of needle placement during a treatment. The incumbent communicates with patients about any abnormal or unexpected results or responses to treatment and advises patients regarding lifestyle changes including nutrition, exercise, sleeping habits, stress management, mind body techniques and other matters related to acupuncture care. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA). In addition to the GS-11 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. Preferred Experience: Full Performance Acupuncture GS -11 3+ years of acupuncture clinical experience Diplomat in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) Licensed acupuncturist with doctorate in 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-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: Light carrying, under 15 pounds; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Standing 3 hours; Specific visual requirement (specify) corrective lenses okay; Both eyes required; Depth perception; Hearing (aid permitted); Ability to work independently; Emotional & Mental stability. Sitting, standing, light lifting (up to 20 lbs.).
Major duties include, but are not limited to: Provide individualized acupuncture treatment. The acupuncturist will utilize standard medical evaluation procedures and East Asian Medicine evaluation under the direction of a journey level or higher acupuncturist or other health care provider in accordance with the established treatment plan. Complete clinical notes in electronic health record system. 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. The acupuncturist will provide group acupuncture as determined. Complete clinical notes in electronic health record system. 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. The acupuncturist shall maintain up-to-date VHA and professional trainings. Required meetings must be attended. The acupuncturist will review referrals, screen for appropriateness of care, and direct Veterans to others services when necessary. The acupuncturist communicates with other health care providers as appropriate. 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. The acupuncturist will protect data from unauthorized release or from loss, alteration, or unauthorized deletion. The acupuncturist will follow applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files, release of access codes, etc., as set out in the computer access agreement that the employee signs. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:30AM-4:00pm 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