Advanced Acupuncturist

Quick Facts

• Position: Acupuncturist (Advanced Level), GS-12

• Department: Anesthesiology Department

• Schedule: Full-time, Monday–Friday, 8:00am–4:30pm

• Telework/Virtual: Not available

Description

The Advanced Acupuncturist (GS-12) leads an interdisciplinary team to provide evaluation, monitoring, planning, and coordination of care for acupuncture services. You will independently develop individualized treatment plans using standard medical evaluation and East Asian Medicine evaluation, and deliver patient education and acupuncture services (including group services as needed). Care is documented in the VA electronic health record and coordinated with other healthcare providers.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized acupuncture treatment using standard medical evaluation and East Asian Medicine evaluation to formulate differential diagnosis and an acupuncture treatment plan

• Formulate treatment plans independently or in collaboration with healthcare professionals, using techniques taught within East Asian Medicine and acupuncture training

• Select and use appropriate acupuncture tools and supplies based on patient needs

• Educate patients on healthy lifestyle changes (nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress management, mind-body techniques)

• Provide group acupuncture services as determined by clinical needs

• Document and code patient care information timely in the VA electronic health record per VHA policy

• Communicate with other providers regarding patient care

• Review referrals and screen for appropriateness of care; direct Veterans to other services when needed

• Serve as a subject matter expert on acupuncture and East Asian Medicine; guide purchased care when requested

• Maintain up-to-date VHA and professional training requirements and attend required meetings

• Lead acupuncture best practices and serve as a liaison between patients, staff, and management

• Educate Veterans on self-care techniques such as acupressure

• Participate in case reviews and treatment plan discussions; teach principles of acupuncture (e.g., journal clubs, grand rounds, in-service trainings)

• Assist with issues related to acupuncture practice and serve as a preceptor for new or less experienced staff/students

• Participate in improvement projects and may support clinical research to strengthen the scientific basis of acupuncture

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship

• Selective Service registration (for eligible males)

• Proficiency in written and spoken English

• Subject to background/security investigation

• Complete pre-employment onboarding and requirements; pass pre-employment physical examination

• Seasonal influenza vaccination requirement

• Current NCCAOM board certification (and continuing education compliance)

• Current, full, active, unrestricted acupuncture license in a U.S. state/territory/commonwealth (e.g., Puerto Rico) or District of Columbia

• Education: Master’s degree in acupuncture or oriental medicine from an ACAOM-accredited program OR an advanced level degree from an ACAOM-accredited program (or foreign graduate requirements with current unrestricted license)

• Experience: at least 1 year of progressively complex experience equivalent to GS-11

• Demonstrate required knowledge/skills/abilities for safe advanced acupuncture, evidence/cost effectiveness, adaptability to new programs, research methodology, and problem-solving for acupuncture delivery

Benefits

A comprehensive U.S. government employee benefits package is provided; eligibility depends on position type and status.