Acupuncturist

Veterans Health Administration • East Orange, NJ

3d • Onsite

About The Position

This full-time position is in Whole Health - Integrative Medicine under the Chief of Staff at the New Jersey VA Medical Center. The Acupuncturist uses acupuncture as part of clinical treatment plans to help reduce pain and anxiety, alone or alongside traditional medical care. Treatment may involve stimulating specific points on the skin with thin needles, with or without electrical stimulation. The role also includes teaching acupressure for self-care and may include leading Tai Chi or QiGong classes.

The Acupuncturist provides individualized and group acupuncture services, evaluates patients using standard medical and East Asian Medicine procedures, and develops appropriate differential diagnoses and treatment plans. The role includes patient education, clinical documentation, coordination with other health care providers, referral screening, and serving as a subject matter expert on acupuncture and East Asian Medicine services. The incumbent maintains required training and contributes leadership on acupuncture best practices.

The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telework is not available; this is not a virtual position.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited in accordance with VA policy.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• A master's degree or advanced-level degree in acupuncture or oriental medicine from an ACAOM-accredited program, or qualifying foreign education together with a full, unrestricted, current U.S. acupuncture license.
• Current board certification through the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), with compliance with the certifying body's continuing education requirements.
• A current, full, active, and unrestricted license to practice acupuncture in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
• For GS-11, either one year of directly related, creditable experience equivalent to GS-9 or a doctoral or equivalent degree from an accredited college or university in acupuncture or oriental medicine.
• Ability to screen referrals and direct Veterans to other services as appropriate.
• Ability to formulate an appropriate differential diagnosis.
• Ability to formulate an acupuncture treatment plan independently or with other health care professionals.
• Ability to educate patients on healthy lifestyle changes and communicate with individuals from varying backgrounds.
• Skill in selecting and using acupuncture tools and supplies appropriate to patient needs.
• Must complete required onboarding and background/security investigation requirements and participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period, as determined for the position.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service.
• Must submit all application requirements specified in the announcement.

Nice To Haves

• At least five years of professional experience as a licensed and certified acupuncturist, with demonstrated ability to independently evaluate patients, formulate differential diagnoses using both East Asian and Western medicine paradigms, and develop and manage individualized acupuncture treatment plans.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized acupuncture treatment using standard medical and East Asian Medicine evaluation procedures to formulate a differential diagnosis and treatment plan.
• Formulate acupuncture treatment plans independently or collaboratively with other health care professionals, using techniques taught in East Asian Medicine and acupuncture training.
• Select and use acupuncture tools and supplies appropriate to individual patient needs.
• Educate patients about healthy lifestyle changes, including nutrition, exercise, sleep habits, stress management, mind-body techniques, and other matters related to acupuncture care.
• Provide group acupuncture services based on clinical needs.
• Document and code patient care information promptly in the VA electronic health record system in accordance with VHA policy.
• Communicate with other health care providers about patient care as appropriate.
• Review referrals, screen for appropriateness of care, and direct Veterans to other services when necessary.
• Serve as the subject matter expert on acupuncture and East Asian Medicine services and provide guidance on purchased care when requested.
• Maintain current VHA and professional training requirements and attend required meetings.
• Provide leadership on acupuncture best practices and serve as a liaison among patients, staff, and management.
• Educate Veterans on self-care techniques such as acupressure.
• May teach Tai Chi and QiGong wellness or therapeutic classes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive federal employee benefits package for eligible employees and their families.
• Potential credit for prior federal or military service toward annual leave accrual, subject to request and approval before appointment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior