Incumbent serves as an acupuncturist at the VA Western Colorado Health Care System (VA WCHCS), located in Grand Junction, Colorado. 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. 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. 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 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 continuingeducation. 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-12 (Advanced Level) (a) 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. (b) 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/100 Part II Appendix G53 The full performance level of this vacancy is 12. Physical Requirements: Sitting, standing, light lifting (up to 20 lbs.). ["The acupuncturist advises and assists the Associate Director of Complementary and Integrative Health (CIH) in the matters related to acupuncture care. The incumbent delivers acupuncture care, a component of the CIH clinical program, as part of a strategic effort to advance VHAs cultural transformation to a \"Patient Centered Care and a Whole Health\" model of care. Duties include but are not limited to: Provide individualized acupuncture treatment Utilize standard medical evaluation procedures and East Asian Medicine evaluation to formulate a differential diagnosis to develop an acupuncture treatment plan Incorporate the various training techniques taught within East Asian Medicine and acupuncture and may apply safe and effective advanced acupuncture techniques Educate patients on health lifestyle changes including nutrition, exercise, sleeping habits, stress management, mind body techniques and other matters related to acupuncture care Provide group acupuncture as determined, including auricular or Battlefield acupuncture Document, and code information related to patient care in the VA's electronic health care record on a timely basis following VHA policies iMed consent shall be completed prior to acupuncture treatment where any needling procedure occurs Communicate with other health care providers as appropriate Maintain trainings and attend required meetings Review referrals, screen for appropriateness of care, and direct Veterans to other services when necessary Provide guidance when requested regarding purchased care Problem solve issues in the delivery of acupuncture 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 Serve as an advisor to leadership on issues pertaining to acupuncture May participate in clinical research projects Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:00a-5:30p\nCompressed/Flexible: Available\nTelework: Not Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nFunctional Statement #:54126-O\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]