This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/464425900. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) needs employees who possess the energy, compassion, and commitment to serve those who served our Country. Whatever the job title, every position in VA will give you a chance to make a meaningful and personal contribution to the lives of truly special and deserving people - our Veterans. VA professionals feel good about their careers and their ability to balance work and home life. VA offers generous paid time off and a variety of predictable and flexible scheduling opportunities. Working for VA is one of the most emotionally satisfying and professionally rewarding ways to dedicate the best within you to your Country's service. If you are transitioning from the military or a Veteran already, we invite you to explore the benefits of continuing your career at the VA. The VA is committed to hiring Veterans.
The VA is much more than just another employer. It is an honorable, open and welcoming community of those who care. Gratitude is our motivation and service is our mission.
The VA has adopted Core Values and Characteristics that apply universally across the Department. The five Core Values define "who we are," our culture, and how we care for Veterans, their families and other beneficiaries. The Values are Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect and Excellence ("I CARE").
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
02/17/2017 to 03/10/2017
$36,281 - $71,467 per year
GS 00
1 vacancy in the following location:
Not required
No
Permanent - Excepted Service Permanent
Full-time - Full Time
00
No
FQ-17-JSF-1915900-HT38-BU
464425900
The Washington, DC VA Medical Center is currently recruiting for Dental Hygienist. The position is in the Dental Service. The Dental Hygienist provides oral prophylaxis, scaling and root planning, topical application of drugs, and on-on-one instruction in proper preventive dental procedures and nutritional information. The Dental Hygienist duties include:
· Provide evaluations and examinations under the supervision of staff dentist and recommends and refers patient for general dental care.
· Provide gross debridement, deep scaling, curettage, root planning, and routine oral prophylactic care to include application of fluoride solution.
· Chart fndings, treatment plans, and treatment provided in patient records in a concise and understandable manner.
· Administer topical and local anesthetic agents.
· Demonstrate proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning the dental treatment room.
· Sets up operatory for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover.
Preferred Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of experience practicing clinical hygiene; previous training and certification in administering local anesthesia (both block and infiltration) under supervision of the dentist; and proficient in taking digital radiographs.
Work Schedule: 8:00am - 4:30pm
Functional Statement Title/#: Dental
Hygienist/00000
Basic Requirements:
Citizenship. Citizen of the United States.
Certification. Public Law 97-35 requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75. Essentially, they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation, and is accredited by an organization recognized by the Department of Education, and be certified as radiographers in their field. Accredited dental hygiene programs contain curriculum addressing radiologic procedures which will meet the requirement for certification as dental radiographers.
(1) Exception. Non-certified applicants, who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for licensure, may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate dental hygienist under the authority of
38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B) for a period not to exceed 2 years. Failure to obtain certification during this time period may result in termination of employment.
(2) Loss of Credential. A dental hygienist who fails to maintain the required licensure/certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Physical Requirements:
Moderate Lifting 15 lbs-44 lbs; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking 1 hour; Standing 6 hours; Repeated bending 1/2 hour; Both Legs Required (If compensated by lower prosthesis, must be able to withstand other functional and environmental demands.); Near vision correctable at 13" to 16"; Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/50 and to 20/100 in the other; Emotional and Mental Stability.
Grade Determinations. In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates.
GS-5 Dental Hygienist (Entry Level)
(a) Experience. None beyond the basic requirements.
(b) Assignment. Employees at this level serve in an entry level position as dental hygienists. It is expected that they receive guidance from more experienced staff members for patient issues and require daily supervision at the site of work.
GS-6 Dental Hygienist (Developmental Level 1)
(a) Experience. At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level.
(b) Assignment. Employees at this level serve as developmental level 1 dental hygienists. It is expected that they receive guidance from more experienced staff members for complex patient issues and require daily and direct contact at the site of work from the assigned supervisor.
(c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
1. Knowledge of oral prophylactic, therapeutic, and preventive procedures for periodontal diseases, or inflammation, or on patients with other medical and/or dental problems;
2. Ability to use communication techniques to encourage and inform individuals and groups; and
3. Knowledge of dental methods and techniques used in performing intra and extra oral procedures.
GS-7 Dental Hygienist (Developmental Level 2)
(a) Experience. At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.
(b) Assignment. Employees at this level serve as developmental level 2 dental hygienists. It is expected that they perform more complex work while receiving less frequent supervision than at the GS-6 level.
(c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
1. Knowledge of oral pathology to include disease of the hard and soft tissues, disorders of tooth structure, developmental and congenital anomalies, salivary gland disorders, symptoms of infectious disorders, and appropriate protocols;
2. Practical knowledge of medical diseases, conditions, and chronic degenerative diseases as they relate to dental health and treatment; and
3. Knowledge of radiographic exposure techniques in order to produce radiographs of high diagnostic quality.
GS-8 Dental Hygienist (Developmental Level 3)
(a) Experience. At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.
(b) Assignment. Employees at this level serve as developmental level 3 dental hygienists with the ability to perform direct patient care under the general supervision of the dentist. It is expected that they receive guidance from higher-level or supervisory staff members for only the most complex patients. Assignments at this level include, but are not limited to: patient assessments (e.g. risk assessments, oral health assessments), prevention recommendations, prophylaxis, periodontal treatment for mild to moderate disease (e.g. scaling and root planing, full mouth debridement), Periodontal Screening and Recording (PSR) radiograph/image capture, fluoride treatment application, topical anesthesia administration, management of stable medically compromised patients (including risk factors).
(c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to meeting the KSAs for the GS-7 level, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
1. Knowledge of state of the art preventive dentistry measures for patient instruction and training;
2. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology in order to interpret the examination request accurately; to understand the functioning and interrelationship of the various anatomical structures appearing on the radiographic image and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the radiograph for diagnostic use; and to present for viewing;
3. Skill in providing individual and group oral health care instructions to inpatients, outpatients, Nursing Home Care Unit patients, etc.; and
4. Knowledge of VA, The Joint Commission (TJC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and related regulations and guidelines pertaining to dental matters.
GS-9 Dental Hygienist (Full Performance Level)
(a) Experience. At least 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.
(b) Assignments. Employees at this level serve as staff dental hygienists at the full performance level.
It is expected that they provide direct patient care and receive guidance from higher-level or supervisory staff members for only the most complex patients and require only general supervision from a dentist. Assignments at this level include but are not limited to: patient medical assessment (e.g. medical/dental history, social history, vital signs, full periodontal assessment and charting), disease and treatment management recommendations, denture care, scaling and root planing, radiographs/image interpretation, patient education (e.g. post-procedure, tobacco cessation, caries and perio-disease prevention), behavior management, management of stable medically compromised patients (including risk factors), instrument sharpening, inter-service communication.
(c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to meeting the KSAs for the GS-8 level, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
1. Ability to assess the patient's medical, dental, anxiety/phobias, medications and comorbidities for safe patient care;
2. Ability to assess the impact of patient's medical and dental condition on maintaining oral health, recognize age-related changes in individual patients, adapt patient environment, and maximize patient's physical comfort;
3. Skill in detecting plaque and calculus, dental abnormalities/pathologies, assessing inflammation and providing safe instrumentation for each procedure;
4. Knowledge to select appropriate available fluoride products and indications/limitations for safe and proper application;
5. Knowledge of hygiene procedures in order to explain the process and indication, complications and expected treatment outcomes for each;
6. Knowledge of proper usage of dental radiography equipment, radiation safety, assessment of proper image capture and interpretation of films; and
7. Skill in educating patients and caregivers on periodontal disease, wellness, health maintenance, oral hygiene practices, parafunctional habits, and effects of illness, addictions, medications and tobacco on the oral cavity.
References: Dental Hygienist Qualifications- VA HANDBOOK 5005/73 PART II APPENDIX G37
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.
Your application, résumé and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
NOTE: The Professional Standards Board (a peer-review group) will review the selected candidate's education and experience and recommend the grade and salary at which the candidate will be placed. For internal selectees eligible for promotion, the board will determine grade and HR will determine step in accordance with policy.
REQUIRED DCUMENTS:
1) VA Form 10-2850c - Application for Associated Health Occupations. (Available at the VA Forms Website: http://www.va.gov/vaforms/search_action.asp?FormNo=10-2850&tkey=&Action=Search)- Failure to do so may result in non-consideration
2) CV and/or Resume
3) If you are a current Federal employee, you must submit a copy of your latest or most recent SF-50- Notification of Personnel Action (not award SF-50, the SF-50 must state your grade)- Failure to do so may result in non-consideration
4) Copy of Certification of Radiologic Competence, if you have obtained a Radiographer Certification- Failure to do so may result in non-consideration
5) Copy of Licensure- Failure to do so may result in non-consideration
6) Transcripts (unofficial is acceptable)- Failure
to do so may result in non-consideration.
Applicants may also submit the following supporting document
type(s),which may not be required for all applicants:
·Cover Letter
·DD-214
·OF-306
·Other
·Other Veterans Document
·SF-15
Please use this checklist
to make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, etc. You will not be contacted for additional information.
Faxing Applications or Supporting Documents: You are encouraged to apply online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application. If you are unable to apply online or unable to upload your supporting documents to your online application, follow the directions located at the following site: Fax Options. The Vacancy ID of the job opportunity announcement is 1915900.
NOTE: If you applied online and your application is complete, do not fax the paper application (1203-FX) as this will overwrite your prior online responses and may result in you being found ineligible.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online.
To apply for this position, you must complete the View Occupational Questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on Friday, March 10, 2017 to receive consideration.
1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. During our review, if your résumé and application package do not support your questionnaire answers, we will adjust your rating accordingly. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email (if provided); otherwise, applicants will receive a notification letter via the U.S. Postal Service. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You
may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USAJOBS
account and clicking on Application Status. For a more detailed update
of your status, click on more information. Information regarding applicant
notification points
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/464425900. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
Learn more about
Vacancy Identification Number (VIN): 1915900
OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise "To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan" by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate care to Veterans?
IF YOU ARE NOT A CURRENT PERMANENT VHA EMPLOYEE, PLEASE APPLY UNDER ANNOUNCEMENT# FQ-17-JSF-1915899-HT38-BU.