Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to current, permanent Orlando VA Healthcare System employees only.

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In compliance with VA Policy & union requirements/recommendations for Title 38 clinical positions, internal facility employees must receive first consideration prior to hiring managers making selections externally to other applicants. So, this internal announcement ensures this is met by posting all positions internally to facility employees throughout the year. This announcement does not signify that a vacancy exists at this time. Should a true vacancy become available in this occupation/specialty, applicants will be reviewed & referred to hiring managers for consideration at that time. You will receive notification when/if your application progresses to the next stage of recruitment.

You must select the location(s) that you wish to be considered for at your facility. If a vacancy becomes available, you will only be referred for the location(s) you select when you apply. You may select 1 or multiple locations.

Chiropractors are licensed independent providers who work as part of VA interdisciplinary teams including physical medicine and rehabilitation, primary care, pain management, other relevant medical and surgical specialties, and other relevant associated health disciplines.

Major duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Provides examination, diagnosis, treatment, and management of non-operative musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions.
• Develops plans, coordinates, evaluates and integrates all program elements into a comprehensive chiropractic program for the medical center.
• Advisor and consultant to pain management service needs and assists with developing both short and long range continuous improvements.
• Develops and/or updates and implements appropriate policies, procedures, plans, and service agreements that guides and supports the Chiropractic Patient Care Services.
• Recommends requests for program space, staffing, equipment, operational supplies, etc.
• Performs outpatient musculoskeletal and neuromuscular diagnoses and treatments that emphasize function, rehabilitation, and injury prevention and patient wellness.
• Demonstrates expertise in assessing and treating referred patients with physical dysfunctions due to orthopedic, musculoskeletal and/or neuron musculoskeletal disorders of the spine, peripheral joints, and soft tissues such as sprains/strains, disc herniations, degenerative, developmental, and acquired conditions of the spine and extremities.
• Clinical responsibilities that include ordering diagnostic studies and establishing a treatment plan based on interview, clinical findings and study results.
• Exhibits leadership in initiating changes in patient care programs based on current concepts and research study findings.

VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package.

Work Schedule: Various work schedules available. May require rotating call coverage, weekdays, nights, weekends and/or holidays. The supervisor will determine the actual work schedule (FT, PT, Intermittent & the hours worked) upon selection based on the needs of the organization.
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

Qualifications

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.

Chiropractors Basic Requirements:

• Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible
• Education. Degree of doctor of chiropractic, or its equivalent, resulting from a course of education in chiropractic. The degree must have been obtained from one of the schools or colleges approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the year in which the course of study was completed. Approved schools are:
  • United States schools or colleges of chiropractic listed as accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education, at http://www.cce-usa.org/, or equivalent agency, in the list published for the year in which the course of study was completed.
  • Schools (including foreign schools) accepted by the licensing body of a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States (i.e., Puerto Rico), or in the District of Columbia as qualifying for full or unrestricted licensure.
• Licensure or Registration.
  • Doctor of Chiropractic (Except Residents). Current, full and unrestricted license to practice chiropractic in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia.
  • Impaired Licensure. A doctor of chiropractic who has, or has ever had, any license(s) revoked, suspended, denied, restricted, limited, or issued/placed on a probationary status may be appointed only in accordance with the existing VA provisions applicable to other independent licensed practitioners.
  • NOTE: Licensure may be waived by the Under Secretary for Health or designee in Central Office, for individuals in research or academic assignments involving no direct patient care in accordance with current regulations.
• English Language Proficiency. Chiropractors appointed to direct patient-care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 7407(d).

Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements above, all applicants must meet one of the following requirements to qualify for a specific grade level:

• Associate Grade. None beyond the basic requirements.
• Full Grade. Two years of full-time chiropractic practice or its equivalent. One year of full-time post-graduate residency specialty training from a chiropractic school or college accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education, or equivalent agency approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, is acceptable in lieu of the 2 years of practice. Candidate must have demonstrated the professional competence and performance necessary to provide independently the full range of clinical diagnosis and chiropractic treatment for the most prevalent neuro-musculoskeletal conditions including subluxation complex.
• Intermediate Grade. A doctor of chiropractic at the Intermediate grade meets the requirements for Full grade listed above and must meet these requirements:
  1. A total of 4 years of chiropractic practice or its equivalent. Acceptable in lieu of 4 years of practice is completion of a 3-year full-time post-graduate residency program from an accredited U.S. chiropractic college, as evidenced by documentation of completion (e.g., transcript), which renders the doctor of chiropractic eligible for certification by a specialty board recognized by the American Chiropractic Association, the International Chiropractors' Association, or the American Board of Chiropractic Specialties to obtain Diplomate status.
  2. Demonstrates a high level of professional attainment. Examples of such attainment are:
     • (a) Is a recognized expert in dealing with a variety of unusually difficult chiropractic cases which are referred by other facilities for resolution and recommended courses of action to provide for maximum rehabilitation. Typically, in this capacity serves as a consultant to doctors of chiropractic or other professionals in other health care facilities.
     • (b) Has assumed responsibility for a multi-faceted chiropractic program including clinical research and/or training requiring a high degree of competence and skill in developing innovative, new and advanced diagnostic and treatment techniques. Typically, the program is in an educationally affiliated health care facility having a chiropractic training program of moderate scope involving liaison with other medical services and affiliated schools.
     • (c) Played a significant part in the conduct of research in a problem area of considerable scope and complexity that required novel approaches and which resulted in answers to important questions or important changes in existing methods and techniques. Publications authored by the doctor of chiropractic are of considerable value to others in the individual's field. Typically, overall contributions are recognized by serving on important committees or other bodies in the profession.
     • (d) Has full responsibility for carrying out a chiropractic training program of significant size in which the doctor of chiropractic is responsible for maintaining liaison with the affiliated school and other educational institutions and professional or scientific organizations. The individual has displayed innovative approaches in development of curriculum and course content and in expanding and improving the educational program.
• Senior Grade. Is restricted to selected leadership positions. The individual's qualifications, as well as the scope and complexity of the assignment, are considered. A doctor of chiropractic at the Senior grade meets the requirements for Intermediate grade and the requirements in subparagraphs 3d(l) and (2):
  1. The doctor of chiropractic at this grade will meet one or more of the following:
     • (a) Possesses such academic stature as would warrant a faculty appointment of a professorial level (i.e., full professor) in a school or college of chiropractic or other appropriate affiliated school or college.
     • (b) Has been awarded Diplomate status by a specialty board recognized by the American Chiropractic Association, the International Chiropractors' Association, or the American Board of Chiropractic Specialties and is currently in good standing with the specialty board.
  2. Demonstrates superior professional attainment. Examples of such attainment are:
     • (a) Serves as a team leader in addressing major chiropractic problems affecting the continued provision of quality care health services at a Veterans Integrated Service Network or national level. The recommendations and conclusions of the doctor of chiropractic are highly regarded
     • (b) Has assumed responsibility for carrying out a major chiropractic program segment on a national level.
     • (c) Conducts research in a difficult area of major scientific interest that has contributed to a substantial advance in the chiropractic health field with important professional publications.

References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-16 Chiropractors Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office.

Physical Requirements: Long periods of continued sitting, standing, walking, stooping, bending, pulling & pushing; sitting at a computer; lifting (45 pounds or more). Possible exposure to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. Must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations and able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Must complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as TB screening. Must be able to assist with positioning of patients. Must be physically, emotionally and mentally competent and able to perform efficiently the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, without hazard to yourself or others.

How you will be evaluated

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, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

NOTE: A formal pay-setting process will be used to determine your salary. The salary may be at any point in the range listed for this vacancy.

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.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.