Duties
In compliance with VA Policy and 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 and referred to hiring managers for consideration at that time. You will receive notification when/if your application progresses to the next stage of recruitment.
This announcement may be used to fill various positions. You must choose which duty location and specialty you wish to be considered for. You may select multiple duty locations and specialties, but you must select at least one when you apply. You will be considered for the duty location(s)/specialties that you select when you apply. Note that there may not be any current vacancies at the time of this announcement, however, applicants may be considered for future vacancies that become available until the announcement closes.
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.
Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
- Supervising assigned students and volunteers that rotate through the Service. This includes but is not limited to: Chiropractic trainees, full and part time therapy students from local Universities and Colleges, Medical Students, Residents and Physiatry Fellows that rotate through the service.
- Developing plans, coordinating, evaluating, and integrating all program elements into a comprehensive chiropractic program for the medical center.
- Collaborating with treatment team members and other health care providers in coordinating the patient's total care. Participating in multidisciplinary ward/clinic rounds, as needed, which includes providing information on patient assessment and progress, and information regarding chiropractic management of patients.
- Developing and/or updating and implementing appropriate policies, procedures, plans, and service agreements that guides and supports the Chiropractic Patient Care Services.
- Utilizing scientific evidence and methods to investigate, evaluate, and improve patient care.
- Performing outpatient musculoskeletal and neuromuscular diagnoses and treatments that emphasize function, rehabilitation, and injury prevention and patient wellness.
- Demonstrating 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.
- Providing clinical responsibilities that include ordering diagnostic studies and establishing a treatment plan based on interview, clinical findings, and study results.
- Demonstrating knowledge of established and evolving biomedical, clinical and social sciences, and the application of knowledge to patient care and the education of others.
- Other related duties as assigned.
VA offers a comprehensive
total rewards package.
Work Schedule: Various work schedules available. Some positions may require rotating call coverage, weekdays, nights, weekends and/or holidays. The supervisor will determine the actual work schedule (FT, PT, Intermittent, and the specific work shift) upon selection based on the needs of the organization.
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Requirements
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.
Basic Requirements:
- United States Citizenship: Must be a US Citizen.
- 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: Active, current, full and unrestricted license to practice chiropractic in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia.
- English Language Proficiency: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 7407(d) chiropractors appointed to direct patient-care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English.
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: Meets the requirements for Full grade and must meet the following requirements:
- 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.
- Demonstrates a high level of professional attainment. Examples of such attainment are:
- 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 Doctor of Chiropractic or other professionals in other health care facilities.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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. Meets the requirements for Intermediate grade and the following:
- The Doctor of Chiropractic at this grade will meet one or more of the following:
- 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.
- 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.
- Demonstrates superior professional attainment. Examples of such attainment are:
- 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.
- Has assumed responsibility for carrying out a major chiropractic program segment on a national level.
- 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.
- Chief 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 Chief grade meets the requirements for Senior grade and must demonstrate a sustained very high level of professional performance with evidence of the exceptional professional and/or administrative development:
- Has assumed substantial professional and/or administrative responsibilities in which the individual is expected to fully advise and make professional clinical and educational recommendations as to courses of action on problems and considerations of national scope. The doctor of chiropractic at this level has responsibility for a major chiropractic program segment on a nationwide basis and is consistently called upon to represent the organization in an authoritative manner in matters dealing with development of new and/or revised concepts and programs having a major impact upon the academic, medical, and chiropractic communities.
- Has demonstrated outstanding professional attainment. Examples of such attainment are: (a) Achievement of outstanding results in research that is regarded as having a major impact on advancing the field. (b) Significant number of noteworthy publications in nationally recognized professional journals.
References: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit
https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
Education
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. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or other 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.
Veterans' Preference Note: Preference eligible candidates and other Veterans will be given preference when qualification of candidates are approximately equal for Title 38 positions in VHA. When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
How to Apply
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 12/31/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12632227.
- To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
- 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 USA JOBS 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 USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. 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. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. 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 USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.