Acupuncturist Manager

Job Specifications

Class Code:	WK6
Analyst:	SC

Date Originated:	10/2023
Date Revised:

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

DEFINITION

Under general supervision of a Medical Director, evaluates and treats patients using acupuncture therapy techniques; Acupuncture Program Management including supervising acupuncture team of medical assistants, independent contractors, acupuncturists, and billable interns; collaborates and consults with staff of a multi-disciplinary health team; provides information, and education regarding services, and performs related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This class is distinguished from the Clinic Physician in that the latter requires a valid Physicians and Surgeon’s Certificate issued by the State of California. This class requires a Doctor of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine as an alternative medical practitioner providing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) services and program management in a primary care setting.

TYPICAL TASKS

• Develop and manage acupuncture program for all County-run Federally Qualified Health Center locations including supervision of medical assistants, billable interns, acupuncturist and independent contractors;
• Develop and update the acupuncture program framework and best practices;
• Plan, coordinate, and supervise the work of subordinate Acupuncturists and other clinical and administrative staff;
• Develop, interpret, and implement program policies, procedures, and regulations;
• Supervise, train, and evaluate the work of program staff;
• Establish assignment priorities and ensure work is accomplished accurately and timely;
• Assist in the development and preparation of program goals and objectives;
• Prepare and present written and oral reports or presentations;
• Develop, design, and present program materials.
• Monitor grant funding;
• Develop, recommend, and monitor the operating budget including revenue projections and expenditure authorizations;
• Negotiate, prepare, and monitor medical provider and service contracts;
• Prepare protocols, standardized procedures and in-service training;
• Perform intake evaluation of patients for acupuncture treatment;
• Evaluate patient conditions and medications;
• Consult with patient about other therapy, diet, exercise, and emotional health;
• Develop treatment plans according to lab results, imaging reports and standardized procedures and protocols;
• Explain procedures to patients and provide acupuncture treatment to patients in accordance with program protocols;
• Identify precise locations on the patient�s body where needles should be inserted, or where electrical or heat stimulation is to be applied;
• Perform acupuncture and related techniques;
• Observe, evaluate, and record progress of patients� participation, response, and progress in acupuncture treatment;
• Keep electronic charts of treatments and discharges patients from treatment;
• Provide examination and treatment to socially complex patients including individuals experiencing homelessness and/or Substance Use Disorders;
• Ability to provide Telehealth visits for acupressure with appropriate patient materials;
• As a member of a multidisciplinary health team, collaborate with other staff in working with patients;
• Engage in mutual consultation with Clinic Physicians regarding medical and psychiatric issues;
• Provide in-service training to staff regarding cases appropriate for acupuncture referral;
• Follow established protocols and provide staff and patient training in needle awareness and safety, including the disposal of used needles in accordance with prescribed standards;
• Provide information and education to the public regarding acupuncture services;
• Maintain acupuncture equipment and inventory of supplies.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge:

Thorough knowledge of:

• Social and psychological needs, problems, behavior patterns and acupuncture treatments;
• Anatomy and physiology related to the practice of acupuncture;
• Availability of community and governmental services and resources;
• California laws and regulations relative to the practice of acupuncture;
• Sterile techniques;
• The principles and practices of managing an acupuncture program administration;
• The principles of supervision and training.
• The principles of program evaluation

Working knowledge of:

• Methods and techniques of interviewing;
• Basic psychotropic and psychoactive drugs;
• Use of herbs, nutrition, diet, massage and breathing exercises;
• The principles of creating a program framework;
• The principles of preparing protocols.
• Working knowledge of principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Fiscal management and budgets, grant proposal writing, funding sources, and program evaluation.

Ability to:

• Follow prescribed procedures and develop patient treatment plans with minimal supervision;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients and their families, with professional and para-professional support staff in the department and in outside agencies, and with the general public;
• Perform effectively in stressful, emotional, and confrontational situations;
• Recognize factors causing reaction or changes in patients’  condition or behavior;
• Work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary treatment team;
• Obtain, maintain, and present accurate patient data to evaluation program effectiveness;
• Communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing;
• Correctly perform acupuncture techniques, such as: patient positioning; preparation of skin and needle insertion, manipulation and removal;
• Plan, organize, coordinate and direct a health program and related support services;
• Train, supervise and evaluate the work of subordinate staff;
• Standardize procedures for multiple clinic locations.
• Prepare and analyze grant proposals, service contracts, budgetary documents and financial statements

Training and Experience:

Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Possession of a current Acupuncture License issued by the State of California.

Possession of a valid Doctorate of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine or Doctorate of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine. 

And

4 Years’ Experience as an Acupuncturist.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

License Requirements:

• Possession of a valid Acupuncture License issued by the State of California, possession of a Doctorate of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine or Doctorate Acupuncture and Traditional Herbal Chinese Medicine.
• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's license or the employee must be able to provide suitable transportation which is approved by the appointing authority.
• Background Investigation and fingerprinting is required.

Special Working Conditions:

• May be exposed to odors such as vomitus, feces, urine and draining abscesses; fumes from cleaning supplies and solvents; and infections which might cause chronic disease or death.

PREVIOUS CLASS TITLES: None

Bargaining Unit: 11

EEOC Job Category: 02

Occupational Grouping: 57

Workers Comp Code: 0290