Page 1 of 5 Job Title: DENTAL HYGIENIST Department: Department Of Veterans Affairs Agency: Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration Job Announcement Number: BH-12-193-BT-761140 SALARY RANGE: $42,960.00 to $55,844.00 / Per Year OPEN PERIOD: Friday, October 05, 2012 to Friday, October 26, 2012 SERIES & GRADE: GS-0682-08 POSITION INFORMATION: Full Time - Permanent DUTY LOCATIONS: 1 vacancy in the following location: Hot Springs, SD United States WHO MAY BE US Citizens and Status Candidates CONSIDERED: JOB SUMMARY: Vacancy Identification Number (VIN): 761140 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? The VA Black Hills Health Care System (VA BHHCS) is located in the beautiful Black Hills of western South Dakota, where we are known for our blue skies, pine forests, rich history, moderate climate and friendly western hospitality. VA BHHCS provides primary and secondary medical and surgical care, along with residential rehabilitation treatment program (RRTP) services, extended nursing home care and tertiary psychiatric inpatient care services, for veterans residing in South Dakota and portions of Nebraska, North Dakota, Wyoming and Montana. Care is delivered through the Fort Meade (near Sturgis) and Hot Springs VA Medical Centers, as well as through a number of community-based outpatient and rural outreach clinics. VA Black Hills is part of VA Midwest Health Care Network (VISN 23). http://www.blackhills.va.gov/ NOTE: The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-8. The Professional Standards Board (a peer-review group) will review the selected candidate s education and experience and recommend the grade and step at which the candidate will be placed. The salary is based on the grade and step approved for the selected candidate. Special Employment Consideration: VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. KEY REQUIREMENTS U. S. Citizenship Must pass pre-employment examination English Language Proficiency required Designated and-or Random Drug Testing required Background and-or Security Investigation required
Page 2 of 5 DUTIES: ALL APPLICANTS INCLUDING DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS BLACK HILLS HEALTH CARE SYSTEM EMPLOYEES: You must submit ALL required documents as indicated under How to Apply and Required Documents. Failure to provide all required documents/information will result in loss of consideration or a lower evaluation in rating and/or selection consideration. Applicants will not be contacted for additional information if their applications are incomplete or inadequate. The position is located at the Hot Springs VA Hospital Dental Clinic, and includes both clinical and clerical responsibilities. The Dental Hygienist provides direct patient care under the general supervision of the dentist and performs other clinical and clerical functions independently of direct supervision. Reviews medical histories of patients with complex medical and/or psychological diseases. Manages treatment needs of patients with significant physical and mental disabilities. Duties include: set up operatory for planned dental procedure and cleans dental unit for timely turnover. Handle instruments safely, accurately, and efficiently. Provide routine oral prophylactic care to include application of fluoride solutions. Provide gross debridement, deep scaling, and curettage and root planning procedures. Cleans dental prostheses, fixed and removable. Manages dental recall system, referring patients to the doctor for additional care when needed. Apply desensitizing and sealant materials. Make impressions for fluoride carrier trays. Administer local anesthetic agents. Accomplish all procedures within standard infection control protocols. Provide patient education appropriate to the veteran's needs and oral condition. Prepare and provide individual and group oral health care instruction to inpatients, outpatients, and caregivers. Images are characterized by diagnostic quality, accurately oriented and exposed. Dental imaging safety techniques are utilized, and retakes are minimized. Demonstrate proper infection control procedures in setting up and cleaning up operatory. Instruments are properly prepared for sterilization by SPD standards. Instruments are prepared in a manner that does not delay clinical care. Demonstrates proper infection control procedure in exposing images. Provide customer service - assisting customers with questions or concerns and provide service recovery. Assist patients in scheduling appointments, filling gaps in the schedule due to late cancellations and failed appointments. Chart findings, treatment plans, and treatment provided in patient records. Maintain patient confidentiality per HIPAA with written and verbal information. Participates in patient identification and time out per JCAHO requirements. Strong computer abilities, organizational skills, and training in the use of a diode laser are preferred. WORK SCHEDULE: Monday thru Friday - 7:00 am to 3:30 pm Relocation Expenses: Relocation expenses are not authorized for this position. QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: BASIC REQUIREMENTS: U.S. citizenship. Must be proficient in spoken and written English. Licensure. Applicants must be currently licensed to practice as a dental hygienist with a full, current, and unrestricted license in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia. Certification - Public Law 97-35 requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE FOR GS-8 LEVEL: Requires a minimum of 1 year of creditable, progressively responsible experience comparable to the next lower grade level (GS-7) directly related to the position being filled to include but are not limited to knowledge of state of the art preventive dentistry measures for patient instruction and training; knowledge of anatomy and physiology in order to interpret the examination request accurately; to understand the functioning and interrelationship of
Page 3 of 5 the various organs appearing on the film and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the radiograph for diagnostic use; and to correctly mount them for viewing; skill in providing individual and group oral health care instructions to inpatients, outpatients, Nursing Home Care unit patients, etc; and knowledge of VA, Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and related regulations and guidelines pertaining to dental matters. IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. References : VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G37, Dental Hygienist available in the local Human Resources Office. APPLICANTS PLEASE NOTE: 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 (particularly positions with a positive education requirement.) Therefore, applicants must report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html All education claimed by applicants will be verified by the appointing agency accordingly. 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. Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference on their application or résumé. Applicants claiming preference based on service-connected disability, or based on being the spouse or mother of a disabled or deceased Veteran, must complete an SF 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference. Veterans who are still in the service may be granted tentative preference on the basis of information contained in their applications, but they must produce a DD Form 214 or other proof prior to appointment to document entitlement to preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/veterans.aspx. HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED: Your application, résumé and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment. You may also be evaluated based upon the question responses you provide during a structured interview. In responding to structured interview questions you should be sure to cite specific examples of experience, explain exactly what you did, and the outcome. BENEFITS: Working for the Department of Veterans Affairs offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, life insurance, health benefits, thrift savings plan, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. In addition to traditional "dollars and cents" benefits, we offer a range of benefits to help balance work and life. For more information please visit us at http://www.va.gov/jobs/job_benefits/benefits.asp.. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. OTHER INFORMATION:
Page 4 of 5 This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. HOW TO APPLY: To begin the process, click the Apply Online button at the right side of this screen to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the occupational questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process. YOU MUST INCLUDE VA FORM 10-2850c IN YOUR APPLICATION PACKAGE TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS VACANCY. You may upload the completed form to your USAJOBS or Application Manager account if you apply online. Then you can use the uploaded form again and again when applying for future vacancies. Please see this guide ( http://www4.va.gov/ohrm/joblistings/uploading-and-using-documents-online.doc) for more information on uploading and re-using the form in your applications. Other required forms and documents can also be saved in your account and used the same way. Applicants are urged to apply online; this process is much easier and faster. Note: To return to a previously Saved or Incomplete application, just reapply through your account in USAJOBS. Check your account ( https://my.usajobs.gov/account/login) to see the status of your application after applying, including any messages that may have been sent to you. If you cannot apply online: 1. Click the following link to view and print the occupational questionnaire: View Occupational Questionnaire. 2. Print this 1203FX form to provide your response to the occupational questionnaire: http://www.opm.gov./forms/pdf_fill/opm1203fx.pdf. 3. Fax the completed 1203FX form along with all supporting documents to (478) 757-3144. Your 1203FX form must be placed on top of all materials being faxed and will serve as a cover page for your fax transmission. 4. Keep a copy of your fax receipt in case verification is needed. To fax supporting documents you are unable to upload: 1. Complete this cover page http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf using the following Vacancy ID: 761140. You must use this fax cover sheet in order for your documents to be matched with your online application. 2. Fax your documents to (478)757-3144. The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on Friday, October 26, 2012. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: You must provide a complete Application Package which includes: 1. CV or Resume. 2. VA Form 10-2850c - Application for Associated Health Occupations (Available at http://www.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/vha-10-2850c-fill.pdf) (required). 3. Occupational Questionnaire 4. If prior military service, include all copies of your DD Forms 214 or proof of service (required). Applicants claiming preference based on service-connected disability, or based on being the spouse or mother of a disabled or deceased Veteran, must also complete and submit an SF 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference (available at http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf15.pdf). 5. If currently employed in the VA system, include latest SF-50 - Notification of Personnel Action. (required). AGENCY CONTACT INFO: Billie J. Thompson Phone: (605)745-2018 Agency Information: VHA Black Hills HCS
Page 5 of 5 Email: BILLIE.THOMPSON2@VA.GOV 113 Comanche Road Fort Meade, SD 57741 WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT: After we receive your complete application package (including any required documents), your qualifications will be reviewed to decide if you meet the basic requirements. You will be notified when this decision is made. Control Number: 328232300 Close Print
https://applicationmanager.gov/questionnaire.aspx?id=4533948&previewtype=question... Page 1 of 4 DENTAL HYGIENIST Vacancy ID: 761140 Announcement Number: BH-12-193-BT-761140 USAJOBS Control Number: 328232300 Social Security Number Vacancy Identification Number 761140 1. Title of Job DENTAL HYGIENIST 2. Biographic Data 3. E-Mail Address 4. Work Information 5. Employment Availability 6. Citizenship 7. Background Information 8. Other Information 9. Languages 10. Lowest Grade 08 11. Miscellaneous Information
https://applicationmanager.gov/questionnaire.aspx?id=4533948&previewtype=question... Page 2 of 4 12. Special Knowledge 13. Test Location 14. Veteran Preference Claim 15. Dates of Active Duty - Military Service 16. Availability Date 17. Service Computation Date 18. Other Date Information 19. Job Preference 20. Occupational Specialties 001 Dental Hygienist 21. Geographic Availability 461360047 Hot Springs, SD 22. Transition Assistance Plan 23. Job Related Experience 24. Personal Background Information 25. Occupational/Assessment Questions: 1. Applicants must undergo a pre-employment medical examination and be medically suitable to perform the essential duties efficiently and without hazard to
https://applicationmanager.gov/questionnaire.aspx?id=4533948&previewtype=question... Page 3 of 4 themselves and others. Are you willing to undergo a pre-employment medical examination? 2. Prior to appointment or following appointment to a position you may be selected for random drug testing for illegal drug use. Are you willing to undergo random urinalysis drug testing. 3. In order to meet the basic requirement for this position, you must be licensed to practice as a dental hygienist with a full, current, and unrestricted license in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia. Please select the appropriate answer that best describes your licensure. A. I possess a full, current, and unrestricted license in a State, Territory, or the District of Columbia. B. I do not possess a full, current, and unrestricted license in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia 4. 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. Please select the statement below that best describes your certification status. A. I 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 am certified as a radiographer in my field. B. I am a non-certified applicant and understand that, if hired, I may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate Dental Hygienist and that I may be terminated for failure to obtain certification during that period. 5. I am a Citizen of the United States 6. I am proficient in spoken and written English. (To be appointed under the authority of 38 U.S.C., Chapter 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA, applicants must be proficient in written and spoken English.)
https://applicationmanager.gov/questionnaire.aspx?id=4533948&previewtype=question... Page 4 of 4 7. Are you willing to undergo a comprehensive background investigation which includes, but is not limited to, contact with all references, employers, co-workers, personal associates, and review of your driving record, credit history, criminal history, and military service? Veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and were separated under honorable conditions may be eligible for veterans' preference. For service after October 15, 1976, the veteran must have received a Campaign Badge, Expeditionary Medal, a service connected disability, or have served during the Gulf War between August 2, 1990 and January 2, 1992 or for more than 180 consecutive days, other than training, any part of which occurred during the period beginning September 11, 2001, and ending on the date prescribed by Presidential proclamation or by law as the last day of Operation Iraqi Freedom. To claim veterans' preference, veterans should be ready to provide a copy of their DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, or other proof. Veterans with service connected disability and others claiming 10 point preference will need to submit Form SF-15, Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference. 8. Please choose the ONE statement below that applies to you. A. I am eligible for tentative ("5-point") preference. B. am eligible for "10-point" preference as a 30% or more compensably disabled Veteran. C. I am eligible for "10-point" preference as a compensably disabled Veteran (less than 30%). D. I am eligible for widow or spouse preference. E. I am not eligible for Veterans preference. 9. Your rating is subject to verification based on the resume, narratives and other relevant documents you submit, and through verification of references as appropriate. Deliberate attempts to falsify information are grounds for nonselection and for termination. In addition, falsifying information on your application can result in your being barred from federal employment. Please choose A to certify that your answers are accurate and complete., I certify that my answers are accurate and complete., I do not wish to certify. I understand that I will not be considered for this position.