Clarification from the agency

Opened to current permanent employees of North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System.

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Major duties:

• Lifecycle management of network equipment including but not limited to network switches, servers, routers and related infrastructure for any and all networked complex medical devices and systems such as imaging, life support, dialysis, and monitoring. Completes both routine and complex assignments involved identifying and troubleshooting issues related to VLAN configuration, IP addressing, sub-netting, HL7, DICOM, Access Control List (ACL) and network security across the medical device network.
• Manages, troubleshoots and maintains complete systems of computerized networks, databases and servers including but not limited to biomedical information systems that store or facilitate patient information.
• Implements and plans for new and emerging technologies including but not limited to diagnostic modalities, network management and storage, and virtual data centers.
• Leads development of disaster recovery procedures for critical systems to be enacted in the event of device failure. Adheres to MDIA Guidelines in both pre-procurement and during system implementation. Loads operating system (OS) and clinical application software as needed.
• As assigned, employee is responsible for lifecycle management of any and all networked medical devices and systems used for imaging, life support, dialysis, and monitoring to include information technology and network support.
• Maintains functional knowledge of relevant safety codes and standards of regulatory bodies including but not limited to The Joint Commission (TJC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI), American College of Radiology (ACR), Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS).
• Documents all work performed in the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS). This documentation is completed in accordance with regulatory body requirements, Healthcare Technology Management (HTM) Documentation of Services guidelines and other organizational requirements.
• As assigned, functions as a Contracting Officer Representative (COR) and keeps appropriate certification levels. Uses knowledge of government contract procedures and documentation requirements to develop statements of work, sole source justifications, other applicable documentation (2237, 6550, Independent Government Cost Estimate (IGCE), etc.) and to oversee vendor work. Collaborates with Logistics and Contracting to procure parts and services.
• Investigates, remediates and documents recalls and safety alerts within established timeframes. Participates in local safety improvement processes such as Root Cause Analysis (RCA), safety work groups, and Environment of Care Rounds. Identifies hazards during routine job performance and takes action to ensure they are addressed and corrected.
• Maintains knowledge of the state of the art in networked medical technology, including scientific advances, network protocols, and vendor changes.

• Develops goals, objectives, and monitors progress.
• Identifies, plans, and analyses workload among subordinates in accordance with established workflow and/or job specializations.
• Advises supervisor and other management officials as necessary on status of critical medical equipment information systems.
• Assists Supervisor in developing performance standards for subordinates.
• Assigns daily work to staff, establishing priorities based on workload related to BESS and ensures that each employee has an integral role in developing the final team product.
• Provides input to the annual budget for the unit, and monitors spending throughout the fiscal year to ensure that adequate resources are available to support mission.
• Leads the team in assessing its strengths and weaknesses and provides leadership to the team in exploring alternatives and determining what improvements can be made ( e.g., in work methods, processes, productivity and quality).
• Effects minor disciplinary measures, such as warnings and reprimands, recommending other action to Supervisor in more serious cases.
• Identifies developmental and training needs of employees, providing or arranging for needed development and training.
• Assists Supervisor for interviews candidates for positions in the unit; recommends selection, appointment, promotion, or reassignment to such positions.

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday 8:00am-4:30pm, possible on-call.
Compressed/Flexible: Not Available
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 52079F
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.
• 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: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Experience and Education:
• Associates degree in Biomedical Electronics Technology, Biomedical Equipment Technology or Biomedical Engineering Technology or in a related technical field such as Electronic Technology or Information Technology and two years post education of experience as a Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist, Biomedical Equipment Technician, Field Service Engineer, Medical Equipment Repairer, or Information Technology Specialist;

• Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering Technology or in a related field such as Electronics Engineering Technology (EET) or Information Technology;

• Completion of a military training program in biomedical equipment and two years of experience as a Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist or Biomedical Equipment Technician, Field Service Engineer, Medical Equipment Repairer or Information Technology Specialist.
• Licensure/Certification/Registration. None.
• Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
• English Language Proficiency: Candidates will not be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C. chapters 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA who is not proficient in written and spoken English. See Chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, part 2.

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Grade Determinations: Grade determination for GS-12: must have at least one (1) year of experience at the GS-11 grade level that demonstrates the following technical competencies as described at the GS-11 level: PerformsKnowledge of a wide range of sciences including, but not limited to, electronics (analog and digital), computer science/networking, mechanical engineering design, pneumatics, hydraulics, chemistry, physiology, medical terminology, anatomy, optics, and biology to perform duties of a broad scope and nature on complex and sophisticated patient-related medical systems and sub-systems. Ability to perform advanced testing and troubleshooting of medical devices involving their interfaces and connections to information systems either directly or through the hospitals hardwired and wireless networks. Knowledge of codes and standards relevant to safe operation of medical instrumentation such as National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the Joint Commission (TJC), and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). Skill in the use of all types of test and calibration equipment such as digital multi-meters, electrical safety analyzers, defibrillator analyzers, patient simulators, digital oscilloscopes, pulse generators, and Local Area Network (LAN) analyzers in performing troubleshooting/repair and preventive maintenance activities. Ability to configure and maintain medical servers and desktop computers. Knowledge of contracting regulations, requirements, and specific contract specifications including performance-based contracts.

*Note: Please ensure how you meet these technical competencies is clearly described in your resume; we may not make assumptions regarding your experience.

In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:

1. Current knowledge of computer virus protection software, available software patches and upgrades, and information security tools.
2. Expert knowledge of electronics, computer and networking theory with experience maintaining, interfacing and troubleshooting networked medical equipment to include VLAN configuration, IP addressing, sub-netting, and network security.
3. Ability to utilize and maintain computer and server based medical equipment, medical record databases, and proprietary and generic software, Experience with TCP/IP, HL7, networking, network security, and DICOM standards.
4. Ability to interpret, identify, and apply network engineering principles and practices where there often times is no previous example to follow, or precedence.
5. Skill to distinguish networking problems from non-networking and discuss various options with IT networking and operations staff members

*Note: Please ensure how you meet these KSAs is clearly described in your resume; we may not make assumptions regarding your experience.

Selective Placement Factor: Must be proficient in spoken and written Spanish language.

References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G49 Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist Qualification Standard GS-1601 VHA

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12.

Physical Requirements: The incumbent duties are physically demanding involving lifting objects weighing up to (20) pounds routinely to moderately heavy weighing (50) pounds. Frequently, the work will be performed by recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, climbing, or similar activities, especially to work on stationary equipment with components that may be difficult to access. The work also requires prolonged periods of standing and walking. Regular visits to construction sites at varying stages of completion. Technical, academic, and mental demands are considerable. The work performed is of a precise nature, requiring long periods of intense concentration. The incumbent works under conditions of extreme stress caused by the nature of the mission which often involves the life and well-being of patients and the necessity to meet deadlines. He/she must be able to interact effectively with all levels of medical center staff and must remain calm and analytical even under stress.

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

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.