The incumbent directly supervises the employees in the Biomedical Engineering Section. Projects supervised by the incumbent will ordinarily be directly involved with patient care. The incumbent is expected to be available as a resource to the VISN 16 Biomedical Engineer in such matters as electrical safety, technical issues, standards review, and policy review, as needed.
Summary
The incumbent directly supervises the employees in the Biomedical Engineering Section. Projects supervised by the incumbent will ordinarily be directly involved with patient care. The incumbent is expected to be available as a resource to the VISN 16 Biomedical Engineer in such matters as electrical safety, technical issues, standards review, and policy review, as needed.
Open to Current Permanent Federal Employees; Order of consideration will be as follows: 1st - Facility Applicants; 2nd - Agency Applicants; 3rd - Other Federal Applicants
***If you are not a Current Permanent Federal Employee, apply to Vacancy CBST-11213023-21-LA***
Certificates will be issued on a bi-weekly basis from the opening date or until filled.
Duties performed include, but are not limited to the following:
Responsible for the development, implementation, daily oversight, and evaluation of the equipment management program that meets current Joint Commission (TJC) and NFPA requirements. Responsible for developing and implementing cost effective, appropriate maintenance strategies for healthcare equipment, and evaluating the effectiveness of those strategies;
Provides training to clinical staff and biomedical engineering staff, including proper and safe use of medical equipment, user maintenance, electrical safety hazards associated with equipment use, and biomedical maintenance requirements for medical instrumentation used in the delivery of healthcare;
Manages a recall and safety alert program for medical devices, including medical device incident investigations to assure compliance with patient safety goals, FDA, Safe Medical Device Act (SMDA), and TJC requirements. He/she reviews FDA, VA, ECRI, manufacturer's letters, etc., implementing reviewed actions and documentation in equipment history and reports as needed to Jackson Safety Committee, FDA and Manufacturer. Serves as lead on all recalls and hazard alert notices for Repairable Medical Devices;
Advises clinical and administrative staff on medical technology including existing and emerging technology addressing viability, long-term suitability, compatibility, and/or safety while keeping abreast of changes in technology and utilizing information gained in the solution of biomedical engineering problems. Serves as Co-Chair of Equipment Committee and ad hoc committees as needed;
Assists with capital asset and infrastructure planning for medical equipment throughout its entire life cycle. Responsible for evaluating complex medical equipment systems to determine the feasibility of installation, including utilities and space requirements and interconnectivity with existing equipment and systems. Responsible for evaluation of medical equipment as it reaches the end of its useful life and planning for appropriate replacement;
Serves as institutional expert who directly supports the most complex and specialized clinical technology including service, system administration, training, and quality assurance. He/she functions as the subject matter expert in Biomedical Engineering and medical equipment;
Develops test protocols and test equipment for Biomedical Engineering use in incoming inspections and equipment evaluations. He/she also develops test protocols and procedures for preventive maintenance for medical equipment in the equipment management plan;
Assesses the capabilities of in-house repair and maintenance of medical equipment. He/she writes specifications for service contracts for that medical and communications equipment which can't be feasibly serviced in-house. He/she communicates the service contracts to the Biomedical Engineering employees so that in-house repairs will not be attempted for equipment which is under service contract;
Provides technical and administrative supervision to a unit of Biomedical Equipment Support Specialists. Oversees the daily operation of the unit, ensures that agency policies and priorities are being followed; Develops performance standards; and evaluates work performance of subordinates; Provides advice, counsel, and instruction to employees on both work and administrative matters; Hears and resolves minor complaints from employees; refers group grievances and more serious unresolved complaints to a higher-level supervisor or manager; Effects minor disciplinary measures such as warnings and reprimands and recommends action in more serious cases; Approves leave of subordinate employees; interviews candidates for positions in the unit; recommends appointments, promotions, and reassignments to unit positions; Identifies and provides for training needs; and finds ways to improve production or increase the quality of work within the area of authority; Carries out Equal Employment Opportunity policies and program activities.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Subject to change based upon agency needs) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: PD000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be approved for highly qualified candidate. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
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
You may be required to serve a probationary period
Subject to a background/security investigation
Must be proficient in written and spoken English
Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
Participation in the seasonal influenza and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccination programs are requirements for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
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.
Education and/or Experience. The individual must meet either item (1) or (2) below to meet this requirement: (1) Bachelor's Degree or Higher in Engineering.To be creditable, the curriculum must be from a school of engineering with at least one curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), as a professional engineering curriculum. Examples of acceptable engineering degrees include: Biomedical Engineering, Clinical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biomechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Biochemical Engineering. Titles may vary from educational institutions and change over time. OR, (2) Certification as a Certified Clinical Engineer (CCE) and a bachelor's degree not listed above
English Language Proficiency. Biomedical Engineers must be proficient in spoken and written English.
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).
Preferred Experience: Ability to supervise technical staff including lower level engineers, biomedical engineering technicians, and other staff; Ability to manage the KPI Dashboard for reporting Biomed information; Ability to develop performance standards and performance evaluations, recommendations for appointments, awards, advancements, and when appropriate, disciplinary actions; and identification of continuing training needs, etc.; Knowledge of the financial management of budget resources allocated to support quality assurance, and maintenance activities necessary to assure the facility medical equipment inventory is available for patient care activities; Knowledge of managing contracts for the Biomedical Engineering Service. This includes being the COR and keeping all the contracts current; Ability to organize, set priorities, delegate tasks, and meet multiple deadlines; Skill in managing and direction the work of others to accomplish program goals and objectives; Ability to translate management goals and objectives into well-coordinated and controlled biomedical work operations; Ability to deal effectively with individuals or groups representing widely divergent backgrounds, interests, and points of view.
Grade Determinations:
Supervisory Biomedical Engineer (Clinical), GS-13
(a) Experience. Completion of at least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower level (GS-12), and must fully meet the KSAs at that level.
(b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
i. Knowledge of the management of overall department resources, i.e., finances, space, equipment, supplies, and staffing at the local level.
ii. Ability to draft and/or recommend local policies and/or directives related to healthcare technology management.
iii. Ability to balance multiple responsibilities, set priorities, delegate tasks, meet multiple deadlines, analyze organizational problems, and develop and implement effective solutions.
iv. Ability to analyze organizational and operational problems to develop and implement solutions that result in efficient operations, and use data effectively to manage workload, quality, performance, and productivity within the area of responsibility.
v. Skill in interpersonal relationships in leading and dealing with employees, team leaders, and managers, both within and outside the biomedical engineering program, to include conflict management, dispute resolution, mediation, or reasonable accommodations.
References: VA Handbook 5005/104 PART II, APPENDIX G38
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13.
Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over, heavy carrying, 45 pounds and over, pulling hand over hand (4 hours), reaching above shoulder, walking and standing (1 or 2 hours), kneeling (1 hour), climbing, use of legs and arms, ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, both eyes required, depth perception, ability to distinguish basic colors, ability to distinguish shades of colors, hearing (aid may be permitted), mental and emotional stability.
Education
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.
Additional information
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
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.
If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Resume
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript
Resume Reminder - Your resume must include the following information for each job/position listed: Job title Occupational Series and Grade (if a Federal position) Duties (be as detailed as possible) Month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008) Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week) Please be aware that your answers will be verified against information provided on your resume.
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
Cover Letter
VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations
Other (2)
Other (3)
Performance Appraisal
Professional Certification
Resume
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
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 08/23/2022 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11213022.
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.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccination programs are requirements for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment. It is a requirement that all HCP receive the COVID-19 vaccination and annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption has been granted. HCP in violation of these directives may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service
HCP for purposes of the influenza vaccination program 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.
HCP for purposes of the COVID-19 vaccination program refers to all paid and unpaid persons who work in or travel to VHA locations who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients or infectious materials, including body substances (e.g., blood, tissue, and specific body fluids); contaminated medical supplies, devices, and equipment; contaminated environmental surfaces; or contaminated air. These HCP may include, but are not limited to, emergency medical service personnel, nurses, nursing assistants, physicians, technicians, therapists, phlebotomists, pharmacists, health professions trainees (HPTs), contractor personnel, and persons (e.g., clerical, dietary, environmental services, laundry, security, maintenance, engineering and facilities management, administrative, billing, and volunteer personnel) not directly involved in patient care but potentially exposed to infectious agents that can be transmitted from HCP and patients. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time, intermittent, fee basis employees who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these locations. HCP also includes VHA personnel and contractor personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
GV Sonny Montgomery VAMC
1500 East Woodrow Wilson Drive
Jackson, MS 39216
US
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.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Resume
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript
Resume Reminder - Your resume must include the following information for each job/position listed: Job title Occupational Series and Grade (if a Federal position) Duties (be as detailed as possible) Month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008) Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week) Please be aware that your answers will be verified against information provided on your resume.
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
Cover Letter
VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations
Other (2)
Other (3)
Performance Appraisal
Professional Certification
Resume
SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Transcript
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
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 08/23/2022 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11213022.
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.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccination programs are requirements for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment. It is a requirement that all HCP receive the COVID-19 vaccination and annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption has been granted. HCP in violation of these directives may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service
HCP for purposes of the influenza vaccination program 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.
HCP for purposes of the COVID-19 vaccination program refers to all paid and unpaid persons who work in or travel to VHA locations who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients or infectious materials, including body substances (e.g., blood, tissue, and specific body fluids); contaminated medical supplies, devices, and equipment; contaminated environmental surfaces; or contaminated air. These HCP may include, but are not limited to, emergency medical service personnel, nurses, nursing assistants, physicians, technicians, therapists, phlebotomists, pharmacists, health professions trainees (HPTs), contractor personnel, and persons (e.g., clerical, dietary, environmental services, laundry, security, maintenance, engineering and facilities management, administrative, billing, and volunteer personnel) not directly involved in patient care but potentially exposed to infectious agents that can be transmitted from HCP and patients. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time, intermittent, fee basis employees who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these locations. HCP also includes VHA personnel and contractor personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
GV Sonny Montgomery VAMC
1500 East Woodrow Wilson Drive
Jackson, MS 39216
US
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.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
