Clarification from the agency

The area of consideration will be referred in the following order: 1. Current permanent Agency (Department of Veterans Affairs) employees. 2. Current permanent employees of other Federal agencies. 3. The Public - US Citizens.

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The BESS (Imaging) maintains advanced imaging or radiological devices and other medical equipment using established local, regional, and national policies and procedures designed to meet criteria and standards from multiple accrediting agencies and governing bodies. Functions, roles, and responsibilities include:

• Lifecycle management of advanced imaging or radiological devices to include physical and network support.
• Complete both routine and complex assignments involved in the installation, maintenance, modification, troubleshooting, repair and calibration of these complex therapeutic and diagnostic devices and systems.
• Utilize comprehensive knowledge of imaging techniques, technologies, radiological practices and procedures in resolving highly complex equipment failures that have immediate risks to patient safety.
• Coordinate and work effectively with other facility support departments including Facilities Management Service (FMS), Office of Information Technology (OIT), Sterile Processing Service (SPS), and Environmental Management Service (EMS).
• Specific tasks include incoming inspections, regular and unscheduled maintenance, and planning for end-of-life replacement in conjunction with clinical services.
• Utilize advanced radiological test equipment including radiation dosimeters, calibration phantoms, high voltage testing devices, KV and MA meters, and monitor calibration devices in addition to common test equipment including electrical safety analyzers, oscilloscopes, patient simulators, pulse generators, network analyzers, and multimeters.
• Troubleshoot and maintain radiology information systems and interfaces (i.e. HL7, DICOM, TCP/IP) with EHR alongside PACS Administrators, OIT, BESS (Biomedical Information Systems) and other experts.
• Perform advanced testing and troubleshooting of advanced imaging or radiological devices involving their interfaces and connections to other medical devices or information systems either directly or through the facility's hardwired and wireless networks.
• Adhere to Medical Device Isolation Architecture (MDIA) Guidelines in both pre-procurement and during system implementation, and system management.
• Load operating system (OS) and clinical application software as needed.
• Execute VA guidelines when responding to network incident response (due to infection, loss of services or regional and local policy changes).
• Complete both routine and complex assignments involved in the installation, maintenance, modification, troubleshooting, repair, and calibration of complex therapeutic, diagnostic, and life support medical devices and systems.
• Maintain functional knowledge of relevant safety codes and standards of regulatory bodies including 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), Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH).
• Document 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.
• Maintain required medical physicist reports and other device reports for all assigned imaging devices.
• As assigned, function as a Contracting Officer Representative (COR) and keep appropriate certification levels. Use knowledge of government contract procedures and documentation requirements to develop statements of work, sole source justifications, other applicable documentation (6550, Independent Government Cost Estimate (IGCE), etc.) and to oversee vendor work.
• Collaborate with Logistics and Contracting to procure parts and services and function as a purchase card holder, as required.
• Investigate, remediate, and document recalls and safety alerts within established timeframes.
• Participate in local safety improvement processes such as Root Cause Analysis (RCA), safety work groups, and Environment of Care Rounds.
• Identify hazards during routine job performance and take action to ensure they are addressed and corrected.
• Focus on professional development in all areas of medical technology lifecycle management including technical skills.
• Provide training and education as appropriate to medical technology end users and clinical staff.
• Provide mentoring and technical training to peers and development graded BESS.

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

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

Basic Requirements:
Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. After a determination is made that it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens, necessary personnel may be appointed on a temporary basis under authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405 without regard to the citizenship requirements of 38 U.S.C. 7402 or any other law prohibiting the employment of or payment of compensation to a person who is not a citizen of the United States. Candidates must meet all other requirements for the grade and position concerned.

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 of experience as a Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist, Biomedical Equipment Technician, Field Service Engineer, Medical Equipment Repairer, or Information Technology Specialist.
OR
Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering Technology or in a related field such as Electronics Engineering Technology (EET) or Information Technology.
OR
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.

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, this part.

Licensure/Certification/Registration. None

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:
In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates:

Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (Imaging), GS-12.
Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level. Certification as a Certified Radiology Equipment Specialist (CRES) is highly desirable at this level however it is not required.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
(a) Knowledge of codes and standards relevant to safe operation of radiation producing medical devices such as National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), The Joint Commission (TJC), American College of Radiology (ACR), Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) and The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI).
(b) Comprehensive knowledge of imaging techniques, technologies, radiological practices and procedures.
(c) Skill in using advanced radiological test equipment such as radiation dosimeters, calibration phantoms, high voltage testing devices, KV and MA meters and monitor calibration devices.
(d) Ability to resolve highly complex breakdowns that have an immediate risk to patient safety.
(e) Ability to maintain and troubleshoot networked medical imaging equipment to include VLAN configuration, IP addressing, sub-netting, and network security, and build, configure, repair and install workstations and servers in imaging and non-imaging environments.
(f) 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, and DICOM standards.

Preferred Experience: Prefer individuals with CBET (Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician), or CRES (Certified Radiology Equipment Specialist). Experience and familiarity with imaging systems such as X-Ray, MRI, CT, SPECT, PETCT, linear accelerators, ultrasound, and other complex networked medical devices that require in-depth knowledge of OSI Model/Networking Model. Understanding of ACR Guidelines, FDA Cybersecurity Guidance, and other Healthcare Related Governing Organizations. Candidates with CompTIA A+, Network +, Security +, Linux+, Server+ or other Healthcare IT related training are preferred, along with any specialized medical device training.

References: VA Handbook 5005/95, Part II, Appendix G49, February 18. 2018.

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

Physical Requirements.
The work requires heavy lifting and carrying (over 45 pounds); straight pulling (up to 1 hour); pulling hand over hand (up to 1 hour); pushing (up to 1 hour); reaching above the shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking (up to 1 hour); standing (up to 1 hour); crawling (up to 1 hour); kneeling (up to 1 hour); repeated bending (up to 2 hours); climbing, use of legs and arms; operation of crane, truck, tractor, or motor vehicle; the ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to4; far vision correctable in one eye to20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; both eyes required; depth perception; ability to distinguish basic colors; ability to distinguish shaded of colors; and hearing (aid permitted).

Environmental Factors.
The work may be inside or outside with possible exposure to excessive, intermittent noise; dust; fumes, smoke, or gases; solvents (degreasing agents); grease and oils; radiant energy; electrical energy; slippery or uneven walking surfaces; working around machinery with moving parts; vibration; working closely with others, and working alone.

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.

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.