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Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist

Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration
VA Beckley Healthcare System
This job announcement has closed

Summary


The Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist provides clinical and administrative support to staff, patients, and administrators for all matters of concern relating to the facility wide lifecycle management of medical equipment. Biomedical support requires the application of engineering and mechanical concepts and methodology to provide lifecycle management and technical support of equipment utilized in the practice of medicine, and to improve care provided by clinical staff throughout VA.

Overview

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Hiring complete
Open & closing dates
08/11/2022 to 09/01/2022
Salary
$36,118 to - $86,074 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 00
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Beckley, WV
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position to the CBOCS and for training.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time - Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm
Service
Excepted
Promotion potential
11
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Other
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Announcement number
CBFF-11605802-22-AD
Control number
670883600

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

Open to current permanent employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs (including the facility and CBOCs where this vacancy is located) serving on career/career-conditional appointments and past, current, upcoming VHA Health Professional Trainee eligible (HPT).

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Duties

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The BESS maintains advanced medical equipment systems and devices as well as other electromechanical and computer based equipment using established local, regional, and national policies and procedures designed to meet criteria and standards from multiple accrediting agencies and governing bodies.

  • Lifecycle management of advanced medical equipment to include physical and network support. Completes both routine and complex assignments involved in the installation, maintenance, modification, troubleshooting, repair and calibration of these complex therapeutic and diagnostic devices and systems. Utilizes comprehensive knowledge of medical equipment technologies, practices and procedures in resolving highly complex equipment failures that have immediate risks to patient safety. Coordinates and works effectively with other facility support departments including but not limited to Facilities Management Service (FMS), Office of Information Technology (OIT), Sterile Processing Service (SPS), and Environmental Management Service (EMS). Specific tasks include but are not limited to incoming inspections, regular and unscheduled maintenance, and planning for end of life replacement in conjunction with clinical services. Utilizes advanced electronic test equipment including but not limited to high voltage testing devices, laser watt meters and monitor calibration devices in addition to common test equipment including electrical safety analyzers, oscilloscopes, patient simulators, pulse generators, network analyzers, and multimeters, among others.
  • Performs advanced testing and troubleshooting of electronic medical devices involving their interfaces and connections to other medical devices or information systems either directly or through the facility's hardwired and wireless networks. Adheres to Medical Device Isolation Architecture (MDIA) Guidelines in both pre-procurement and during system implementation, and system management. Loads operating system (OS) and clinical application software as needed. Executes VA guidelines when responding to network incident response (due to infection, loss of services or regional and local policy changes).
  • As assigned, employee is responsible for lifecycle management of other medical devices and systems such as life support, dialysis, and monitoring to include physical and network support. Completes both routine and complex assignments involved in the installation, maintenance, modification, troubleshooting, repair and calibration of these complex therapeutic, diagnostic and life support medical devices and systems. Specific tasks include but are not limited to incoming inspections, regular and unscheduled maintenance, and planning for end of life replacement in conjunction with clinical services.
  • Performs duties as a Contracting Officer Representative (COR) on imaging systems that cannot be maintained by in house staff or that is not cost effective to maintain in house. Responsible to manage these contracts as a COR, ensuring that contracted service is be completed in accordance with the associated contracts and reports at least quarterly to the contracting officer (KO) the status of service and anytime that issues arise with the contractor.
  • Additional duties are performed as assigned by supervisor related to maintenance, remediation, and tracking of advanced imaging or radiological devices and other medical devices (action items, special projects, etc.) to meet mission critical requirements. May be asked to assist in other administrative duties as well, such as, participating in hiring panels or working on VISN/National initiatives as a technical expert.
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm
Telework: Not authorized for this position.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Not authorized for this position.
Functional Statement #:Biomedical 00000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized for this position.
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized for this position
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

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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

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.
  • English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English.
  • Education or Experience:
    • 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 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.
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:

Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist, GS-5 (Entry Level)

(1) Experience or Education. None beyond basic requirements.

(2) Assignment. This is an entry level Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (BESS) position. Example of specialized experience include but is not limited to: providing support of basic medical equipment and systems to include, but not limited to: installation, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, calibrations and safety inspections.

Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist, GS-7 (Developmental Level 1)

(1) Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-5 grade level.

(2) Assignment. This is a developmental level BESS position. Example of specialized experience include but is not limited to: installation, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, reliability, calibrations and safety; supporting basic biomedical equipment such as but not limited to infusion pumps; PCA pumps, feeding pumps, suction pumps, defibrillators, clinical video systems, hypo/hyperthermia units, vital sign monitors, physiological monitors, dental equipment, and other patient care devices; performs and documents all repairs and preventive maintenance activities; and ensures that the data is correctly entered into the medical equipment management computer system. Utilizing schematic drawings, wiring diagrams, and technical manuals as guidelines for accomplishing work. Using specialized electronic test gear or software to analyze, evaluate, diagnose, troubleshoot, calibrate or repair analog and digital microprocessor controlled, computerized or networked digital systems. Monitoring the quality of vendor service provided and ensures satisfactory and timely completion. Providing tactful instruction to equipment operators on the proper use of equipment to avoid use error recurrences; and documents appropriately; and instructing on operator level preventative maintenance. Providing biomedical equipment related technical training to peer and clinical staff.

Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist, GS-9 (Developmental Level 2)

(1) Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level.

(2) Assignment. This is a developmental level 2 BESS position. Example of specialized experience include but is not limited to: providing support of medical equipment and systems, install, maintain, safety test, calibrate, troubleshoot, and support medical technologies such as sleep lab monitoring systems, GI endoscopic systems, dental imaging equipment, surgical equipment, and clinical laboratory equipment. Performing and documenting all repairs and preventive maintenance activities and ensuring that the data is correctly entered into the medical equipment management computer system. Utilizing schematic drawings, wiring diagrams, and technical manuals as guidelines for accomplishing work. Maintaining inventory documentation of assigned networked-attached medical equipment/systems to include electronic protected health information (ePHI) requirements, Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN), IP addresses, Access Control Lists (ACL), anti-virus software, and other necessary information.

Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist, GS-11 (Full Performance Level)

(1) Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level.

NOTE: Certification as a Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET), Certified Laboratory Equipment Specialist (CLES), Net+ and A+ are highly desirable at this level but not required.

(2) Assignment. This is the full performance level of the BESS position. Example of specialized experience include but is not limited to: providing support of medical equipment and systems, install, maintain, safety test, calibrate, troubleshoot, and support medical technologies such as sleep lab monitoring systems, GI endoscopic systems, dental imaging equipment, surgical equipment, and clinical laboratory equipment. Performing and documenting all repairs and preventive maintenance activities and ensuring that the data is correctly entered into the medical equipment management computer system. Utilizing schematic drawings, wiring diagrams, and technical manuals as guidelines for accomplishing work. Maintaining inventory documentation of assigned networked-attached medical equipment/systems to include electronic protected health information (ePHI) requirements, Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN), IP addresses, Access Control Lists (ACL), anti-virus software, and other necessary information.Responsible for monitoring system backups, file integrity, ensuring network connectivity between systems, servers, databases, and the electronic medical record. Must be able to reload operating systems and clinical application software in the event of a system failure and interface with Office of Information and Technology (OI&T) locally and at other sites to keep systems operational. Conducts pre-purchase evaluations and addresses pre-implementation security issues to ensure that medical device isolation architecture (MDIA) requirements are met. Serving as project leader by discussing contract requirements and concerns with the architect/engineer and contractor; identifying the site requirements, preparing cost analysis and justifications, preparing site plans and progress reports; acting as the project coordinator during installation, testing phases and through to completion of the project to include acceptance testing, planning and coordinating work schedules with other services, arranging utility shutdowns; identifying and ordering materials and arranging for assistance from other trades and crafts as necessary.

Preferred Experience: Certification as a Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET), Certified Laboratory Equipment Specialist (CLES), Net+, and A+.

References: VA Handbook 5005/130, Part II, Appendix G49 - Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist Qualification Standard.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-11.

Physical Requirements: Maintain, repair, inspect, and calibrate a wide variety of technical medical electronic equipment. Involves some bending, stretching. Use of carts and ladders and light power tools. Working under stressful deadlines.

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

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

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.

To ensure compliance with an applicable preliminary nationwide injunction, which may be supplemented, modified, or vacated, depending on the course of ongoing litigation, the Federal Government will take no action to implement or enforce the COVID-19 vaccination requirement pursuant to Executive Order 14043 on Requiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination for Federal Employees. Therefore, to the extent a VA job announcement includes language requiring applicants to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 pursuant to Executive Order 14043, that requirement does not currently apply to this Job Announcement. VA may request information regarding your vaccination status, if selected, for the purposes of implementing other workplace safety protocols, such as masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine.

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.

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.

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.

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