Summary
Biomedical Equipment Support Specialists (BESS) provides clinical & administrative support to staff, patients, & administrators for all matters of concern relating to the facility wide lifecycle management of medical equipment. Requires the application of engineering & mechanical concepts to provide lifecycle management & technical support of diagnostic, therapeutic devices, monitoring, & other equipment utilized in the practice of medicine, & to improve clinical care provided by clinical staff.
Clarification from the agency
This position is ONLY open to current, permanent VA Salt Lake City Health Care System Employees, VA Employees Nationwide, and all other Federal Employees.
****If you are NOT a current, permanent federal employee, please apply to vacancy CBSU-12346837-24-MC****
Duties
*** This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until May 27, 2024. The initial cutoff date for referral of eligible applications will be March 28, 2024. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as needed basis until positions are filled. ***
- Lifecycle management of all medical systems such as imaging, life support, dialysis, and monitoring to include physical and network support.
- Coordinates and works effectively with other facility support departments including but not limited to Facilities Management Service (FMS), Office of Information Technology (OIT), Patient Safety, Sterile Processing Service (SPS), Logistics, Contracting, Informatics, and Environmental Management Service (EMS).
- 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).
- Documents all work performed in the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).
- Applies basic networking principles to resolve medical system communication issues including, but not limited to, node to server failures.
- Adheres to VA Medical Device Cyber Security policies and procedures in pre-procurement, during system implementation, and throughout the life of the system.
- Loads operating system (OS) and clinical application software as needed.
- Executes VA policy when responding to network incident response (due to infection, loss of services due to policy changes).
- 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 and to oversee vendor work.
- Collaborates with Logistics and Contracting to procure parts and services; functions as a purchase card holder, as required.
- Investigates, remediates and documents Repairable Medical Device (RMD) recalls and safety alerts issued through the VA Alerts and Recall Management System (ARMS) 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 medical technology, including scientific advances, network protocols, and vendor changes.
- Focuses on professional development in all areas of medical technology lifecycle management including technical skills.
- Provides training and education as appropriate to medical technology end users and clinical staff.
- Provides mentoring and technical training to peers and BESS at developmental levels.
- May be tasked with leading and managing installation or upgrade projects for medical devices and systems. This includes but is not limited to pre-implementation planning and coordination with end users, vendors, and other onsite support staff.
- Assists in other administrative duties as well, including participating in hiring panels.
- Represents Biomedical/Clinical Engineering department on committees and in meetings as delegated by
supervisor.
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8AM to 4:30PM
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Functional Statement #: 58000-A, 58001-A, 58002-A, 58003-A
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.
- 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: 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 & spoken English
Experience and/or Education: Associates in Biomedical Electronics Technology, Biomedical Equipment Technology or Biomedical Engineering Technology or in a related technical field such as Electronic Technology or Information Technology & 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 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 & two years of experience as a Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist or Biomedical Equipment Technician, Field Service Engineer, Medical Equipment Repairer or Information Technology Specialist
OR
Meet the Grandfathering Provision: All persons employed in VHA as a BESS on 02/07/2018 are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series & grade held, including positive education that is part of the basic requirements. Employees who do not meet all the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:
- Such employees may be reassigned, promoted up to & including the full performance level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the GS11 level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions
- BESSs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to 02/07/2018 may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard
- BESSs initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation
- Employees who are retained as a BESS under this provision & subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status & must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry as a BESS
Grade Determinations:
GS-5:
Experience or Education: None beyond basic requirements
GS-7:
Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-5 grade level
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
- Ability to read, interpret, & apply a great variety of technical data such as schematic drawings, wiring diagrams, table charts, mathematical expressions & formulas
- Ability to learn equipment maintenance, operating procedures, & repair procedures from training materials & courses
- Fundamental knowledge of electronics to include analog, digital & microprocessor theory, pneumatics, hydraulics, optics, electro-mechanics, physics, basic networking, & chemistry
- Knowledge of the use of standard level test equipment to include, but not limited to, multimeters, electrical safety analyzers, patient simulator, storage oscilloscopes, manometers, tachometers, etc
- Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, medical equipment, & technology
- Knowledge of basic networking, computer/server hardware/software & information technologies & computer virus protection software, available software patches & upgrades, & information security tools (i.e. Microsoft Office, Windows, McAfee, etc.)
GS-9:
Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
- Knowledge of electronics & electricity including analog & intermediate digital electronics to test, calibrate, maintain, & repair biomedical equipment & moderately complex biomedical instrumentation systems
- Skill in the setup & use of standard & advanced level test equipment to perform precise & detailed analysis of the operating & design characteristics of equipment & initiate repairs, reconfiguration, or redesign of moderately complex medical systems
- Skill in applying theory, concepts, techniques, design characteristics, operation, & functions to assist & support installation, operation, test, maintenance, repair, design, & modification for a comprehensive range of medical equipment connected to networks or other operating systems
- Ability to evaluate practical & technical information from manufacturers, contract specifications, manuals, & historical data in order to perform analysis required to make effective recommendations concerning operation, maintenance, & repair of medical equipment
- Ability to perform testing & troubleshooting of medical devices involving their interfaces & connections to other medical devices, clinical systems, or information systems either directly or through the hospitals hardwired & wireless networks
- Ability to use application software & hardware as it relates to the operation & diagnostics of medical equipment
- Knowledge of computer equipment with a wide variety of software to input & retrieve data as required, & to prepare a variety of specific working documents & forms such as spreadsheet, database, word processing, & other similar products
GS-11:
Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level. Certification as a Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician, Certified Laboratory Equipment Specialist, Net+ & A+ are highly desirable at this level, but not required
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
- Knowledge of a wide range of sciences including, but not limited to, electronics (analog & digital), computer science/networking, mechanical engineering design, pneumatics, hydraulics, chemistry, physiology, medical terminology, anatomy, optics, & biology to perform duties of a broad scope & nature on complex & sophisticated patient-related medical systems & sub-systems
- Ability to perform advanced testing & troubleshooting of medical devices involving their interfaces & connections to information systems either directly or through the hospitals hardwired & wireless networks
- Knowledge of codes & standards relevant to safe operation of medical instrumentation such as National Fire Protection Association, Food & Drug Administration, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Joint Commission, & the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation
- Skill in the use of all types of test & calibration equipment such as digital multi-meters, electrical safety analyzers, defibrillator analyzers, patient simulators, digital oscilloscopes, pulse generators, & Local Area Network analyzers in performing troubleshooting/repair & preventive maintenance activities
- Ability to configure & maintain medical servers & desktop computers
- Knowledge of contracting regulations, requirements, & specific contract specifications including performance-based contracts
Preferred Experience:
- 1 year or more repairing/maintaining hospital laboratory equipment, ventilator equipment, anesthesia equipment, & equipment utilized in an Operating Room environment
References: VA Handbook 5005/95, Part II, Appendix G49
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 5 to GS 11
Physical Requirements: See VA handbook 5019
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.
Benefits
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.
Review our 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.
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.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
- Resume
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
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
- Other (1)
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
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 05/27/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12346838.
- 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.
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.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP 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.
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