Summary
This is a developmental position for a Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (BESS) to begin to gain the technical & administrative skills to provide clinical & administrative support to staff, patients, & administrators for all matters of concern relating to the facility wide lifecycle management of medical equipment. The BESS maintains medical equipment using established local, regional & national policies & procedures designed to meet criteria & standards from multiple accrediting agencies.
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
*** This position is ONLY open to current, permanent VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System (ECHCS) Employees, permanent VHA Employees Nationwide, and other permanent current Federal employees. If you are NOT a current federal employee, please apply to the Public Announcement CBSU-12439269-24-ML***
Duties
Duties and skills needed to be successful in this position include, but are not limited to:
- Under direction of more experienced BESS and/or Biomedical Engineers, the BESS assists in lifecycle management of medical systems. Specific tasks include but are not limited to installation, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, calibrations, and safety inspections. Utilizes common test equipment including, but not limited to, electrical safety analyzers, oscilloscopes, patient simulators, pulse generators, network analyzers, and multi-meters.
- Develops and 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);
- In conjunction with supervisor or more experienced BESS and/or Biomedical Engineer, documents all work performed in the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).
- In conjunction with supervisor or more experienced BESS and/or Biomedical Engineer, investigates, remediates and documents recalls and safety alerts within established timeframes. Identifies hazards during routine job performance and reports to supervisor so that action can be taken to remediate hazards.
- Develops and maintains knowledge of the state of the art in medical technology, including scientific advances, basic network protocols and medical device security, and vendor changes. Focuses on professional development in all areas of medical technology lifecycle management including technical skills. Knowledge and training is obtained from formal (conference, classes) or informal (magazines, articles, peer training) means. As this is a developmental position, the employee will spend a significant amount of time working with more experienced BESS and/or Biomedical Engineer to learn and develop technical and administrative skills.
- In conjunction with more experienced BESS and/or BME, provides training and education as appropriate to medical technology end users and clinical staff.
- Provides mentoring and technical training to peers and lower graded development BESS.
- As experience is gained and proficiency increases, additional duties are performed as directed by supervisor related to maintenance, remediation, and tracking of medical systems (action items, special projects, etc.) to meet mission critical requirements.
- Performs testing and troubleshooting of medical devices and systems involving their interfaces and connections to information systems either directly or through the facility's hardwired and wireless networks. Learns and adheres to Medical Device Isolation Architecture (MDIA) Guidelines in both pre-procurement and during system implementation. May load operating system (OS) and clinical application software as needed under guidance of more experienced BESS. Executes VA guidelines when assisting in responding to network incidents (due to infection, loss of services or regional and local policy changes).
- As assigned, may work closely with designated Contracting Officer Representative (COR) to gain knowledge of government contract procedures and documentation requirements such as development of statements of work, sole source justifications, other applicable documentation (6550, Independent Government Cost Estimate (IGCE), etc.) and overseeing vendor work.
- May assist with management of 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 (OIT, Informatics, SPS, etc.)
- Additional duties are performed as assigned by supervisor related to maintenance, remediation, and tracking of medical systems (action items, special projects, etc.) to meet mission critical requirements. May be asked to assist 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.
SAFETY
Environment of Care-
Follows Life Safety Management (fire protection) procedures. Reports safety hazards, accidents and
injuries. Reviews hazardous materials/Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)/waste management. Follows
Emergency Preparedness plan. Follows security policies/procedures. Complies with federal, state and
local environmental and other requirements preventing pollution, minimizing waste, and conserving cultural and natural resources.
Infection Control-
Demonstrates infection control practices for disease prevention (i.e. hand washing, universal
precautions/isolation procedures, including TB requirement/precautions.
Work Schedule: M- F 0730-1600
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 436-52414-A, 436-52415-A, 436-52416-A, 436-52916-A
Requirements
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
Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred & 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's not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
- Experience & 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 & 2 years of experience as a BESS, 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 & 2 years of experience as a BESS 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 & spoken English.
- Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA as a BESS on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series & grade held, including positive education that is part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who don't 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 (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journeyman level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions.
- BESSs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard 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/Education. None beyond basic requirements.
GS-7-
Experience. At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the GS-5 level.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities KSAs. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate:
- 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 ne2rking, & chemistry.
- Knowledge of the use of standard level test equipment to include, but not limited to, multi meters, electrical safety analyzers, patient simulator, storage oscilloscopes, manometers, tachometers, etc.
- Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, medical equipment, & technology.
GS-9-
Experience. At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the GS-7 level.
Demonstrated KSAs. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate:
- 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 ne2rks 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 ne2rks.
- 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 1 year of experience equivalent to the GS-9 level. Certification as a Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET), Certified Laboratory Equipment Specialist (CLES), Net+ & A+ are highly desirable at this level but not required.
Demonstrated 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/ne2rking, 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 ne2rks.
- Knowledge of codes & standards relevant to safe operation of medical instrumentation such as National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the Joint Commission (TJC), & the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI).
- 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 Ne2rk (LAN) 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: Lifecycle management & technical support of diagnostic, therapeutic devices, monitoring, & other equipment utilized in the practice of medicine, & to improve clinical care provided by doctors, nurses, & other clinical staff throughout VA.
References: VA Handbook 5005/95, Pt. II, Appdx 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-05 to GS-11.
Physical Requirements: See VA Directive & 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
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.
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.
Required Documents
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
- VA Form 10 - 2850C
- Other (2)
- Other (3)
- Resume
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.
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.
How to Apply
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 07/13/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12449485.
- 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.
|