Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist-BESS Job in Aurora, CO

Vacancy No. CBSU-12630113-25-JMW Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $44,001.00 to $104,861.00 Grade 00 to 00
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 12/4/2024 Close Date 12/13/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Aurora, CO


Summary

The Eastern Colorado Health Care System VA Hospital is currently recruiting for one GS-5 target 11 Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist-BESS.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This is an INTERNAL job announcement open to current, permanent Department of VA employees and other current, permanent federal employees. The public MUST apply to EXTERNAL job announcement number CBSU-12630114-25-JMW.

Duties

The full performance level of the Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist-BESS duties include, but aren't limited to the following:

Responsible for Lifecycle management of all medical systems such as life support, diagnostic, dialysis, and monitoring to include physical and network support
Coordinates & partners w/ other facility support departments including Facilities Management Service (FMS), Office of Information Technology (OIT), Patient Safety, Sterile Processing Service (SPS), Logistics, Contracting, Informatics, and Environmental Management Service (EMS)
Conducts incoming inspections, performs regular & unscheduled maintenance, & plans for end-of-life replacement in conjunction w/ clinical services
Utilizes common test equipment including, but not limited to patient simulators, pulse generators, network analyzers, test phantoms, electrical safety analyzers, oscilloscopes & multimeters
Maintains functional knowledge of relevant safety codes & standards of regulatory bodies like 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 computerized maintenance management system (CMMS)
Completes documentation according to regulatory body requirements, the Office of Healthcare Technology Management (HTM), policies & guidelines, & other VA requirements
Applies basic networking principles to resolve medical system communication issues including, but not limited to, installing clinical application software as needed & patches workstations
Executes VA policy when responding to network incident response (due to infection, loss of services due to policy changes)
Serves as a Contracting Officer Representative (COR) & keeps appropriate certification levels
Uses knowledge of government contract procedures & documentation requirements to develop statements of work, sole source justifications, other applicable documentation (VA Form 6550, Independent Government Cost Estimate (IGCE), etc.) & oversees vendor work
Collaborates w/ Logistics & Contracting to procure parts & services & serves as a purchase card holder
Investigates, remediates & documents Repairable Medical Device (RMD) recalls & safety alerts issued through VA Alerts & Recall Management System (ARMS) within established timeframes
Participates in local safety improvement processes such as Root Cause Analysis (RCA), safety work groups & Environment of Care Rounds
Identifies hazards during routine job performance & ensures they are addressed & corrected
Maintains knowledge of the state of the art in medical technology, including scientific advances, network protocols & vendor changes
Focuses on professional development in all areas of medical technology lifecycle management including technical skills
Obtains knowledge through formal trainings, e.g. conference or vendor-provided classes, or informal training, e.g., magazines, articles, peer training
Provides training & education to medical technology end users & clinical staff
Provides mentoring & technical training to peers & junior BESS staff at developmental levels
Leads & manages installation or upgrade projects for medical devices and systems, as needed
This includes, but is not limited to pre-implementation planning & coordination w/ end users, vendors & other onsite support staff (OIT, Informatics, SPS, etc.)
Maintains, remediates & tracks medical systems (action items, special projects, etc.) to meet mission critical requirements
Represents Biomedical/Clinical Engineering department on committees & in meetings as delegated by supervisor
Assists w/ the biomedical on-call program for the facility
Participates educational activities, completes unit based in-services, & mandatory educational activities in a self-directed manner by deadlines
Demonstrates positive, effective communication skills & professional behavior that promote cooperation & teamwork
Practices good customer customer service and demonstrates VA I-CARE values
Participates in unit-based quality of care performance improvement activities, unit based performance improvement measures & results
Identifies problem areas by practicing evidence-based practices on unit
Perform other duties as assigned

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday - 7:30am - 4pm, work hours are somewhat negotiable, however position is subject to on-call/call backs during evenings, nights, weekends & holidays as needed to support operations of a 24/7 facility & its associated CBOCs.
Telework: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: PD51730A, 51731A. 51732A, 50638A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized

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.
  • 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

Applicants pending educational requirements completion may be referred & tentatively selected but can't be hired until all requirements are met

Basic Requirements
  • US Citizenship Non-citizens may only be appointed when you can't recruit qualified citizens
  • English Language Proficiency Must be able to speak & write English
  • Experience & Education Associates degree in Biomedical Electronics Technology, Biomedical Equipment Technology or Biomedical Engineering Technology or in related technical field e.g. Electronic Technology or Information Technology & 2 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 related field e.g. Electronics Engineering Technology or Information Technology
  • OR
  • Completion of military training program in biomedical equipment & 2 years of experience as a Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist or Biomedical Equipment Technician, Field Service Engineer, Medical Equipment Repairer or Information Technology Specialist
Grandfathering Provision All persons employed in VHA as BESSs, on effective date of this qualification standard, are considered to have met all qualification requirements for title, series & grade held, including positive education that are part of occupation basic requirements. Employees who don't meet all basic requirements in this standard, but who met qualifications applicable to position at the time they were appointed, the following provisions apply:
1) May be reassigned, promoted up to & including, full performance, journeyman level, or changed to lower grade w/in occupation but may not be promoted beyond journeyman level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions
2) Appointed on temporary basis prior to qualification standard effective date may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet standard basic requirements
3) BESSs initially grandfathered into occupation, who then obtain additional education that meet all basic requirements of qualification standard must maintain required credentials as a employment condition in occupation
4) BESSs who are retained as a BESS under this provision& then leave occupation lose protected status & must meet full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at time of reentry as BESSs

Grade Determinations Following criteria must be met when determining candidate's grade in addition to basic requirements for employment

GS-5

Experience/Education None beyond basic requirements

GS-7

Experience At least 1 year experience equivalent to GS-5 grade level

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills & Abilities, KSAs Candidate must demonstrate all following KSAs in addition to above experience

1) Ability to read, interpret & apply a vast variety of technical data such as schematic drawings, wiring diagrams, table charts, mathematical expressions & formulas
2) Ability to learn equipment maintenance, operating procedures & repair procedures from training materials & courses
3) Fundamental knowledge of electronics to include analog, digital & microprocessor theory, pneumatics, hydraulics, optics, electro-mechanics, physics, basic networking & chemistry
4) Knowledge of the uses of standard level test equipment to include, but not limited to, multi- meters, electrical safety analyzers, patient simulator, storage oscilloscopes, manometers, tachometers, etc
5) Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, medical equipment & technology
6) Knowledge of basic networking, computer/server hardware/software and information technologies & computer virus protection software, available software patches & upgrades & information security tools, i.e. Microsoft Office, Windows operating systems, McAfee, etc

GS-9

Experience At least 1 year experience equivalent to GS-7 grade level

Demonstrated KSAs Candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs in addition to above experience

1) Knowledge of electronics & electricity including analog & intermediate digital electronics to test, calibrate, maintain & repair biomedical equipment & moderately complex biomedical instrumentation systems
2) Skill creating & using standard & advanced level test equipment to perform precise & detailed operating & design analysis of equipment characteristics & initiate repairs, reconfiguration, or redesign of moderately complex medical systems
3) Skill in applying theory, concepts, techniques, design characteristics, operation & functions to assist/support installation, operation, test, maintenance, repair, design & modification for comprehensive range of medical equipment connected to networks or other operating systems
4) Ability to evaluate practical & technical information from manufacturers, contract specifications, manuals & historical data to perform analysis & make recommendations concerning medical equipment operation, maintenance & repairs
5) Ability to test & troubleshoot medical devices involving their interfaces & connections to other medical devices, clinical systems, or information systems either directly or through hospitals hardwired & wireless networks
6) Ability to use application operation software & hardware to diagnosis medical equipment
7) Knowledge of variety of software for computer equipment to input & retrieve data & prepare specific working documents & forms using spreadsheets, databases, word processing etc

GS-11

Experience At least 1 year experience equivalent to GS-9 grade level. Certification as Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician, CBET, Certified Laboratory Equipment Specialist, CLES, Net+ & A+ are highly desirable at this level but not required

Demonstrated KSAs Candidate must demonstrate all the following KSAs in addition to above experience

1) 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 various complex duties on sophisticated patient-related medical systems & sub-systems
2) Ability to perform advanced testing & troubleshooting of medical devices involving their interfaces & connections to information systems either directly or through hospitals hardwired & wireless networks
3) 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 & Association for Advancement of Medical Instrumentation, AAMI
4) Skill using 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, LAN analyzers to troubleshoot/repair & perform preventive maintenance
5) Ability to configure & maintain medical servers & desktop computers
6) Knowledge of contracting regulations, requirements & specific contract specifications including performance-based contracts

Preferred Experience: More than 2 years clinical BESS experience in a hospital setting

Reference: Please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/ for more information on this qualification standard

Vacancy full performance level is GS-11. Applicants may be selected for grades GS-5 to GS-11 for this vacancy

Physical Requirements

Subject to stress caused by patient care situations involving instrument malfunction or failure when medical tools are required to be working correctly, reliable & safely at all times
Must be able to act calmly & professionally
Maybe exposed to noxious chemicals, contagious diseases, radiation & infections

Qualification Requirements continued in Additional Information section

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Transcripts must include your name, the school's entire name, can be unofficial transcripts, must have the name of the course, date course taken, grade received for the course, amount of credits earned for the course, date degree conferred, name of degree received.

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/.

Additional information

Qualification requirements continued

Physical Requirements continued

Continual exposure to hazardous conditions involving lethal operating voltages, rotating machinery & high pressures/vacuums
Requires constant adherence to safe work habits & proper use of personal protective equipment
Required to walk, sit & stand for long time periods
Frequent benchwork requires precision & good concentration w/ proper hand-eye coordination
Some climbing & working on ladders
Must be able to lift objects up to 50 lbs
Must escort on site contractors for equipment installations, often climbing several flights of stairs & coordinating between buildings
Work is primarily inside constructed areas w/ heating & ventilation, but for safety reasons some areas may not have heat &/or ventilation
May be exposed to extremely high electrical voltages volts & currents which when not properly addressed could result in severe injury up to & including death
May receive bruises or burns caused by electric shock & hot components
May be exposed to patient bodily fluids
May be required to work on equipment used in surgical operations requiring proper attire & cleanliness
Must possess & maintain valid state driver's license to provide coverage, repair &/or transport biomedical equipment for ECHCS facility & its associated CBOCs as needed

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual, Vacation Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate 4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period, based on number of years they 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 to determine rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested & approved prior to appointment date & isn't guaranteed

During application process you may have an option to opt-in & make your resume available to hiring managers in VHA who have similar positions. Opting in doesn't impact your application for this announcement or guarantee consideration for other positions

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies

This position is in Excepted Service & doesn't confer competitive status

VA encourages persons w/ disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38 & aren't covered by Schedule A excepted appointment authority

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA Health Care Personnel, HCP are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 & subject to accommodations required by law, i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy. VHA HCPs don't include remote workers who only rarely enter VHA locations. If selected, you must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 & submit proof of vaccination documentation before your start date. VHA provides more details as to what documentation is needed & how to request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process

Please contact Agency Contact listed on this Job Opportunity Announcement if you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents

Under Fair Chance to Compete Act, Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more details about Act & complaint process visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act

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.

Please be clear and specific in describing your experience, or any information in your resume or any attachments you provide. We will not make assumptions regarding any information provided regarding your experience on your resume or any information contained in your application materials. 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.

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
  • If applicable, please upload a copy of your Certification as a Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician, CBET
  • If applicable, please upload a copy of your Certification as a Certified Laboratory Equipment Specialist, CLES
  • If applicable, please upload a copy of your Net+ or A+ Certification(s)
  • Resume
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript


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 Eastern Standard Time on 12/13/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12630113.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.

Agency contact information

Jeannie Wright
Address
VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System
1700 N Wheeling St
Aurora, CO 80045
US
Learn more about this agency

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.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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