Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist-BESS Information Systems Job in Aurora, CO

Vacancy No. CBSU-12651059-25-JMW Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $96,684.00 to $125,685.00 Grade 12 to 12
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 12/19/2024 Close Date 12/27/2024
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-12 Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist-BESS Information Systems.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This is an EXTERNAL job announcement open to the public. Current, permanent Department of VA employees and other current, permanent federal employees MUST apply to INTERNAL job announcement number CBSU-12651058-25-JMW.

Duties

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

Responsible for lifecycle management of network equipment including but not limited to network switches, servers, routers and related infrastructure for any and all networked complex medical devices and systems such as imaging, life support, dialysis & monitoring &/or systems e.g. VLAN configuration, IP addressing, sub-netting, HL7, DICOM, Access Control List, ACL, and network security across the medical device network
Partners w/ stakeholders
Utilizes advanced network test equipment & software e.g. tracers, wireless spectrum analyzers, network traffic monitors, command prompt, physical & virtual server software Manages, troubleshoots & maintains complete systems of computerized networks, databases & servers e.g. biomedical information systems that store/facilitate patient information Biomedical information systems e.g. Picture Archiving Communication Systems, physiological monitoring systems, Clinical Information Systems, Anesthesia Record Keeping & other systems that use Medical Device Isolation Architecture, MDIA
Help w/ managing, troubleshooting & maintaining complete system of computerized networks, databases & servers for Specialized Device Isolation Architecture e.g. security cameras, physical access controls, and HVAC monitoring systems
Plans/implements new & emerging technologies e.g. diagnostic modalities, network management & storage & virtual data centers
Designs, implements & manages network incident response due to infection, loss of service or regional & local policy changes according to VA guidelines
Reviews/installs software updates & virus definitions for networked medical devices
Loads operating system, OS & clinical application software
Leads development of disaster recovery procedures for critical systems to be enacted in the event of device failure
Adheres to MDIA Guidelines during pre-procurement & system implementation
Completes both routine & complex assignments involving identifying, installing, maintaining, modifying, troubleshooting, repairing & calibrating complex therapeutic, diagnostic & life support medical devices
Performs incoming inspections, regular & unscheduled maintenance & plans for replacement in conjunction w/ clinical services
Uses test equipment e.g. electrical safety analyzers, oscilloscopes, patient simulators, pulse generators, network analyzers & multimeters
Knows relevant safety codes & regulatory body standards; The Joint Commission, National Fire Protection Association, Food & Drug Administration, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation, American College of Radiology & Federal Information Processing Standards
Documents all work according to policy in Computerized Maintenance Management System
Maintains documentation of biomedical information systems covering ePHI requirements, VLAN, IP address, anti-virus software, security & other required information
Serves as government purchase card holder
Investigates, remediates & documents recalls & safety alerts according to deadlines
Participates in local safety improvement processes e.g. Root Cause Analysis, safety work groups & Environment of Care Rounds
Notes hazards during routine job duties & ensures they're fixed
Provides mentoring, training & education to medical technology end users & clinical staff
Leads & manages installation or upgrade projects for medical devices and systems, e.g. pre-implementation planning & coordination w/ end users, vendors & other onsite support staff (OIT, Informatics, SPS, etc.) for CIS, ARK, Imaging communication & other biomedical information system projects
Maintains, remediates & tracks medical systems; action items, special projects, etc
Represents Biomedical/Clinical Engineering department on committees & in meetings
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: Ad hoc telework is available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: PD56909O
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): 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 the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not 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
  • Education, Experience or Certification
  • Associates or higher degree in biomedical technology or biomedical engineering field
  • OR
  • Associates or higher degree in electronics, a field of information technology, or engineering, other than biomedical engineering AND 1 year of creditable experience
  • OR
  • Completion of the Department of Defense, DOD biomedical equipment technician training program
  • OR
  • Completion of a DOD training program in electronic systems repair & maintenance or information technology AND 1 year of creditable experience
  • OR
  • Completion of biomedical engineering technician or Healthcare Technology Management, HTM certificate program that included internship or apprenticeship
  • OR
  • Completion of biomedical engineering technician or HTM certificate program that didn't include internship AND 1 year creditable experience
  • OR
  • Hold or ever held certification as a Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician, CBET, Certified Radiology Equipment Specialist, CRES, Certified Laboratory Equipment Specialist, CLES, or Certified Healthcare Technology Manager, CHTM. Continuous certification maintenance isn't required throughout VHA employment
Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. program by a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials

Grade Determination: The following criteria must be met when determining candidate's grade in addition to basic requirements for employment

GS-12

Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade.

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

1) Knowledge of Health Level 7 (HL7) and Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) standards.
2) Knowledge of advanced testing methods to troubleshoot networked medical equipment and clinical system interfaces.
3) Skill in maintaining computer and server based medical equipment, databases, and software.
4) Skill in managing medical equipment and clinical system projects that interface with an electronic health record or other information systems.
5) Skill in applying cybersecurity standards to medical devices and clinical systems such as Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA), and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) guidelines.
6) Ability to apply information security tools including virus protection, software updates, and operating system patches.
7) Ability to establish a medical network including VLAN configuration, Internet Protocol addressing, and network security.

Preferred Experience: Managing VLANS, medical device servers, troubleshooting networked medical equipment and project management experience with multi projects. More than one year of experience with installations including switches, virtual servers and networked systems with clinical applications.

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

The full performance level of this vacancy is a GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is a GS-12.

Physical Requirements:

Subject to stressful situations e.g. instrument malfunction or failure when medical instruments are required to be working correctly, reliably & safely at all times
Must be able to act calmly & professionally
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
Requires constant adherence to safe work habits & proper use of personal protective equipment
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 obtain bruises or burns caused by electric shock & hot components and ionizing radiation x-rays
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

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

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.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

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.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the 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


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
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (Schedule A)
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • License
  • Other (1)
  • PCS Orders
  • Performance Appraisal
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • SF-15
  • 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.

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 12/27/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12651059.

  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

VISN 19 HR Contact Center
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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