The Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (BESS) (Biomedical Information Systems) provides clinical and administrative support to staff, patients, and administrators for all matters of concern relating to the facility wide lifecycle management of networks, networked medical equipment and associated systems. Opened to current permanent employees of North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System.

Requirements

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: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Experience and 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 and two years post education of experience as a Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist, Biomedical Equipment Technician, Field Service Engineer, Medical Equipment Repairer, or Information Technology Specialist; Or, Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering Technology or in a related field such as Electronics Engineering Technology (EET) or Information Technology; Or, Completion of a military training program in biomedical equipment and two years of experience as a Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist or Biomedical Equipment Technician, Field Service Engineer, Medical Equipment Repairer or Information Technology Specialist. Licensure/Certification/Registration. None. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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 and spoken English. See Chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, part 2. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: Grade determination for GS-12: must have at least one (1) year of experience at the GS-11 grade level that demonstrates the following technical competencies as described at the GS-11 level: PerformsKnowledge of a wide range of sciences including, but not limited to, electronics (analog and digital), computer science/networking, mechanical engineering design, pneumatics, hydraulics, chemistry, physiology, medical terminology, anatomy, optics, and biology to perform duties of a broad scope and nature on complex and sophisticated patient-related medical systems and sub-systems. Ability to perform advanced testing and troubleshooting of medical devices involving their interfaces and connections to information systems either directly or through the hospitals hardwired and wireless networks. Knowledge of codes and standards relevant to safe operation of medical instrumentation such as National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the Joint Commission (TJC), and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). Skill in the use of all types of test and calibration equipment such as digital multi-meters, electrical safety analyzers, defibrillator analyzers, patient simulators, digital oscilloscopes, pulse generators, and Local Area Network (LAN) analyzers in performing troubleshooting/repair and preventive maintenance activities. Ability to configure and maintain medical servers and desktop computers. Knowledge of contracting regulations, requirements, and specific contract specifications including performance-based contracts. *Note: Please ensure how you meet these technical competencies is clearly described in your resume; we may not make assumptions regarding your experience. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 1. Current knowledge of computer virus protection software, available software patches and upgrades, and information security tools. 2. Expert knowledge of electronics, computer and networking theory with experience maintaining, interfacing and troubleshooting networked medical equipment to include VLAN configuration, IP addressing, sub-netting, and network security. 3. Ability to utilize and maintain computer and server based medical equipment, medical record databases, and proprietary and generic software, Experience with TCP/IP, HL7, networking, network security, and DICOM standards. 4. Ability to interpret, identify, and apply network engineering principles and practices where there often times is no previous example to follow, or precedence. 5. Skill to distinguish networking problems from non-networking and discuss various options with IT networking and operations staff members *Note: Please ensure how you meet these KSAs is clearly described in your resume; we may not make assumptions regarding your experience. Selective Placement Factor: Must be proficient in spoken and written Spanish language. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G49 Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist Qualification Standard GS-1601 VHA The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. Physical Requirements: The incumbent duties are physically demanding involving lifting objects weighing up to (20) pounds routinely to moderately heavy weighing (50) pounds. Frequently, the work will be performed by recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, climbing, or similar activities, especially to work on stationary equipment with components that may be difficult to access. The work also requires prolonged periods of standing and walking. Regular visits to construction sites at varying stages of completion. Technical, academic, and mental demands are considerable. The work performed is of a precise nature, requiring long periods of intense concentration. The incumbent works under conditions of extreme stress caused by the nature of the mission which often involves the life and well-being of patients and the necessity to meet deadlines. He/she must be able to interact effectively with all levels of medical center staff and must remain calm and analytical even under stress.

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.

Contacts

• Address Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 1601 Southwest Archer Road Gainesville, FL 32608 US
• Name: Rachyl Plasterer
• Phone: (717) 821-5687
• Email: [email protected]