This position is assigned to the Assistive Technology Program within the Spinal Cord Injury/Disorders (SCI/D) Division at the Zablocki VA Medical Center. This individual is part of a comprehensive interdisciplinary treatment team that provides guidance on assistive technology services with emphasis on human characteristics, functional task/activity demands and requirements, commercially available technologies, and contextual environments.

Duties

The Biomedical Engineer (Clinical) position is assigned to the Assistive Technology Program within the Spinal Cord Injury/Disorder (SCI/D) Division at the Zablocki VA Medical Center. This individual is part of a comprehensive interdisciplinary treatment team that provides guidance on assistive technology services with emphasis on human characteristics, functional task/activity demands and requirements, commercially available technologies, and contextual environments. Services include integration of devices across multiple environments and may involve product design, fabrication, modification, and installation of unique and individualized technologies. Services may relate to any of the following: computers, augmentative alternative communication (AAC), electronic cognitive devices, seating and positioning, mobility (manual and power wheelchairs), adaptive devices for daily living, sports and recreation, drivers training and modifications within specific environmental settings (work, home, or school). The position also requires the analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of various tasks and measures related to assistive technology. This includes the application of rehabilitation technology (i.e. therapeutic devices associated with the rehabilitation process) in order to facilitate the service delivery process within the realm of evidence-based practice. Major Duties: Collaborate 1:1 with SCI/D Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) to provide clinically relevant assistive technology to targeted population. Develop training and education programs that addresses the safe and effective use of medical equipment and/or technology for staff, patients/clients, and caregivers/families. Design, fabricate, customize, integrate, and/or modify assistive technology devices as needed for application to the targeted patient population Fit and adjust prototype assistive and rehabilitation devices and/or systems. Collaborate with members of the SCI/D treatment team on the assessment, recommendation, implementation, and follow-up on assistive technology equipment, to include setting up, adjusting, modifying, programming and minimal repairs. Conduct in-home evaluation and treatment for targeted population.Collaborate with other hospital staff/Divisions (e.g., Nursing, Prosthetics, Medicine, etc.) regarding the Assistive Technology program and application of assistive technology for staff, patients/clients, and caregivers/families. Critically analyze, synthesize and evaluate the effectiveness of assistive technology solutions. Participate in performance improvement and research activities. Conduct an equipment management program that meets current accreditation body standards such as the Joint Commission (JC), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), etc. Manage recall and safety alert programs for medical devices assigned to the Assistive Technology program and ensure that these devices are in compliance with patient safety goals, the Safe Medical Device Act (SMDA) and safety standards of other accreditation bodies. Communicate with assistive technology device manufacturers in terms of design requirements, updates, emerging technology, compatibility with other devices, etc. Work Schedule: Full-Time, Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: Ad Hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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. English Language Proficiency. Must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Policy. Education and/or Experience: Must meet either item (1) or (2) below to meet this requirement: 1. Bachelor's Degree or Higher in Engineering. To be creditable, the curriculum must be from a school of engineering with at least one curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, as a professional engineering curriculum. Examples of acceptable engineering degrees include Biomedical Engineering, Clinical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biomechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Biochemical Engineering. Titles may vary from educational institutions and change over time, OR, 2. Certification as a Certified Clinical Engineer and a bachelor's degree not listed in item 3.b.(1) above. 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). ****NOTE: WORK PERFORMED AND DEMONSTRATION OF KSAs MUST BE WELL DOCUMENTED AND DETAILED IN RESUME TO QUALIFY FOR THE POSITION. **** Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment the following education and experience criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates: GS-07 (Entry Level): Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. Education. Bachelor's degree as outlined in paragraph 3.b.(1), above, or CCE certification with at least a bachelor's degree not listed in paragraph 3.b.(1 ). GS-09 (Developmental Level 1): Experience: At least 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower level (GS-7) OR Education: Master's degree in Biomedical Engineering, or a related field of study, as outlined in paragraph 3.b.(1 ). OR Bachelor's degree, as outlined in paragraph 3.b.(1 ), plus two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education in a related field of study, provided the applicant's total background demonstrates the KSAs for the GS-09 level assignment. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 1. Knowledge of the principles, theories, concepts, and practices of the Biomedical Engineering profession. 2. Ability to interpret relevant codes, regulations, guidelines, and standards, and make recommendations to ensure compliance with medical center programs. 3. Ability to understand the operational needs of clinical services in the health care system. 4. Ability to prepare material on current technical topics and trends, for presentation to other technical staff and mid-level hospital management, and the ability to keep abreast of changes in technology. GS-11 (Developmental Level 2): Experience. At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower level (GS-9) and must fully meet the KSAs at that level. OR Education. Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree in Biomedical Engineering, or a related field of engineering, OR Bachelor's degree, plus three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education in a related field of study. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 1. Ability to implement and/or sustain an equipment management or biomedical research program that meets The Joint Commission, National Fire Protection Association, or other applicable regulatory requirements. 2. Ability to develop material for a continuing education program for clinical or research staff, that address the principles and application of medical technology, and/or biomedical theory used in healthcare. 3. Ability to advise staff on emerging medical technology, or research procedures, while keeping abreast of changes in such technology, and utilizing the information to solve biomedical engineering problems. 4. Knowledge of basic project management principles, as applied to the healthcare setting and medical equipment, and information system implementation. GS-12 (Full Performance Level): Experience. Completion of at least one]year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower level (GS-11) OR Completion of a post-doctoral research fellowship in the field of biomedical engineering and must fully meet the KSAs at that level. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 1. Ability to conduct a medical equipment management [or biomedical research program that is compliant with applicable healthcare standards and regulatory agencies.] 2. Ability to develop a curriculum for a continuing education program, that address the safe and effective use of medical technology, and/or research devices. 3. Ability to manage a recall and safety alert program for medical devices, including medical device hazard investigations, to assure compliance with patient safety goals, SMDA, and TJC requirements. 4. Ability to conduct capital asset and infrastructure planning for medical equipment spanning initial concept, installation, and effective implementation of complex medical equipment. 5. Ability to function as the subject matter expert in the field of biomedical engineering, directly supporting specialized clinical technology, including service, system administration, training, quality assurance, and life-cycle management. 6. Ability to effectively advise clinical and administrative staff on medical technology, including existing and emerging technology, which addresses viability, long-term suitability, compatibility, and/or safety. 7. Knowledge of concepts related to computer based medical systems, networking protocols, and information security as it applies to medical technology within VHA. 8. Skill in communicating and working collaboratively with key stakeholders, including technical and professional staff at various levels of the organization. 9. Ability to apply project management principles to deployment of medical equipment and health information technologies. References: VA Handbook 5005/104 PART II APPENDIX G38 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-07 to GS12. Physical Requirements: The work requires frequent standing, walking, bending, crouching, reaching, and stooping. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service

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 Clement J Zablocki Veterans Administration Medical Center 5000 West National Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53295 US
• Name: Peggy Edelen
• Phone: (414) 384-2000 X42930
• Email: [email protected]