The incumbent is a senior level Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (BESS) that consults on the lifecycle management of medical technologies including but not limited to: High-Cost, High-Tech radiology and imaging devices, Picture Archiving and Communication Systems, Clinical Information Systems, and Anesthesia Record Keeping, etc. at the VISN level.

Duties

The duties and responsibilities of the Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (VISN level) include but are not limited to the following: - Provides input on medical technology to local facility and/or VISN on High-Cost/High-Tech requests as needed; - Monitors emerging medical technology and trends across VISN; - Provides consultations on strategic equipment planning as requested; - Initiates and participates in technology assessment and product evaluations; - Drafts RFP requirements for new equipment purchases, translating clinical needs into technical specifications; - Coordinates with regional/VISN and facility stakeholders including but not limited to medical staff, clinical personnel, Biomedical Engineering, OI&T, Facilities Engineering, Patient Safety, Logistics, Contracting, NAC, and equipment manufacturers on medical technology; - Provides education and cross-training, sets up local and VISN training programs on topics such as networking, administration of a particular device or system, imaging devices*, etc., and; - Coordinates and implements VISN rollout of technology updates/upgrades and activation of new systems. *Medical Systems may include any combination of equipment in use or under consideration of procurement at facilities within VISN 17. Policy and administrative - Reviews and drafts local and/or VISN policies and procedures for implementation as related to the incumbent's area of assignment; - Provides education and creates local and/or VISN training programs for medical technology as applicable; - Establishes and shares best practices for maintaining and managing medical technology; - Investigates and advises on medical device and information security issues; - Provides support of Repairable Medical Device (RMD) alerts and recalls issued through the Alert & Recall Management System (ARMS); - Provides guidance to VHA facilities on applicable regulatory requirements, codes and standards as they apply to the safety, operation, and management of medical instrumentation; - Advises on and develops BESS performance standards, competencies, and work methods/approaches throughout the VISN; - Serves as VA BESS liaison to equipment manufacturers for specific technologies at a regional/VISN level; - Serves as liaison to clinical Program Offices and VISN personnel for specialized medical technologies; - Creates and reviews VISN Biomedical Engineering documents including policy, PM procedures/protocols, and technology configuration guidance; and - Participates in VISN workgroups and projects to provide technical and Biomedical Engineering expertise. Technical Support - Provides maintenance and technology management to multiple VHA medical centers both remotely and on-site as needed; - Serves as VISN expert on specific medical technologies and provides consultation on medical technology systems that span across multiple medical centers in the VHA organization; - Provides assistance and technical guidance to facility Biomedical Engineering staff (on-site as needed) on preventive and corrective maintenance; shares troubleshooting tips, training, and best practices. - Administers guidance on specific technology networking requirements in accordance with established VA Medical Device Cyber Security policies and procedures. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm Telework: Authorized per Agency policy Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

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 written and spoken English. 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 of experience as a Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist, Biomedical Equipment Technician, Field Service Engineer, Medical Equipment Repairer, or Information Technology Specialist. (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED) OR Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering Technology or in a related field such as Electronics Engineering Technology (EET) or Information Technology. (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED) 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. (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED, May submit DD-214 or Smart Transcript in completion of an acceptable military training program is documented on the forms). 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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates: Creditable Experience. To be creditable, experience must demonstrate the use of knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with Biomedical Equipment Support. Experience may be acquired by paid or non-paid employment. Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it is either directly related to the position to be filled or in a related field (i.e. Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist, Biomedical Equipment Technician, Field Service Engineer, Medical Equipment Repairer, or IT Specialist in a healthcare setting). GS-13 Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (Geographical Regional Technical Specialist) Experience: In addition to the basic requirements, at least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-12 level. Certification as a Project Manager highly desired but not required. In addition to the requirements listed above, candidates must demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): (a) Ability to effectively communicate with professionals of varying levels of technical knowledge within multiple levels of the VHA organization. (b) Ability to coordinate work across multiple settings, e.g., medical centers, VISNs. (c) Knowledge of the codes and standards of VA, TJC, NFPA, AAMI, FDA, and AHA as they apply to the safety and operation of medical instrumentation. (d) Knowledge related to the characteristics, capabilities, installation, and configuration of medical equipment and their associated networks. (e) Ability to analyze regional technical issues and develop timely and economical solutions. *Note: Please ensure how you meet these KSAs is clearly described in your resume; we may not make assumptions regarding your experience. Preferred Experience: Preferred at least 10 years' experience with maintaining large medical imaging devices, including MRIs, CTs, General Xray, LinAC, etc. Knowledge and expertise regarding troubleshooting, repair, preventive maintenance of large medical imaging devices across a large healthcare system or multiple healthcare systems. Experience implementing and adhering to 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), American College of Radiology (ACR), and the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH). Excellent ability to communicate and determine needs with customers and develop annual budget for equipment and service. Advanced ability to mentor and direct other Biomedical Equipment Support Specialists across a healthcare system, a VISN, or nationally regarding high-cost, high-tech imaging devices. Experience conducting needs assessments for service contracts and serving as a COR for imaging device service contracts. References: VA Handbook 5005. Part II, Appendix G49, Dated 2/7/2018.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-13. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting (15-44 pounds); moderate carrying (15-44 pounds); straight pulling (1 hour); pulling hand over hand (1 hour); pushing (1 hour); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; both hands required; walking (6 hours); standing (6 hours); crawling (1 hour); kneeling (1 hour); repeated bending (1 hour); climbing (1 hour); both legs required; operation of crane, truck, tractor, or motor vehicle; ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other; both eyes required; depth perception; hearing (aid permitted).

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.

NOTE: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.

NOTE: If your school was accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time of graduation but is no longer listed on the U.S. Department of Education website http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/, you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet.

Contacts

• Address VISN 17 VA Heart of Texas Health Care Network 2301 East Lamar Blvd., Suite 650 Arlington, TX 76006 US
• Name: VISN 17 SSU USAS Group
• Email: [email protected]