The Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (Geographical Regional Technical Specialist) serves as a senior level Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (BESS) focusing on medical device network security, disaster backup and recovery, and virtualization regionally within the South Central VA Health Care Network (VISN 16). The position will report to the Chief Healthcare Technology (HTM) Manager for VISN 16 and will work in a remote capacity.

Duties

The Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist will serve as an expert for specific medical technologies and serves as a liaison between Biomedical Engineering staff at VHA, VISN, and facility levels. Major duties of the position included but are not limited to: Provides input on medical technology to local facility and/or VISN on High-Cost/High-Tech requests as needed; Provides consultations on strategic equipment planning; Provides education and cross-training, and sets up local and VISN training programs; Coordinates and implements VISN rollout of technology updates/upgrades and activation of new systems; Reviews and drafts local and/or VISN policies and procedures for implementation; Investigates and advises on medical device and information security issues; Advises on and develops BESS performance standards, competencies and work methods/approaches throughout the VISN; Provides maintenance and technology management to multiple VHA medical centers both remotely and on-site as needed; and Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00AM-4:30PM Telework: VA supports the use of telework as a way to help attract and retain talented individuals in public service, increase worker productivity, and better prepare the agency to operate during emergencies. This position may be authorized for telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00015-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Physical Work Location: The physical location of this position will be determined upon selection. Preferred location is the VISN Office in Ridgeland, MS. Physical assignment to one of VISN 16's VA facilities/offices located in Alexandria, LA, Biloxi, MS, Fayetteville, AR, Houston, TX, Jackson, MS, Little Rock, AR, New Orleans, LA, or Shreveport, LA is possible for a highly qualified candidate with the opportunity to telework.

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. 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. 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. Note: You must provide the appropriate documentation to support completing the appropriate military training program. (e.g. Copy of DD214 stating specific training program completed.) English Language Proficiency. Biomedical Equipment Support Specialists must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f). 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: Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (Geographical Regional Technical Specialist) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-12). Certification as a Project Manager highly desired but not required. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to meeting the experience requirements for this grade level, the candidate must fully demonstrate the following KSAs: Ability to effectively communicate with professionals of varying levels of technical knowledge within multiple levels of the VHA organization. Ability to coordinate work across multiple settings, e.g., medical centers, VISNs. 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. Knowledge related to the characteristics, capabilities, installation, and configuration of medical equipment and their associated networks. Ability to analyze regional technical issues and develop timely and economical solutions. Preferred Experience: 5 years of experience with maintaining network security for medical devices Knowledge and expertise regarding troubleshooting, repair, maintenance of networked medical 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), 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 network security, virtualization, data backup and recovery, equipment planning, and project management. References: VA Handbook 5005/150, Part II Appendix G49, Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist Qualification Standard. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13. Physical Requirements: Work is sedentary but also demands standing, walking, bending, twisting, and carrying of light items generally under 40lbs.

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 VISN 16 South Central VA Health Care Network 715 S. Pear Orchard Road Ridgeland, MS 39157 US
• Name: Ashley Strack
• Phone: 501-615-3932
• Email: [email protected]