This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

Duties

The incumbent performs as a staff Biomedical Engineer who serves as the medical technology consultant and facility medical and hospital equipment planner for the Healthcare Technology Management (HTM) program at the VA Puget Sound Medical Center. The incumbent supports and advances patient care by applying engineering and managerial skills to healthcare technology. Program Involvement and Management Conducts capital asset and infrastructure planning for medical equipment, spanning initial concept, installation and effective maintenance. Assists in the planning, designing, and implementing of programs and studies to support facility and VISN HTM in effectively managing the lifecycle of medical and hospital systems. Manages HTM program processes, including review of the maintenance functions of the HTM program. Participates in developing maintenance strategies for hospital and medical equipment, and work with other clinical and other HTM staff to execute these plans. Technical Expertise At full performance level, is recognized as a technical expert and advisor for HTM technology of moderate to high complexity, including existing and emerging technology, addressing viability, long-term sustainability, compatibility, and/or safety. Medical and hospital technology assessment, acquisition, and maintenance Leads technology assessment of Healthcare Technology and HTM systems and related equipment by working collaboratively with medical staff to evaluate market offerings, determine VISN requirements, design system configurations, and develop specifications. Works collaboratively with the Contracting staff to procure equipment that best meets clinical needs on balance with competitive processes and value considerations. Coordinates with site staff to assess site preparation requirements, manage project activities and timelines, monitor installations, and facilitate training of equipment operators and maintainers. Conducts capital asset and infrastructure planning for medical and hospital electronic equipment spanning initial concept, installation, and effective maintenance and sustainment. Technology Leadership and Recurring Technical Support Manages the installation/implementation and recurring technical support of HTM technologies and actively collaborates with OIT and clinical service lines to optimize effectiveness of the systems. Presents HTM solutions and technology related processes, as well as the same information regarding other existing and emerging healthcare technology to senior management and relevant Network committees/councils. HTM Technology Projects and Methods Responsible for implementing consistent methodologies, protocols, and procedures in the medical facility from the HTM program. Facilitates communications with appropriate stakeholders across the medical facility. Responds to a variety of needs and problems identified with the health care environment and implement changes for the benefit of patient, staff and visitors. Patient Safety Manages medical device recalls and hazard alerts as related to HTM are acted upon as appropriate, and that equipment-related safety enhancements assurances compliance with patient safety goals, SMDA, and TJC requirements. Assists with provision of effective continuing education programs and opportunities for clinical and HTM staff if requested. Regulatory Agencies Responsible for the equipment management, including monitoring and reporting, to allow the VISN and facilities to meet the requirements set by accrediting organizations such as The Joint Commission, the College of American Pathologists (CAP), the NRC, and others. Infrastructure Planning Consults on construction projects, information technology projects, space functional changes, and associated planning with respect to medical and hospital technologies in their related clinical areas. Budgetary and Financial Management Oversees financial management of their HTM projects, including budget forecasting, expenditure monitoring, and maintenance cost analysis. Analyzes maintenance and support strategies, to include consideration for in-house vs out-sourced maintenance. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 8am - 4:30pm Telework: Ad Hoc Only Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact [email protected], the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 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. Education and/or Experience: The individual must meet either item (1) or (2) below to meet this requirement: 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 (ABET), 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, Certification as a Certified Clinical Engineer (CCE) and a bachelor's degree not listed in item 3.b.(1) above. English Language Proficiency. Biomedical Engineers must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. 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 Engineer, GS-7 (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). Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: None beyond the basic requirements. Biomedical Engineer, GS-9 (Developmental Level 1) Experience: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower level. 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-9 level assignment. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience/education above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of the principles, theories, concepts, and practices of the Biomedical Engineering profession. Ability to interpret relevant codes, regulations, guidelines, and standards, and make recommendations to ensure compliance with medical center programs. Ability to understand the operational needs of clinical services in the health care system. 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. Biomedical Engineer, GS-11 (Developmental Level 2) Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower level, [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, as outlined in paragraph 3.b.(1). Bachelor's degree, plus three full years of progressively higher level graduate education in a related field of study, as outlined in paragraph 3.b.(1). Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Ability to implement and/or sustain an equipment management or biomedical research program that meets The Joint Commission (TJC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), or other applicable regulatory requirements. 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. 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. Knowledge of basic project management principles, as applied to the healthcare setting and medical equipment, and information system implementation. Biomedical Engineer, GS-12 (Full Performance Level) Experience. Completion of at least [one] year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower level; or completion of a post-doctoral research fellowship in the field of biomedical engineering, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Ability to conduct a medical equipment management [or biomedical research program that is compliant with applicable healthcare standards and regulatory agencies. Ability to develop a curriculum for a continuing education program, that address the safe and effective use of medical technology, and/or research devices. 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. Ability to conduct capital asset and infrastructure planning for medical equipment spanning initial concept, installation, and effective implementation of complex medical equipment. 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. 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. Knowledge of concepts related to computer based medical systems, networking protocols, and information security as it applies to medical technology within VHA. Skill in communicating and working collaboratively with key stakeholders, including technical and professional staff at various levels of the organization. Ability to apply project management principles to deployment of medical equipment and health information technologies. Preferred Experience: Experience in the maintenance functions of the HTM program and participation in developing maintenance strategies for hospital and medical equipment. References: VA Handbook 5005/104 PART II APPENDIX G38 II-G38-1 APPENDIX G38. BIOMEDICAL ENGINEER QUALIFICATION STANDARD 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 GS-12.

Education

Qualifications cont.

Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting, 45 pounds and over; Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds; Light lifting, under 15 pounds; Moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; Light carrying, under 15 pounds; Straight pulling, 1 hour; Pulling hand over hand, 1 hour; Pushing, 1 hour; Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking, standing, kneeling, crawling, 1 hour; Repeated bending, 2 hours; Climbing, use of legs and arms; Operation of 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; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Ability to distinguish shades of colors; Hearing (aid may be permitted);

Environmental Factors: Outside and inside; Excessive noise, intermittent; Dust; Fumes, smoke, or gases; Working closely with others; Solvents (degreasing agents); Grease and oils; Radiant energy; Vibration; Electrical energy; Working alone; Outside and inside; Slippery or uneven walking surfaces; Working around machinery with moving parts;
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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 VA Puget Sound Health Care System 1660 South Columbian Way Seattle, WA 98108 US
• Name: Delilah Black
• Phone: 215-823-5800 X6491
• Email: [email protected]