Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (BESS)-Imaging provides clinical and administrative support to staff, patients, and administrators for all matters of concern relating to the facility wide lifecycle management of advanced imaging or radiological devices and other medical devices. Biomedical support requires the application of engineering and mechanical concepts and methodology to provide lifecycle management and technical support of various devices and other equipment.

Duties

Conducts Lifecycle management of advanced imaging or radiological devices to include physical and network support. Completes both routine and complex assignments involved in the installation, maintenance, modification, troubleshooting, repair and calibration of these complex therapeutic and diagnostic devices and systems. Utilizes comprehensive knowledge of imaging techniques, technologies, radiological practices and procedures in resolving highly complex equipment failures that have immediate risks to patient safety. Coordinates and works effectively with other facility support departments. Utilizes advanced radiological test equipment including but not limited to radiation dosimeters, calibration phantoms, high voltage testing devices, KV and MA meters and monitor calibration devices in addition to common test equipment including electrical safety analyzers, oscilloscopes, patient simulators, pulse generators, network analyzers, and multimeters. Troubleshoots and maintains radiology information systems and interfaces (i.e. HL7, DICOM, TCP/IP) with EHR alongside PACS Administrators, OIT, BESS (Biomedical Information Systems) and other experts. Manages these systems. Performs advanced testing and troubleshooting of advanced imaging or radiological devices involving their interfaces and connections to other medical devices or information systems either directly or through the facility's hardwired and wireless networks. Adheres to Medical Device Isolation Architecture (MDIA) Guidelines in both pre-procurement and during system implementation, and system management. Loads operating system (OS) and clinical application software. Executes VA guidelines when responding to network incident response (due to infection, loss of services or regional and local policy changes). Oversees lifecycle management of other medical devices and systems such as life support, dialysis, and monitoring to include physical and network support. Completes both routine and complex assignments involved in the installation, maintenance, modification, troubleshooting, repair and calibration of these complex therapeutic, diagnostic and life support medical devices and systems. Maintains functional knowledge of relevant safety codes and standards of regulatory bodies. Documents all work performed in the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS). Maintains required medical physicist reports and other device reports for all assigned imaging devices. Functions as a Contracting Officer Representative (COR) and keeps appropriate certification levels. Uses knowledge of government contract procedures and documentation requirements to develop statements of work, sole source justifications, other applicable documentation (6550, Independent Government Cost Estimate (IGCE), etc.) and to oversee vendor work. Collaborates with Logistics and Contracting to procure parts and services; functions as a purchase card holder, as required. Investigates, remediates and documents recalls and safety alerts within established timeframes. Participates in local safety improvement processes such as Root Cause Analysis (RCA), safety work groups, and Environment of Care Rounds. Identifies hazards during routine job performance and takes action to ensure they are addressed and corrected. Maintains knowledge of the state of the art in medical technology, including scientific advances, network protocols, and vendor changes. Focuses on professional development in all areas of medical technology lifecycle management including technical skills. Provides training and education as appropriate to medical technology end users and clinical staff. Provides mentoring and technical training to peers and development graded BESS. May be tasked with leading and managing installation or upgrade projects for advanced imaging or radiological devices and other medical devices and systems. This includes but is not limited to pre-implementation planning and coordination with end users, vendors, and other onsite support staff (OIT, Informatics, SPS, etc.) Perform additional duties as assigned by supervisor related to maintenance, remediation, and tracking of advanced imaging or radiological devices and other medical devices (action items, special projects, etc.) to meet mission critical requirements. Assist in other administrative duties, such as participating in hiring panels or working on VISN/National initiatives as a technical expert. Represent Biomedical/Clinical Engineering department on committees and in meetings as delegated by supervisor. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 08:00AM-4:30PM Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 57214-O Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be authorized up to 25%. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP): May be authorized up to $10,000 per year for up to 6 years.

Requirements

Qualifications

*** This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until May 3, 2024. The initial cutoff date for referral of eligible applications will be February 21, 2024. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as needed basis until positions are filled. *** Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship Citizen of the United States 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. 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. Licensure/Certification/Registration: None Grade Determinations: GS-12 BESS-Imaging Experience At least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level. AND GS-12 BESS-Imaging Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of codes and standards relevant to safe operation of radiation producing medical devices such as National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), The Joint Commission (TJC), American College of Radiology (ACR), Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) and The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). Comprehensive knowledge of imaging techniques, technologies, radiological practices and procedures. Skill in using advanced radiological test equipment such as radiation dosimeters, calibration phantoms, high voltage testing devices, KV and MA meters and monitor calibration devices. Ability to resolve highly complex breakdowns that have an immediate risk to patient safety. Ability to maintain and troubleshoot networked medical imaging equipment to include VLAN configuration, IP addressing, sub-netting, and network security, and build, configure, repair and install workstations and servers in imaging and non-imaging environments. 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, and DICOM standards. Assignment The incumbent may be responsible for the complete systems management of computerized/networked imaging systems and databases and their inter-connectivity with PACS, related modalities and the Electronic Medical Record (EMR). Utilizes specialized diagnostic software, specialized quality assurance tools and measuring equipment, detailed technical literature, and standard electronic and computer test equipment. Ensures required software updates and backups are completed to maintain continued functionality of equipment, patient safety, and data integrity. The incumbent assists in designing and implementing best approaches to recovery of critical computerized databases and operating systems. The incumbent should be considered a technical expert on one or more advanced imaging system and may provide input to the VISN High-Cost/High-Tech Committee, may serve as a VISN or national technical resource as needed. Advises clinicians and management regarding the acquisition, integration, and application of medical imaging technologies. Participates in the acquisition, technical requirements and evaluations, project planning and deployment of medical imaging systems. May serve as a Contracting Officer Representative (COR) for purchase of medical equipment, maintenance/repair contracts, and facility projects. He/she is responsible for coordinating with the facility stakeholders including but not limited to medical staff, clinical personnel, Biomedical Engineering, OI&T, service managers, Patient Safety, senior salespeople and equipment manufacturers on procurement related or technical issues. Preferred Experience: Certification as a Certified Radiology Equipment Specialist (CRES) is highly desirable however it is not required. References: VA Handbook 5005/95, Part II, Appendix G49 Physical Requirements: The work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts requiring normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, training rooms, and libraries. The work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. There may be occasional exposure to moderate risks or discomforts in clinical spaces and storage areas. The work is primarily sedentary, although some physical effort may be required, e.g., walking, standing, climbing ladders, stooping, kneeling, and carrying medical equipment, or driving or traveling by motor vehicle.

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 VA Western Colorado Health Care System 2121 North Avenue Grand Junction, CO 81501 US
• Name: Gina Hammer
• Phone: 970-263-2800
• Email: [email protected]