Summary The Biomedical Equipment Support Specialist (BESS) specialized in imaging equipment within the Healthcare Technology Management (HTM) department at Salisbury VA Healthcare System. Works in support of the medical equipment management program. In addition to duties at the full performance level, the BESS maintains imaging equipment and clinical systems. Responsibilities Manages imaging systems and databases. Configures and supports interfaces on imaging equipment and clinical systems. Coordinates and implements cybersecurity measures and disaster recovery plans. Performs manufacturer-level maintenance on imaging systems. Manages the planning, acquisition, and installation of imaging equipment. Serves as a subject matter expert on assigned committees, projects, and workgroups. Manages the lifecycle of medical equipment and clinical systems at the Rolla CBOC and surrounding CBOC's as assigned. Troubleshoots medical equipment and clinical systems using a variety of technical data and completes corrective action. Performs incoming inspections and planned maintenance on medical equipment and clinical systems. Documents all work in the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) Responds to and remediates hazard alerts, recall notifications, and incidents concerning medical equipment and clinical systems. Documents all actions in the appropriate system. Monitors system backups, ensures network connectivity, mitigates cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and maintains clinical systems. Utilizes test equipment in accordance with manufacturer instructions. Manages projects involving medical equipment and clinical systems. Provides customer support to staff, evaluates issues and needs, responds with solutions, and keeps customers abreast of status. Educates staff on the safe operation and user-level maintenance of medical equipment and clinical systems. Develops documentation to purchase commodities and/or vendor services. Manages, monitors, and evaluates contractor performance and addresses issues or deficiencies. Complies with applicable standards, policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements. Provides guidance and mentorship to expand professional knowledge and enhance technical skillsets. Maintains and enhances knowledge in technological advancements through professional development and technical training. Completes other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 41068-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment 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: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f) Education, Experience, or Certification: (1) Associates or higher degree in the biomedical technology or biomedical engineering field; OR (2) Associates or higher degree in electronics, a field of information technology, or engineering (other than biomedical engineering) AND 1 year of creditable experience; OR (3) Completion of the Department of Defense (DOD) biomedical equipment technician training program; OR (4) Completion of a DOD training program in repair and maintenance of electronic systems or information technology AND 1 year of creditable experience; OR (5) Completion of a biomedical engineering technician or Healthcare Technology Management (HTM) certificate program that included an internship or apprenticeship; OR (6) Completion of biomedical engineering technician or HTM certificate program that did not include an internship AND 1 year of creditable experience; OR (7) Hold or having ever held certification as a Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET), Certified Radiology Equipment Specialist (CRES), Certified Laboratory Equipment Specialist (CLES), or Certified Healthcare Technology Manager (CHTM). Continuous maintenance of certification is not required throughout VHA employment. 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 (Imaging), GS-12. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-12 Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade GS-11. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA's). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of imaging principles including techniques, technologies, radiological practices, and procedures. (b) Knowledge of HL7 and DICOM standards. (c) Skill in applying standards for safe operation of medical equipment and clinical systems including National Fire Protection Association(NFPA), Nuclear Radiation Commission (NRC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Joint Commission (TJC), and the American College of Radiology (ACR). (d) Ability to resolve complex failures on imaging equipment and clinical systems. (e) Ability to perform advanced testing to troubleshoot imaging equipment and clinical system interfaces. Assignment: For all assignments above the FPL, the higher-level duties must be of significant scope, administrative independence, complexity, and range of variety, as described in this standard at the specific grade level and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. At the advanced level, BESSs, in addition to the duties at the FPL, manage networked imaging systems and databases and inter-connectivity with Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) related modalities and the Electronic Medical Record (EMR). They use specialized diagnostic software, quality assurance tools, and test equipment. BESSs (Imaging) assist in designing and implementing security measures and a disaster recovery plan to prevent loss of patient data from imaging systems. They leverage advanced knowledge in performing manufacturer-level maintenance on imaging systems such as radiographic, mammography, computed tomography (CT), radiation oncology, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and fluoroscopy. BESSs (Imaging) manage planning, acquisition, and installation of imaging projects. They submit required documentation to meet acquisition deadlines. BESSs (Imaging) coordinate with stakeholders to facilitate successful installation. References: VA Handbook 5005/95, Part II, Appendix G49 Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 Incumbent often will be required to walk or stand for extended periods of time. Work at the bench, sitting is often tedious and precise, requiring good concentration with proper hand-eye coordination. Some climbing and working from ladders may be required. The ability to lift objects up to 50 pounds is required. 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. Additional Information This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members. If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
