The Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center Biomedical Equipment Support Specialists specializes in imaging within the Healthcare Technology Management (HTM) department.
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, 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 3 (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. English Language Proficiency. English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Grade Determinations: GS-12 Experience - At least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of 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 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). Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. Physical Requirements: Heavy Lifting (45 lbs. and over); light carrying (under 15 lbs.); pushing (1 hour); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (1+ hours); crawling (up to 1 hour); Kneeling (1+ hours); repeated bending (1+ hours); both legs required; both eyes required; depth perception; ability to distinguish basic colors; ability to distinguish shades of colors; hearing (
Duties listed but not limited to: Manages the lifecycle of medical equipment and clinical systems including advanced imaging or radiological devices. Troubleshoots medical equipment and clinical systems using a variety of technical data and completes corrective action. Performs incoming inspections as well as planned and unplanned 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 Utilizes test equipment in accordance with manufacturer instructions including, but not limited to patient simulators, pulse generators, network analyzers, test phantoms, electrical safety analyzers, oscilloscopes, and multimeters. Additionally 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. 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. Serves as a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) and/or purchase card holder. Collaborates with others to procure parts and services. Arranges annual or onetime service contracts and ensures that the work completed by the vendors meets Medical Center and industry standards as well as customer needs. Assists the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) in any activities associated with contracts and their execution. 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. Coordinates and works effectively with other facility support departments including but not limited to Facilities Management Service (FMS), Office of Information Technology (OIT), Patient Safety, Sterile Processing Service (SPS), Logistics, Contracting, Informatics, and Environmental Management Service (EMS). Assists clinical services in planning for end-of-life replacement of medical equipment including advanced imaging or radiological devices. Seeks ways to reduce breakdowns, eliminate safety hazards, and enhance accuracy/reliability. Recommends to the Supervisor when equipment is to be removed from service, allowed to remain in service, or restored to service. Assumes responsibility for all biomedical engineering equipment in an assigned area (primarily advanced imaging or radiological devices) and is responsible in assessing and ensuring equipment reliability through corrective or preventive maintenance program management. Also serves as back up to other Biomedical Equipment Support Specialists in other assigned areas. Represents Healthcare Technology Management (HTM) department on committees and in meetings as delegated by supervisor. Uses word processing software to execute several office automation functions such as storing/retrieving electronic documents/files, activating printers, inserting/deleting text, formatting letters/reports/memoranda, and transmitting/receiving e-mail. Uses the Veterans Health Information and Technology Architecture (VistA) to access information in the Medical Center Computer System. Follows Life Safety Management (fire protection) procedures. Reports safety hazards, accidents, and injuries. Reviews hazardous materials/Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)/waste management. Follows Emergency Preparedness plan. Follows security policies/procedures. Complies with federal, state and local environmental and other requirements preventing pollution, minimizing waste, and conserving cultural and natural resources. Troubleshoots and maintains radiology information systems and interfaces (i.e.,HL7, DICOM, TCP/IP) with Electronic Health Record (EHR) alongside PACS Administrators, OIT, BESS (Biomedical Information Systems) and other experts. Manages these systems as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 4:00pm, hours subject to change based on agency needs. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 534-59103FRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized